Scottish Budget Bill approved by Parliament

The 2025-26 Scottish Budget has been approved by Parliament, which will invest £21.7 billion in health and social care services, with almost £200 million going towards cutting waiting times and reducing delayed discharge.

£7 billion will go towards infrastructure, £6.9 billion for social security, and £4.9 billion will be invested in climate-positive investment.

More than £2 billion will support colleges, universities, and wider skills education, as well as an additional £25 million to support the Grangemouth Industrial Cluster which tops up investment to £90 million.

Finance secretary Shona Robison 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.”