The SNP must strive harder to get better value for money for taxpayers, according to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Liam Byrne insists that the SNP government must cut the waste and become more efficient in order to improve frontline services.

Speaking from Edinburgh, Mr Byrne said:

"At a time when families up and down the country are having to tighten their belts, people rightly expect Alex Salmond to do more to cut waste and protect frontline services they rely on.

"We will take the difficult decisions on spending. But the Labour Government will do this in a way that protects our key frontline services - schools, hospitals and the police.

"This will mean tough choices elsewhere and an emphasis on cutting waste. This is essential for our consolidation plan. And we should strive for value for money in all parts of the UK - as the public rightly expects.

"Take one example - Whitehall departments will achieve at least 3 per cent efficiency savings next year. Many are going further than this. The SNP government’s target is 2 per cent but if it chose to share our ambition it would save around £300m next year. Money that could be recycled into the frontline.
"We stand ready to offer any technical assistance they need."

1 March 2010