John Swinney has pledged over £500 million in new spending on childcare and cash deposits for first-time buyers if the SNP is re-elected in May. The First Minister made the announcements at a pre-election campaign conference in Edinburgh, framing them as part of a 'transformational' offer to voters.
Under the proposals, free childcare would be extended to every child from nine months old to the end of primary school, available 52 weeks a year. Families could save between £1,400 and over £11,000 depending on need. Swinney also promised up to £10,000 towards a deposit for first-time buyers, aiming to help those 'locked out of home ownership'.
In addition, the SNP leader pledged to double the number of walk-in GP clinics from 15 to 30, and announced a £10 million recovery fund for businesses affected by a recent fire in Glasgow. The Scottish Government will underwrite the cost of demolishing the fire-damaged Union Corner building, estimated at over £1 million.
Swinney said the May elections could be an 'absolutely seismic moment', as Northern Ireland already has a Sinn Fein first minister, and victories for the SNP and Plaid Cymru would mean all three devolved leaders support independence. He argued this would show 'Westminster’s time is up'.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticised the speech, calling it 'a stark reminder of what is at stake', and said every vote for the SNP would be a vote for independence.
