Holyrood Budget to focus resolutely on people's priorities

Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison says next year's Holyrood Budget will prioritise the NHS and action on the cost-of-living crisis, and Labour has said it will not block the draft plan so it is expected to pass.

Next year's Scottish Budget will concentrate on boosting the NHS and addressing the cost-of-living crisis, Holyrood's Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said. She will present her pre-election draft Budget to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday. Ms Robison said her tax and spending plans would be in contrast to Westminster policies she described as holding Scotland back. The minority SNP government usually needs other parties' support, but Labour has said it will not block this Budget. Key details: - Shona Robison said the Budget will focus resolutely on the NHS and measures to help with the cost of living. - Robison said the plans aim to bring down NHS waiting lists, support families, reduce child poverty and grow the economy. - She will deliver a pre-election draft Budget to Holyrood on Tuesday. - Labour has said it will not block the Budget, meaning the proposals are expected to be approved. - The Budget is being presented less than four months before the May election, and Robison contrasted Scottish measures with those of the UK Government. Summary: The Scottish Government frames the Budget as a continuation of work on health, child poverty and household support, with a draft to be presented to parliament on Tuesday. Because Labour will not block the proposals, they are expected to pass and proceed through the parliamentary process.