Scotland agrees on Budget arrangements

Agreements have been reached between the Scottish Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Green Party to support the 2025-26 Budget. Finance secretary Shona Robinson has announce that she will table amendments to the 2025-26 Budget bill and has confirmed where she will allocate £16.7 million funding.

£1 million will go towards support for babies born addicted to drugs, as part of a movement to boost drug and alcohol support services. Hospices will also receive an uplift of £1 million, from £4 million to £5 million investment.

Ms Robison has pledged to begin a £2 bus fare cap pilot within one regional transport area, and free school meal eligibility in S1-S3 in eight local authority areas for pupils receiving the Scottish Child Payment. Orkney Island Council is to be given flexibility for their capital and resource funding.

Moreover, nature restoration will be increased by £3 million — its highest ever level — and support will be targeted in the college sector, in particular protecting Corseford College, Scotland’s only complex needs college that has recently been threatened with closure due to underfunding.

On the Budget, Ms Robison: “We are determined to deliver on the issues that matter most to the people of Scotland — and that is why this Budget invests in public services and in eradicating child poverty, acts in the face of the climate emergency, and supports jobs.

The First Minister was clear that we would bring forward a budget by Scotland for Scotland, and the negotiations we have taken forward have been in that spirit. These additional initiatives demonstrates the value of a progressive approach and dialogue.

“During every stage of this process the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have engaged in our discussions in a positive and constructive manner.

“Through seeking compromise I believe we are delivering a budget that will strengthen services and support our communities. With the agreements with these two parties now in place this will secure a majority in parliament in support of the Budget Bill.”