VOTERS BACK BORROWING POWERS FOR HOLYROOD

VOTERS BACK BORROWING POWERS FOR HOLYROOD

 

TORY PLAN TO SCRAP FURLOUGH MEANS SCOTLAND MUST HAVE POWERS TO PROTECT JOBS

 

An overwhelming majority of voters believe the Scottish Government should have the power to borrow money on its own terms, according to a YouGov poll.

 

The latest survey from YouGov also found that voters in Scotland think the UK government should maintain its current spending levels to support the economy, even if that means more borrowing.

 

Of those polled between 6^th – 10^th August who express an opinion, 69% believe the Scottish government should have power to borrow money, 71% believe borrowing should be used to maintain spending that supports the economy and public services even if it means a larger national debt, and 62% prefer the deficit being reduced via taxation and not cuts.

 

Despite this, the Tory Chancellor at Westminster plans to end the furlough scheme prematurely in October, throwing thousands of Scottish jobs on the scrap heap.

 

Commenting, SNP MSP Angela Constance said:

 

“Voters are clear that they want spending to continue at its current levels to help support Scottish jobs.

 

“Holyrood currently only has very limited borrowing powers – but this poll suggests that voters across Scotland overwhelmingly want to see the country given the same tools as other nations have to tackle the economic impact of the pandemic

 

“Right now, the Scottish Government is tackling this economic crisis with one hand tied behind its back. The measures the Chancellor announced in May were welcome, but go nowhere near far enough.

 

“European countries like Germany have announced a 24-month extension to its version of the furlough scheme – but Westminster plans on cutting off its support at the end of October.

 

“We can’t allow Westminster to reduce its borrowing at the expense of Scottish jobs.  

 

“It’s time for the UK government to listen to the people and bring forward an extensive coronavirus recovery package – or hand Holyrood the financial powers it needs so Scotland can protect Scottish jobs.

 

ENDS

 

Notes:

 

YouGov / The Times Survey Results

Sample Size: 1142 Scottish Adults (16+)

Fieldwork: 6th - 10th August 2020

 

Thinking about the money the UK government has borrowed during the coronavirus outbreak, once the outbreak is over do you think...

 



	Total	Ex DK
It is more important that the government reduces borrowing and balances the budget, even if that means less money is available to support the economy or public services	13%	18%
It is more important that the government maintains spending to support the economy and public services, even if that means the amount of borrowing and the national debt grow larger	52%	71%
Neither	8%	11%
Not sure	28%
RATIO - Reduce - Maintain	-39%	-53%

 

If measures are needed to be put in place to reduce the deficit, which of the following best fits your view?

 



	Total	Ex DK
The deficit should mainly be reduced by putting up taxes, not reducing public spending	44%	62%
The deficit should mainly be reduced by reducing public spending, not raising taxes	27%	38%
Don't know	28%
RATIO - Taxes - Reduce Spending	+17%	+24%

 

Do you think the Scottish government should or should not have the powers to borrow money?

 

	Total	Ex DK
Should	55%	69%
Should not	25%	31%
Don’t know	21%
RATIO - Taxes - Reduce Spending	+30%	+38%

 

  

 

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