A Highland politician has warned the north and north-east would face public service cuts totalling £1billion under SNP plans for full fiscal autonomy for Scotland.
Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander claimed analysis of the Nationalists’ proposals showed impact in the Highlands alone could mean could mean £350million being slashed from spending.
Mr Alexander also claimed Aberdeen would face a similar £350million cut, and said Aberdeenshire’s public services would suffer a near-£400million shortfall.
Mr Alexander said: “The SNP’s full fiscal autonomy plans would have a devastating impact on local services.
“This analysis shows the north and north-east would be hit with over £1billion of cuts, a further blow to already stretched resources.
“The SNP have centralised the life out of Scotland. Their full fiscal autonomy plans would flatline the beating heart of local communities.”
However, Aberdeen Central SNP MSP Kevin Stewart, insisted full fiscal autonomy would help the region prosper.
He added: “More powers for Scotland would allow us to grow the economy and would ensure there’s fairness in areas such as power transmission and energy costs which would make the north and north-east more competitive.”