BUDGET CONCESSIONS FOR BUSINESSES, POST OFFICES AND YOUNG PEOPLE SECURED

12.01.00am GMT Thu 4th Feb 2010

Commenting on the final vote on the Budget Mike Pringle, MSP for Edinburgh South said:

"We recognise and welcome the changes the Government has made to its budget.

"As a result of Liberal Democrat action, businesses will be benefiting, the Post Office network in Scotland is supported and 7,500 people will gain training and skills places. We have led the campaign for the Scottish Government to get tough on the pay and bonuses for top public sector earners because we know it is fair to focus resources on those that need it now.

"Taken together, these four measures mean that Liberal Democrats have not blocked the Budget. We have demonstrated that we can win practical support for young people and for our economy when the Scottish Parliament backs us.

"But there are still substantial concerns. There is still more work to take place on cutting the pay bill of those at the top in the public sector, movement on bonuses, reducing the quangos that have been created by the Scottish Government and supporting the economy. We will continue to campaign on these but will do so from a much stronger position given our budget achievements."