SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has outlined his concern that the Labour Chancellor’s Spending Review still contains spending cuts which will do little to help Scotland.

Whilst the Chancellor did announce some increased spending for the NHS and housing, Labour are set to cut funding for transport, rural affairs and international aid. These spending decisions on public services in England will also have a direct impact, through the “Barnett formula” on the block grant available to the Scottish Government for public services here.

Following the Spending Review, Allan commented:

“Despite having the full borrowing and taxation powers of Westminster available to her, the Chancellor has chosen to continue with cuts which will affect the disabled and those in poverty.

“Whilst I welcome the increased spending on housing, this should not be done by cutting expenditure for transport, another crucial service in these islands.

“Ultimately these cuts are a sorry illustration of how the Scottish Parliament still has its income decided based on irrelevant and often unwanted spending decisions elsewhere in the UK.

“Today’s announcement appeared to be a masterclass in smoke and mirrors to appease right-wing parties south of the border. Not to deliver the change that was promised less than a year ago.”