SNP FACING SOME 'HARD DECISIONS' OVER FINANCES

But FM vows that universal benefits will be safe as he targets rich

- ANDREW QUINN

JOHN Swinney has promised that universal benefits will stay but has warned that the Scottish Government has to make "hard choices" on spending.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison will update MSPs on the cost-saving measures the government is taking to balance the books when the Scottish Parliament returns next week.

A number of moves have been revealed in recent days, including money for nature restoration being redirected to fund public sector pay awards.

Swinney was asked about the measures ahead of the SNP Autumn National Conference starting tomorrow.

On a visit to the Big Noise Raploch community music programme in Stirling, he said: "The Scottish Government is going to have to make some hard decisions about living within the resources we have available to us.