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Budget approved by MSPs
06/02/2008
The first Budget of the new Scottish Government received the support of Parliament today.
Spending plans for the next year were agreed by a majority of MSPs.
The Budget includes:
- Record investment in Local Government including £70 million to freeze the Council Tax
- £23.5 million to begin the process of recruiting an additional 1,000 police officers
- Funds to abolish the graduate endowment fee and investment of £29 million to begin the phased transition from student loans to grants
- £41.1 million to take Scotland closer to becoming a zero waste society, including £2.5 million for community recycling projects
- £90 million this year to reduce waiting times
Finance Secretary John Swinney said it was a budget for growth and prosperity and announced moves to accelerate the reduction and removal of business rates and extra money for public transport.
Mr Swinney said:
"Our goal has been to deliver a budget to benefit all of Scotland through increased, sustainable economic growth and measures to strengthen Scottish society. Today marks a major achievement in taking forward our commitments.
"In order to achieve a parliamentary majority we have had to make some tough choices and build consensus. Last week we agreed to provide additional resources for police numbers and climate change and today I announced moves to accelerate the reduction and removal of business rates and funding for the Bus Services Operating Grant.
"I am delighted that the budget passed today will ensure we can deliver policies that will freeze the Council Tax, increase funding for local government, secure jobs and boost investment in the voluntary sector, as well as delivering vital infrastructure projects and support for Scottish business.
"Our purpose is to create a more successful Scotland through increased sustainable economic growth. Our spending over the next three years is aligned to achieving that purpose. "We will deliver value for money by focusing spending on what matters, to ensure that every pound of Scottish money is used in Scotland to provide better schools, better health care, safer communities and better protection for our environment."