Greens and Lib Dems give their backing to the Scottish Budget
Greens and Lib Dems give their backing to the Scottish Budget
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The Scottish Greens and Scottish Lib Dems will back the Government’s Budget, making it near-certain the plans will pass. The Government said on Tuesday it had struck deals with both parties to secure their backing ahead of the final vote, due to take place next month.
As a result of the deal with the Scottish Greens, the Government has announced plans to expand free school meals to pupils in the first three years of secondary school who are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment, as well as a regional pilot for a £2 cap on bus fares.
While the Scottish Lib Dems secured increased investment for drugs services and hospices. The deals will cost £16.7 million, the Government said. Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “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 demonstrate the value of a progressive approach and dialogue.”.
Ms Robison praised both parties for their “positive and constructive” engagement. “Through seeking compromise I believe we are delivering a Budget that will strengthen services and support our communities,” she added. “With the agreements with these two parties now in place, this will secure a majority in Parliament in support of the Budget Bill.”.
