John Swinney set to reverse Humza Yousaf’s £200m housing cut in SNP Government Budget

John Swinney is on the verge of reversing Humza Yousaf’s controversial £200 million cut to housing funding in a significant move by the SNP Government. This decision, set to be announced today in the Budget, comes after widespread criticism of Yousaf’s decision to slash £196 million from affordable housing last year. The initial cut drew sharp criticism from various quarters, especially amidst a housing crisis and rising homelessness in the country.

The Daily Record played a significant role in highlighting the negative impacts of the housing cuts, leading to Swinney’s administration considering restoring the funding and eliminating Yousaf’s policy. There are expectations that the housing budget could see an increase beyond just covering the previous cut. Housing groups have been vocal in urging Swinney to reverse the Yousaf cut, emphasizing the urgent need for more affordable housing to address escalating waiting lists and combat child poverty.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison is set to present Swinney’s first tax and spending plan since taking over from Yousaf earlier this year. With additional funds from the Labour Government, public spending, particularly on healthcare and housing, is expected to receive a boost. While income tax rates are anticipated to remain stable, the potential scrapping of the council tax freeze might lead to increased levies by local authorities.

In a minority Government setup, Swinney requires support from opposition parties, with the Liberal Democrats likely playing a pivotal role this year. The Greens, who had previously supported Budgets, are engaging in discussions with the SNP, though the prospect of a deal hinges on major concessions from Swinney. The Budget discussions are also coloured by demands for increased investment in climate action and social initiatives.

Opposition parties like Labour and the Tories are expected to resist the Budget irrespective of its contents, with the failure to pass it potentially triggering an early Holyrood election. Labour’s finance chief Michael Marra underscored the significance of this Budget in shaping Scotland’s future, indicating a willingness to challenge the SNP’s approach if deemed necessary.

In conclusion, John Swinney’s move to reverse the housing cut signals a significant policy shift that reflects the government’s responsiveness to public concerns. The Budget announcement comes at a crucial juncture, with the potential to transform key sectors like healthcare and housing while navigating complex inter-party dynamics. As Scotland grapples with pressing social and economic challenges, the decisions made in this Budget can have far-reaching implications for the country’s future trajectory.