by BILL HEANEY
Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra today urged John Swinney to “reflect on his record” and set out what lessons he has learned from the SNP’s failed National Care Service Bill.
The issue was raised by Mr Marra as he stated that his party are “willing partners” in the process of improving public services to improve outcomes.
It comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham this week set out plans to establish a National Care Service in England during the next Parliament – a move which will provide significant additional funding for Scotland as a result of the Barnett Formula.
Mr Marra also asked a series of questions around the public reform agenda – to which the First Minister had no answer.
The Scottish Labour leader said: “The First Minister and the SNP have misrepresented the position of the UK Government on social care reform and now find themselves on the same side as Reform and the Tories.
“John Swinney knows that pensions will continue to increase every year, and he knows that the Prime Minister’s reforms will result in significantly increased funding for Scotland.
“That money can be spent however the Scottish Government likes – whether it is on fixing Scotland’s own social care crisis, on education, or even creating new financial benefits for pensions. All of these reforms are huge issues for the country.
“We have to change, and we need considered honesty in this debate, and that is how we should proceed. John Swinney cannot keep avoiding answering straight questions on these issues.”