Lib Dems pledge realism in budget plans - Alston

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 6th Aug 2009

At the Education, Culture and Sport committee the SNP continued their personal attack on the Lib Dem budget leader and accused the administration of not being in control of their budget.

Budget leader David Alston responded:

"This is clearly a case of the pot calling the kettle black. The SNP proposed unattainable savings during their time in administration and walked away from the responsibilities. It is clear that this administration is achieving the savings we agreed. They defaulted; we deliver.

"The significant underspend in the capital programme under in the SNP is now being spent to the last penny safeguarding jobs in the education and construction industries and ensuring the long term viability of our school buildings and associated services.

"The difficulties in all budgets are a result of the Scottish banks being bailed out by the UK government and the public sector having to cope with the resulting pressure. If the SNP fantasy of independence was a reality, Scotland and the Highland Council would be 10 times worse off.

"As part of this administration the Lib Dems are looking at the bigger picture with a long term view. This is why we are creating a coherent forward looking budget plan for the next 3 years rather than focusing on short sighted unachievable aims."

ENDS