THE Scottish Government has given a cautious welcome to spending pledges in the Budget.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said the Budget was a “step in the right direction” but warned that the Scottish Government still faced “enormous cost pressures” in the immediate future.
The SNP minister said that an extra £1.5 billion from the UK Government in this financial year had “already been factored into our spending plans” – meaning the Scottish Government will not reverse its policy to mirror the cut to Winter Fuel Payments.
The Treasury has assuaged fears that hiking National Insurance contributions for employers would put additional strain on the Scottish public finances by pledging to cover the expected cost of £500 million.
Robison said: “By changing her fiscal rules and increasing investment in infrastructure, the Chancellor has met a core ask of the Scottish Government.
“But after 14 years of austerity, it’s going to take more than one year to rebuild and recover – we will need to see continued investment over the coming years to reset and reform public services."
The Finance Secretary added that it was “disappointing” Chancellor Rachel Reeves had stuck by the two-child benefit cap and Labour’s abolition of the universal Winter Fuel Payment.
