Autumn Statement "devastating" for Scotland as budget approaches
The Finance Secretary warned Holyrood has been forced to make difficult decisions
The Finance Secretary is warning Holyrood has been forced to make difficult decisions for Tuesday’s budget after a “worst case scenario” Autumn Statement.
Shona Robison MSP will outline the Scottish Government’s financial plan for 2024-25, with hopes it will reaffirm their social contract with people in Scotland.
However, she is stressing the effect of the Autumn Statement was “devastating” for Scottish finances.
The Deputy First Minister said: “The Institute for Fiscal Studies has acknowledged that it will lead to planned real terms cuts in public service spending.
"Worst case scenario"
“Scotland is facing a 9.8% cut to our capital budget for infrastructure between this year and 2027-28.
“The £10.8 million additional health consequentials we received from the Autumn Statement for next year are enough to run NHS Scotland for just five hours, and UK Government funding for justice, housing and communities, net zero, energy, and environment are all being cut in real terms.”
As the cost of living crisis continues, it is hoped the budget will provide better support for people and services, protecting them from the current economic climate.
However, Ms Robison warned a lack of investment from Westminster has left public services with “very little resilience”.
Public services left with "very little resilience"
She added: “We refuse to follow UK Government spending decisions – indeed, we are doing all we can to mitigate them.
“We are proud that Scotland has a social contract which ensures people are protected by a safety net should they fall on hard times.
“This contract underpins this Budget, with targeted funding to protect people and public services.”
The budget will be presented to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 19 December.