A balanced budget for Scotland has been delivered for 2025-26.
The Scottish Government's provisional outturn for the financial
year is £55.9 billion against a total fiscal budget of £56.3
billion.
The underspend of £358 million, presented to Parliament this
afternoon, represents 0.6% of the Scottish Government's total
budget. This will be carried forward through the Scotland Reserve
into future financial years and there is no loss of spending
power to the Scottish Government.
Public Finance Minister said:
The Scottish Government's budget must balance each and every
financial year. The majority of our funding continues to be tied
to the decisions of the UK Government and as such is subject to
high levels of uncertainty until very late in the financial year.
Despite these challenges, we have continued to deliver
effectively for Scotland, focusing on key priorities of the
growing the economy, tackling child poverty, the cost of living,
improving the NHS and public services, and tackling climate
change.
We will continue to take a responsible approach to managing the
public finances, delivering public services which are good
quality, efficient, effective, and sustainable.
Background
The underspend incorporates £312 million of resource, £42 million
of capital and £4 million of financial transactions.
In addition, the provisional non-cash position is an underspend
of £249 million against a £4 billion budget. This non cash budget
is ring-fenced, cannot be used for day to day spending and is
used for accounting adjustments, predominantly depreciation.
Finalised figures will be reported in a Statement of Final
Outturn once all bodies have completed and published their annual
report and accounts.
