The 2025-26 Scottish Budget has been approved by Parliament,
including £21.7 billion for health & social care and more
than £15 billion for local councils, alongside social security
measures supporting an estimated two million people.
The Budget invests:
- £21.7 billion in health and social care services, including
almost £200 million to cut waiting times and help reduce
delayed discharge
- £6.9 billion in social security, expected to support around
two million people in 2025‑26
- £4.9 billion in climate-positive investment
- more than £7 billion for infrastructure
- more than £2 billion for colleges, universities and the wider
skills system
- an additional £25 million to support the Grangemouth
Industrial Cluster, taking total investment to almost £90 million
Finance Secretary said:
“I am pleased that Parliament has approved the Scottish
Government's Budget – confirming plans to invest in public
services, lift children out of poverty, act in the face of the
climate emergency and support jobs and economic growth.
“This is a Budget by Scotland for Scotland. It includes record
NHS investment, social security spending to put money in the
pockets of low income families and action to effectively scrap
the two-child benefit cap next year. We are delivering a
universal winter heating payment for the elderly, providing
record funding for local government and increasing investment in
affordable housing.
“This Budget has been developed through effective engagement and
negotiation across Parliament to build broad support. It is
through this compromise that we are delivering spending plans
that will most effectively strengthen services and support
Scotland's communities.”
Background
Scottish Budget 2025 to 2026
Budget (Scotland) (No. 4)
Bill
