Scotland's Budget will involve tough choices, Social Justice Secretary says

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville told BBC Scotland the government must make 'tough choices' in the upcoming Scottish Budget and will prioritise NHS investment and tackling child poverty; Finance Secretary Shona Robison will set out the budget and any tax decisions on Tuesday.

The Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said the Scottish Government must make "tough choices" as it prepares its annual budget. Her remarks came during an interview on BBC Scotland ahead of a planned budget statement on Tuesday. The auditor general has reported a projected £5 billion shortfall by the end of the decade. Somerville said the government will focus on priorities such as the NHS and tackling child poverty. Key facts: - Shirley-Anne Somerville said the government must take "tough choices" and, as a minority administration, seeks to work with other parties to make decisions. - The auditor general reported a projected £5 billion shortfall in Scotland's finances by the end of the decade. - Finance Secretary Shona Robison is due to set out the 2026-27 Scottish Budget on Tuesday and will announce spending plans and any tax changes. - Scottish Conservative MSP Craig Hoy said current tax rates have moved some lower and middle income earners into higher tax bands and described that as unfair. Summary: Officials say the budget will require difficult trade-offs as the government addresses a medium-term funding gap while maintaining services such as health and education. The next scheduled step is the Finance Secretary's budget statement on Tuesday, when spending plans and any tax measures will be announced.