Scottish Government Finance Secretary responds to UK Budget date

In response to news that the UK Budget will be presented on 26 November, Finance Secretary Shona Robison said:

“This delay by the UK Government makes it incredibly difficult for the Scottish Government to undertake the detailed financial planning needed to bring forward our own budget in the usual timescale.

“Given the impact of this decision for Scotland, it is deeply disappointing that the Treasury failed to make the Scottish Government aware in advance. This is not the positive working relationship we were promised by the Prime Minister and Chancellor.

“Unless the UK Government reconsiders this decision, it is highly unlikely that the Scottish Government will be able to bring forward our Budget and spending review before Christmas. Given the short period available before Parliament dissolves in March, it is incredibly unhelpful that the initial parliamentary scrutiny will likely be delayed into January.

“It could not be clearer that Scotland is little more than an afterthought for the UK Government.”

Background

The Scottish Government is considering the timing of the 2026–27 Scottish Budget and will engage with the Scottish Fiscal Commission and the Finance and Public Administration Committee to agree a date.