Lib Dems secure budget concessions for businesses, post offices and young people

12.00.00am GMT Thu 4th Feb 2010

Commenting on the Scottish Parliament's final vote on the Scottish Government Budget, local Lib Dem MP Danny Alexander said:

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

"As a result of Liberal Democrat action, small businesses will be helped while bank credit remains hard to access, the Post Office network in Scotland will get a boost and 7,500 more people will get access to training to help them find work. 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 them now.

"Our research showed that a fast-growing number of young people in the Highlands were potentially being unable to find either a job or a college place. The change we have secured should go a long way to improve the situation for a generation which

is being hit hard by the recession.

"Taken together, these four positive measures mean that Liberal Democrats did 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; getting meaningful movement on bonuses; reducing the quangos that have been created by the SNP; and

supporting the economy. We will continue to campaign on these but will do so from a much stronger position given our budget achievements."

ENDS