Cole-Hamilton responds to Chancellor's autumn budget

Responding to the Chancellor's Autumn Budget, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

This Budget was missing a real growth plan with Europe at its heart. Without this it can't match up to the scale of the cost of living crisis.

There are some sensible changes like removing standing charges, which have pushed up people's bills even when they're reducing their energy consumption, but it is far short of the Lib Dems' essential energy guarantee which would have further cut bills for the average household.

The Chancellor should have done more to bring energy bills down, slashed fuel duty and reduced VAT on our pubs, restaurants and cafes.

By joining the EU single market and customs union, we can grow the economy and use the billions that it raises to cut people's taxes and cut people's bills. Until the Government plucks up the courage to do that, any Budget will just tinker around the edges.