New funding for social care, hospices and non-domestic rates
relief.
The Finance Secretary has welcomed Scottish Liberal Democrats
support for the Scottish Government's 2026-27 Budget.
Investment will be brought forward to update the Budget in a
number of areas, including:
• A further £2.9 million for the hospice sector, to delivery pay
parity for staff with the NHS Agenda for Change
• An additional £20 million to the Local Government Settlement
for social care – which can be used towards funding the Real
Living wage for adult and childcare sectors
• Further strengthening the non-domestic rates package for
licensed hospitality and music venues, meaning rates relief for
eligible premises liable for the basic and intermediate property
rates will rise to 40% for the next three years, subject to a
£110,000 cap per business
Ms Robison said:
“This Budget and our wider spending plans are focused on the
priorities of the people of Scotland - ramping up cost of living
support, driving further improvements in the NHS and supporting
our landmark efforts to eradicate child poverty.
“We have been clear that we would seek to work constructively to
deliver on these priorities and the Liberal Democrats have
engaged in our discussions in a positive manner throughout the
Budget process. There are a range of areas where we share
priorities and have acted upon – such as the college sector,
hospices, and social care. With that agreement now in place to
secure a majority in parliament in support of the Bill, I am
confident we will make lives better for people in Scotland.”
Background
Budget Bill
