Scottish economy to be hit by budget cuts

The Scottish economy is facing £4 billion budget cuts over the next four years which could see the end of various free services in the country and a significant reduction in the public-sector workforce. The ruling SNP party has for many years attempted to sweeten the situation for the Scottish population with free prescriptions, council tax freezes and other benefits which are not available in the rest of the UK. However, the introduction of potentially £4 billion in budget cuts in the short-term could well blow open various promises made by the SNP in the past.

There is no doubt that this will further infuriate the SNP in Scotland who have for many years been at loggerheads with the UK government and the UK Treasury. As the SNP continues to battle for independence for Scotland, despite putting a poll on hold for the moment, a reduction in public-sector spending would not help their cause. There is also a suggestion that up to 60,000 public sector jobs could be at risk in Scotland as the "overweight" public-sector comes under close scrutiny.

Despite the fact that the SNP will argue and disagree with many changes to be implemented by the coalition government, the truth is that everyone across the UK will have to pay a price for past indulgences.