ScottishLib Dems would vote down Budget that contains independence spending

The Scottish Budget sets out Holyrood’s tax and spending plans for the next financial year, which runs from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026.

The UK government has said its own Budget outlined last month would provide £1.5bn this financial year, external and a further £3.4bn next year for the Scottish government.

Economists at the Fraser of Allander Institute have said this is “likely to make the Scottish government’s job of balancing its budget significantly easier”.

However, First Minister John Swinney has said his government has “difficult” decisions to make, and that the extra Treasury funding is not “nearly as much” as has been claimed.

A spokesperson for the Scottish government said the first minister’s priorities were “ending child poverty, growing the economy, investing in public services and supporting the path to net zero”.

“Ministers are committed to building as broad support as possible across Parliament in order to deliver the forthcoming budget,” they added.

“Engagement with all parties is ongoing ahead of the draft budget being set out in the Scottish Parliament on 4 December.”