CUMNOCK and Doon Valley’s representative at Holyrood has backed the Scottish Government’s draft 2018/19 budget.

SNP MSP Jeane Freeman has said that the budget protects low and middle-income earners and delivers for public services and hardworking public-sector workers.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay laid out the draft budget last week as he aimed to deliver progressive reforms to income tax and outlined funding increases for the NHS, high-speed broadband, police and fire services and a pay rise for public sector employees.

Commenting on the budget, Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Jeane Freeman said: “This is a budget for a stronger economy and a fairer society – with increased funding for our NHS and protection for low and middle income earners.

“The Scottish Government is delivering lower income tax for the vast majority of Scots, with every worker earning less than £33,000 paying less in tax next year – while protecting public services across Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley that we all hold dear.

“This budget brings an additional £400 million for our NHS, delivers a pay rise for public sector workers, £756 million for affordable homes, additional funding for the arts and culture sector, a £4 billion investment in infrastructure, including in superfast broadband – as well as significant investments in research, education and childcare.

“In the face of the challenges presented by a cut to Scottish Government funding, ongoing Tory austerity, and their extreme Brexit – this budget provides the investment we need to meet these challenges and seize the opportunities of tomorrow.”