Deal on the table
John Swinney arrived at Holyrood a short time ago to deliver his spending statement this afternoon. He was, understandably, giving no information.
A student of political history, he undoubtedly remembers the Chancellor who had to resign because he gave a line from his budget to a journalist on the way into the Commons.
(For the purists, it was Hugh Dalton in 1947. The journalist was John Carvel.)
But here’s a little snippet – not from Swinney, J. Seems there is a deal on the cards over a council tax freeze. But it’s with Cosla leaders – not with individual councils.
Those of you who were listening to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Scotland this morning at 0633 (whaddyamean, you were asleep) will know the outline.
If a council signs up to the Cosla-recommended freeze, it gets access to the extra pot of gold on offer from Ministers. If it doesn’t, it won’t.
I'm 
Comments
Didn't hear you on Radio Scotland this morning Brian, but I did hear you on Radio 4 just after 8 o'clock.
Is it just me or do you polish up your ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ diction before addressing a UK-wide audience?
Well done Mr Swinney. Make the councils choose.