The 2023-24 Scottish Budget will take a distinctive approach to
creating a fairer, more equal Scotland, Deputy First Minister
said.
He stressed the three Budget priorities of eradicating child
poverty, strengthening public services and moving towards a net
zero economy were strongly linked and would give more people the
opportunity to flourish.
Ahead of delivering the Budget to Parliament today, Mr Swinney
visited a scheme, delivered by City of Edinburgh Council and
part-funded by the Scottish Government, installing insulation for
households at risk of fuel poverty.
He said:
“I was encouraged to see the vital work being carried out to
improve energy efficiency and make homes warmer for families
facing significantly higher bills this winter. This scheme
highlights how tackling the increased cost of living can assist
our drive towards net zero, and is an example of the importance
of effective public services.
“Our Budget goals are mutually beneficial and represent a
distinctive approach to the economic challenges we face. The
Scottish Budget will take further steps to address inequality and
eradicate child poverty. It will encourage a just transition to
net zero, creating wealth and opportunity across the country. And
it will be the catalyst for reforms necessary to ensure our
first-class public services remain sustainable in the face of the
challenges to come.
“I would like to go even further but the cost of living crisis
has also laid bare the fiscal constraints of devolution, as we
cannot borrow to support day-to-day expenditure when times are
hard to assist us through these difficult days. It is clear that
businesses and households are paying a steep price for the
economic mismanagement of the UK Government.
“The cost of living crisis requires decisive action. In setting
this Budget, the Scottish Government will use its limited powers
to the maximum extent that is responsible, to meet the challenges
faced by the people of Scotland.”
Background
The Scottish Budget 2023-24 will be presented to the Scottish
Parliament on Thursday 15 December.
The Scottish Government has provided more than £550 million since
2013 to councils across Scotland to provide insulation in
hard-to-treat homes, helping 104,000 fuel poor households make
their homes warmer and more energy efficient.
Wester Hailes is part of the Area Based Scheme delivered by City
of Edinburgh council and targets households in fuel poverty/mixed
tenure flats, delivering insulation and essential repairs.
