Figures compiled by the Scottish Conservatives show that poor fiscal management by the Scottish Government has cost Scottish taxpayers almost £1 billion.
This money has been identified on over-budget projects, overspend on departmental budgets and unnecessary spend caused by compliance, governance or policy failures.
It covers only those areas where the SNP Government failed to deliver policies within the spending envelope originally set out.
This money could be used to invest in public services. For example, it is equivalent to the cost of training almost 2000 GPs.
The Scottish Government has published a set of proposed tax increases that could raise £290m.
Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance Murdo Fraser said:
“The case for tax rises gets weaker by the day.
“The Scottish Conservatives have found almost £1 billion for the SNP within their current budget that has simply been lost due to poor financial management.
“This is obviously money that could be spent on schools and hospitals and all public services that must be properly financed.
“Rather than tackle their own spending habits, the SNP would prefer to inflict unnecessary and punitive tax rises on hard working Scottish taxpayers.
“The Scottish Conservatives will continue to press the case for proper fiscal responsibility and for the SNP to spend the money it has more wisely.
“Business leaders have repeatedly warned that raising taxes will negatively affect the economy. The Scottish Conservatives have found another 921 million reasons not to raise taxes.”