SNP Budget set to clear final challenge as MSPs prepare for vote
The Scottish Parliament expected to pass the SNP 2025-26 Budget with backing from Greens and Lib Dems
The SNP's Budget Bill is poised to clear its final parliamentary hurdle today, as MSPs prepare for the decisive Stage 3 vote on Scotland’s tax and spending plans.
The Scottish Parliament is expected to approve the 2025-26 Budget at the end of today's session, with support secured from the Scottish Greens, the Scottish Liberal Democrats, and Alba MSP Ash Regan.
Scottish Labour has confirmed it will abstain from the vote, while the Scottish Conservatives are expected to oppose the Budget outright.
'Increased investment in primary care'
Ahead of the decision, First Minister John Swinney emphasised a £10.5 million investment aimed at helping GPs prevent cardiovascular disease.
“As we shift the balance of care from hospitals to the community, it is essential we boost primary care capacity,” he said.
“This Budget increases investment in all primary care disciplines, delivering vital reform and making it easier to see a GP.”
He added: “By increasing investment, we can ensure health issues are detected and treated earlier. Access to GPs is a key concern across Scotland, and this Budget takes action to improve appointment availability.”
'Last opportunity to stop tax hikes'
Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy criticised the Budget, stating: “The Scottish Conservatives will be the only party applying common sense and voting against this damaging SNP Budget.
“This is the last opportunity to stop the Nationalists’ tax hikes on struggling Scots while they fail to boost economic growth or rein in wasteful spending.
"After the UK Labour Government’s disastrous budget and its national insurance attack on jobs, Scotland needed a different approach from the SNP.”
'We won't stand in the way'
Scottish Labour’s finance spokesman Michael Marra defended his party’s decision to abstain: “This Budget is only possible because the UK Labour Government has provided a £5.2 billion uplift—resulting in the largest budget settlement since devolution.
“We won’t stand in the way of record funding reaching Scotland’s public services.
"The SNP is set to pass this Budget, but they have missed the opportunity to truly reform and future-proof our public services.”
Meanwhile, the Greens and Lib Dems have highlighted the funding secured through their deals with the SNP.
Green MSP Ross Greer celebrated securing a bus fare cap trial and expanded free school meals, contrasting this with “Scottish Labour’s failure to ask for anything.”
Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton pointed to his party’s influence, noting the Budget includes funding for drug treatment services and neonatal withdrawal support.
He stated: “This Budget is just the first step in reversing years of SNP damage.”
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