According to new research from the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies, under the SNP’s plans for the economy “the period of austerity would be longer than under the other three parties.” The IFS concluded that the SNP’s plans “do not necessarily match their anti-austerity rhetoric.” Labour has said that it will close the deficit and reduce the debt as soon as possible in the next Parliament, with sensible revenue raising measures such as a clamp down on tax avoidance.

Under Labour’s plans, Scotland would receive an additional £800 million in 2015/16 – money that would not be available under the Tories and SNP.

Scottish Labour Candidate Cathy Jamieson, said: “This research shows that the SNP’s claims that they will put an end to austerity in Scotland are nothing but empty rhetoric. “In reality, and as the IFS makes clear, the SNP’s plans for the economy would see austerity last even longer than under the Tories.

“It is now clear that the only party that will end austerity in Scotland is Labour. We will close the deficit and reduce the debt in a sensible way, for example by raising taxes for the wealthy and clamping down on tax avoidance.

“And we have already set out £800 million of additional spending in Scotland in 2015/16 – money that we will invest in the NHS and to create jobs for young people.

“At this election people have a clear choice – they can vote for a Labour Government that will end Tory austerity, or a Tory Government that is planning deeper cuts in the next three years than the last five.”