Scotland to be given £780 million to tackle COVID-19
The Scottish Government will be handed a £780 million cash boost to help deal with coronavirus, according to the Treasury.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak made the announcement on Monday, outlining the amount each devolved government would get.
Scottish finance secretary Kate Forbes had been calling for clarity on the figures after the move was mentioned in last weeks Budget speech.
The Welsh Government will receive £475 million and Northern Ireland Executive will be given £260 million, in a settlement calculated through the Barnett Formula.
Mr Sunak said: "We will do what is right to help businesses and individuals in every part of the UK. That is why we announced a special funding package at the Budget last week to support those affected by Covid-19.
"Today I am confirming this additional funding that will ensure the devolved administrations can support vulnerable people, businesses and vital public services, including the NHS, in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland."
Ms Forbes says the money would be ring-fenced to fight the virus.
She also announced a £320 million of funding to support businesses, which could see small firms given grants of at least £3,000.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "The UK and Scottish Governments are working closely together in the fight against Covid-19 as we do all we can to delay the spread and alleviate pressure on our public services, people and businesses.
"The £780 million for the Scottish Government announced today is in addition to the £1.9 billion spending increase for 2020-21 confirmed at the Budget last week. This will help ensure the Scottish Government has the resources it needs to support those affected by Covid-19."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced a number of measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus - agreed with counterparts in Stormont, Cardiff and Westminster.
Under the new steps, those with persistent symptoms have been asked - along with the rest of their household - to self-isolate for 14 days.
The First Minister also asked that people refrain from attending highly concentrated areas like bars and cinemas.
Ms Sturgeon told a briefing at the Scottish Government's headquarters that the response to the virus would change life as we know it''.
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