The SNP have lumbered through their budget that will now see Scotland the highest taxed part of the UK. The Green Party supported the controversial bill that will see primary school teachers, nurses and policemen and women pay more in tax than their counterparts south of the Border.
The Scottish Conservatives voted against the budget and were the only party not to propose higher taxes.
In passing the budget the SNP broke their manifesto commitment to not increase taxes.
In a budget debate the MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire warned how the SNP Government’s tax decision would drive away skilled workers and negatively impact already slow Scottish economic growth.
Rachael Hamilton proposed Scotland’s large business supplement to be brought in line with the rest of the UK as one means to grow the Scottish economy instead of taking it out of the pockets of hardworking scots.
23,000 Borderers are expected to be hit by higher taxes.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said: "It is bitterly disappointing that the SNP Government with the help of the Greens have forced through their plans to make Scotland the highest taxed part of the UK.
"The SNP Government have broken their manifesto promise and ignored the fears of the 23,000 Borderers and carried on with their agenda that sees inadequate funding for local services and higher taxes.
"The SNP Government have disregarded constructive ideas put forward by the Scottish Conservatives, like increasing Scotland’s large business tax supplement in line with the rest of the UK. Instead the SNP Government would rather take money out of the pockets of hardworking Scots than grow the Scottish economy."