Scottish Budget

The Scottish Government’s draft Budget Bill 2016-17 has been passed by a majority at the first parliamentary stage. During the debate, deputy first minister John Swinney told MSPs that he will support Scotland’s lowest paid earners and households in a budget that is about “wage rises, not tax

John Swinney Deputy first minister John Swinney has vowed not to increase taxes for low paid workers as MSPs prepare to debate the Draft Budget 2016/17 for the first time at Holyrood later today.

Lang Banks WWF Scotland has urged the Scottish Government to increase its fuel poverty spending after three Holyrood committees challenged its plans.

John Swinney The Scottish Government has announced a year-year increase of £90 million to its affordable housing budget to help it achieve its target of delivering 50,000 affordable homes during the next parliament.

Aileen McLeod Measures announced in the Draft Budget for 2016-17 will help a fairer and wealthier society through Land Reform, environment minister Aileen McLeod has said.

The Scottish Government’s draft budget must show significant investment in energy efficiency as a National Infrastructure Priority to end the scourge of cold, leaky homes, according to a number of organisations. The call by CPAG Scotland, RCN Scotland, SCDI and the Existing Homes Alliance follows

John Swinney Finance secretary John Swinney has warned Scotland faces “tough choices” in the wake of UK austerity, ahead of the Scottish Government’s Budget on Wednesday.