SNP: UK Government is copying our homework on cost of living

The SNP has accused the UK Government of “copying [their] homework” after the Treasury unveiled new measures to ease the cost of living for families.

Under the Chancellor’s “Great British Summer Savings” programme, children aged 5-15 in England can travel free on buses during August in a Scotland-style scheme.

There will also be a temporary reduction in VAT for family admissions to theme parks and other leisure attractions during the school holidays. Cinema admission and children’s meals in restaurants will also be covered.

And tariffs will be suspended on “over 100 foods sold in supermarkets”, with retailers told to “pass these savings on in full to consumers”, Rachel Reeves said.

The grocery move comes after the UK Government criticised SNP proposals for a food price cap on around 50 “essential items” in supermarkets.

Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “This government understands the cost of living pressures being felt by hard working families throughout the country which is why we are taking action from freezing fuel duty, to reducing pressure on food prices and making it cheaper for families to enjoy a day out this summer.

"With the measures announced today on slashing VAT on family days out we are putting money back into people's pockets to help ease pressures on families' household budgets."

However, the SNP has branded the food price policy a “watered-down copycat” of their own, with legislation on a mandatory cap promised within 100 days of the new Scottish Government and national free bus travel in place for under-22s year-round.

Alex Kerr, the SNP’s national secretary and new MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, said: “They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but Keir Starmer’s hapless government can’t even get copying our homework right.”

Kerr commented: “Free bus travel for only one month is a drop in the ocean for families struggling with the rising cost of essentials. You cannot help but feel sorry for the young people in England who are being taken for a ride by this Labour government.  
 
“In stark contrast, young people in Scotland are getting meaningful support with the cost of living. Whether it be free bus travel all year round, free university tuition, or up to £10,000 to help get on the property ladder, the SNP is on the side of Scotland’s young people.  
 
“This busted flush of a Labour government has no ideas on how to help people with the cost of living and is now just copying SNP policies.”