SNP Budget plans approved with Greens, Lib Dems and Alba support
Ministers highlighted record spending for the NHS and councils in the £63 billion budget settlement.
The SNP’s Budget Bill has passed its final vote in the Scottish Parliament, setting out the Scottish Government’s tax and spending plans for the upcoming financial year.
Green and Lib Dem MSPs backed the government during the Stage 3 vote on Tuesday, as well as Alba’s sole MSP.
Scottish Labour abstained and the Conservatives voted against the Budget.
It is the first time the Scottish Parliament has voted through a Budget since the powersharing deal between the SNP and Greens was terminated last year.
Ministers highlighted record spending for the NHS and councils in the £63 billion budget settlement, as well as reintroducing a universal winter fuel payment.
The new financial year will begin on April 1.
During the Budget debate on Tuesday, Finance Secretary Shona Robison made a final appeal for Labour to support the plans.
She thanked the Greens, Lib Dems and Alba for the “pragmatic approach” they had taken.
Ms Robison said: “This is a budget to improve services, tackle child poverty and bring new opportunities – but Labour so far will not back it.
