Scottish Budget approves £63bn plan with Greens, Lib Dems support

The Scottish Parliament has approved the £63 billion budget for 2025-26, with support from the Greens, Liberal Democrats, and Alba, while Labour abstained and Conservatives opposed the plan. The budget includes record funding for the NHS, a winter fuel payment for pensioners, and a £25 million just transition fund for Grangemouth workers facing job losses. Finance Secretary Shona Robison emphasized the budget's aim to improve public services and tackle child poverty, urging Labour MSPs to reconsider their stance. Labour finance spokesman Michael Marra criticized the budget as lacking in transformative change, attributing its viability to funding from the UK Labour Government. The budget will take effect from April 1, marking a significant fiscal strategy for the coming year. The approval reflects a shift in parliamentary dynamics following the end of the powersharing agreement between the SNP and the Greens.