Commenting on the attack on the Scottish Government's budget by the Labour leader of Glasgow City Council, Gordon Matheson, Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris said: "Gordon Matheson just confirms that Labour want to hammer ordinary families with a Council Tax increase and have no coherent alternatives to the SNP Government's budget.

"When the council he leads is increasing the pay of senior officials his complaints ring hollow and expose a distinct lack of priorities and competence by Labour.

"Labour have already said they will make Scots pay for the economic mess they created by ratcheting up the Council Tax. It went up 60% - or £430 – the last time they were in power and if they gain power again it could go up by £172 at least over the four year term of an Iain Gray administration.

“The Scottish Government's budget has focused on protecting jobs, frontline services and economic recovery.

"If Gordon Matheson doesn't like John Swinney's budget it is him who has to explain what he would cut.

"This budget delivers a 3% increase in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde? The £842 million for the new Southern General hospital and jobs in the biggest single NHS building project ever undertaken in Scotland?  Even if Labour don’t want these improvements I’m sure the people of Glasgow do.

“Just as the people of Glasgow will benefit from the fully funded council tax freeze and the SNP’s support for care services, the NHS , students and training.

Note:

Glasgow City Council’s Annual Audit 2009/10 shows that the number of Council employees earning more than £50,000 per year increased by 15% and those earning more than £80,000 rose by 32%.