Scottish Budget 2024 LIVE as SNP Government announces spending plans for next year

Scottish Budget 2024: SNP Government Unveils Spending Plans

Today, Shona Robison, the Finance Secretary for the Scottish National Party (SNP), is set to announce the Scottish Government Budget for the upcoming year. With a focus on investing in the strained NHS, Robison aims to secure support from the Scottish Greens by emphasizing investments in climate emergency measures to create job opportunities. The budget announcement will also include details on income tax rates for the following year and the possibility of allowing local authorities to increase council tax.

The SNP Government faces the challenge of securing the support of at least one other party in Holyrood, as they do not hold a majority. Scottish Labour has already indicated its reluctance to support what they deem a “bad Budget,” expressing a preference for an early election instead. Despite the tough decisions ahead, the SNP Government benefits from an improved fiscal position following an additional funding boost from UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

One of the key areas of contention is the potential increase in income tax rates under the SNP’s rule, as they have previously raised taxes for higher earners. It is expected that local authorities may have the option to raise council tax levels given the financial strains they currently face. The confirmation of income tax rates is scheduled to take place during Robison’s speech at 2.50pm.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has urged the government to prioritize investments in Scotland, focusing on scrapping council tax, improving pay for social care workers, enhancing public transport, and fulfilling promises to provide free school meals for pupils. STUC’s general secretary, Roz Foyer, emphasized the opportunity for the Scottish Government to break away from past financial constraints and build a more sustainable and well-resourced public sector.

In response to the Budget announcement, Scottish Labour has taken a firm stance, declaring their readiness to trigger an early election rather than approve a budget that they believe falls short of addressing the challenges faced by Scotland. The party’s finance spokesman, Michael Marra, highlighted the need for significant changes and increased funding to bring about tangible improvements in essential services like healthcare and education.

The Budget statement by Shona Robison is scheduled to take place at the Scottish Parliament, starting from 2.50pm, with subsequent questioning by MSPs. Stay tuned for further updates and reactions to the Scottish Budget throughout the day.