Scrutiny of Government spending plans
Proposed legislation to implement the 2024-25 Scottish Budget has
been introduced to the Scottish Parliament.
The Budget Bill gives Parliament the opportunity to scrutinise
the Scottish Government’s public spending proposals. Committees
will take evidence on the plans before MSPs debate the Bill’s
general principles in the Chamber. The Finance and Public
Administration Committee then consider the detail of the Bill and
any Government amendments ahead of the Parliament’s final debate
and vote on whether the Bill should become law.
Proposed income tax rates and bands, which will apply from April,
are set out in a Scottish Rate Resolution that is subject to a
separate vote before the final stage of the Bill.
Underpinned by a ‘social contract’ with the people of Scotland,
the Budget sets out targeted funding to invest in public services
and protect the most vulnerable in the face of a deeply
challenging financial situation. It includes a £6.3 billion
investment in social security and more than £19.5 billion for
health and social care, alongside record funding for local
authorities and frontline police and fire services.
Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary said:
“As I set out in Parliament, this is a Budget that reflects our
shared values as a nation and speaks to the kind of Scotland we
want to be. Through the choices we have made, we have been true
to our values and rigorous in prioritising spending where it will
have the most impact.
“The spending plans we have set out are the product of
constructive engagement with partners. The wider financial
circumstances are the most challenging since the Scottish
Parliament was established in 1999, reflecting a worst case
scenario UK Government Autumn Statement and the economic
circumstances of Britain post-Brexit.
“As members begin the crucial work of scrutinising these plans, I
remain committed to dialogue to build consensus across Parliament
on the difficult choices that need to be made to deliver
investment in Scotland’s people and public services.”
Background
The Scottish Budget
2024-25 was presented to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday
19 December.
Budget (Scotland) (No. 3)
Bill – Bills (proposed laws) – Scottish Parliament | Scottish
Parliament Website
Scottish Rate Resolution
2024 to 2025: draft motion and explanatory note
