Scottish Budget

The outlook for Scotland’s budget in 2023-24 has become more challenging due to factors wholly outwith the control of the Scottish Government, but there are decisions that Deputy First Minister John Swinney can make to ease the path ahead for Scotland, according to a new report. In its pre-bud

Finance secretary Kate Forbes has struck a deal with the Scottish Green Party which guarantees the Scottish Government's Budget Bill can clear its final stages. The deal will see the phased introduction of free school meals for all primary pupils, an enhanced public sector pay deal, new Pandemic Sup

Proposed legislation to implement Scotland’s Budget for 2021-22 has passed its first parliamentary hurdle as MSPs voted to endorse the general principles of the Budget Bill at Stage 1. MSPs also approved the Scottish Rate Resolution, setting all income tax rates and bands.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has cautiously welcomed the funding announced for affordable housing in last week’s Scottish Budget, adding that sustaining it throughout the duration of the next parliament should deliver the homes Scotland needs. The SFHA said the govern

Tackling deep-seated poverty and inequality will be supported by increased funding from the 2021-22 Scottish Budget, the Scottish Government has said. To ensure all children have the best start in life, £68 million will be invested in the Scottish Child Payment, and £53m will fund u

Funding announced by the Scottish Government falls short of delivering the required number of affordable homes needed in Scotland and won't effectively tackle fuel poverty, housing charities have warned following yesterday's Scottish Budget.

Finance secretary Kate Forbes announced support for jobs and skills totalling around £1.1 billion when she presented the Scottish Budget 2021-22 yesterday. In an effort to prioritise job creation, measures in the Budget included a commitment to launch a new Green Workforce Academy t

Relief for first-time buyers, which raises the nil rate band for LBTT to £175,000, has been extended, while the ceiling of the nil rate band for residential land and buildings transaction tax (LBTT) will return to £145,000 from April 1, finance secretary Kate Forbes confirmed as part of

More than a thousand people have added their names to a letter to cabinet secretary for finance, Kate Forbes, calling on her to prioritise social housebuilding in today’s Budget statement. Signed by more than 30 advocacy, support and housing organisations, the letter urges Forbes to “use

Significant investment in social housing will be vital if the Scottish Government wants to drive Scotland’s social and economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has said ahead of tomorrow’s budget. The housing b

Measures promoting recovery and renewal will be at the heart of the Scottish Budget this week, according to finance secretary Kate Forbes. New initiatives to drive economic growth, create jobs and tackle inequality will be included alongside further support for business, public services and families

Finance secretary Derek Mackay has confirmed that due to the UK General Election and the cancellation of the UK Government budget, it will not be possible to publish the Scottish Budget 2020-21 until after Christmas. The Scottish Budget 2020-21 was scheduled to take place on December 12. A new date

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay The Scottish Government has reaffirmed its target to build 50,000 affordable homes and pledged more funding to offset the ‘bedroom tax’ though campaigners have criticised the Draft Budget for failing to provide the ambition required to crack the problem of Scotland

John Swinney Scottish local authorities will receive a total funding package of £10.3 billion in 2016-17 as council tax will be frozen for the ninth consecutive year, deputy first minister John Swinney confirmed yesterday.

Annie Mauger The Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland has welcomed the additional funds committed towards affordable housing within the Scottish Budget for 2016-17 but urged the Holyrood to maintain further increased housing supply “as a top priority”.