By Hannen Swaffer

Russell Findlay has called for an end to the SNP’s “freebie” culture as he outlined his plans for a major reform of Scotland’s “bloated” public services. The likes of the baby box, free prescriptions and the Scottish Government’s “foreign embassies” all came under fire from the Scottish Tory leader.

He set out his hopes for the future of Scotland on Monday when he slated the “left-wing socialist agenda” which has plagued the Scottish Parliament over the last 25 years. He insisted that there was “nothing off the table” in an attempt to save public money and offer an efficient public sector.

His comments came just days before Labour will set out its UK budget for the next year, with tax hikes planned for businesses. John Swinney and the SNP will follow suit in December, with negotiations ongoing between him and the Scottish Greens which could see more tax hikes for hard-pressed Scots.

Mr Findlay joked that “the romance between Patrick Harvie and John Swinney is not over” and that the pair will team up to “hit people with more tax.” He targeted a smaller NHS and smaller public sector as major ways to save money and invest it in failing public services.

He said: “The left-wing parties in the Scottish Parliament spend all their time on inputs, never on outcomes. Proper funding of public services is crucial, but it’s only part of the solution. Public services must become more effective by being more efficient. Taxpayers deserve this. They demand it.

“Because they won’t get it from Labour’s upcoming budget this week. They’ll harm businesses which we rely on for economic growth. Punish the job creators in our North Sea industry. And impose sleekit tax rises on workers which blatantly contradict the spirit of their manifesto promises to the public.

“Making exactly the same mistakes the SNP Government make at Holyrood. It’s time to go in a different direction on tax and spend. I know that places a responsibility on myself and my party to show where savings can be made to fund the necessary tax relief. Going forward, my party will not only make the case for tax cuts, but for a smaller state that better serves the public.”

Top of page: Baby boxes no more under Tories, says Findlay.