SB214, SM170 | The November 2022 Scottish Budget

Order, Order,

The only business for today is the reading of the Budget, as presented by the 18th Scottish Government

SB214, SM170 | The November 2022 Scottish Budget

Here is the budget bill.

Here is the budget explanation.

Here are the budget tables.

And here is the rate resolution.

This budget is submitted by the Secretary of State for Finance and the Economy, The Most Noble Duke of Abercorn KCT KP MVO MBE PC MSP, /u/comped on behalf of the Scottish Government and the Scottish National Party.

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Opening speech: Presiding Officer, I come before this Parliament today to present my government's budget for the term. It is something I am proud to have accomplished, both with the assistance of the rest of this government, as well as the SNP - who have provided valuable support throughout the drafting process. It is a budget we all can be proud of, and it is a budget I expect to pass with wide support. Within it, as you will see, we have devolved welfare in a responsible way - creating parity between Westminster and Holyrood, without destroying or disrupting the British internal market, and ensuring that people will keep their benefits without issue. We have also significantly invested into education and healthcare, including hundreds of millions of Pounds in new funds for teachers and healthcare workers, to provide the money they should be earning, and to fill in gaps that currently exist. More funding for museums, local communities, and even energy research, among many other things. Of course, you will find all the things we funded throughout the budget. We have, of course, also made significant changes to taxes, keeping the lowest rates the same, and increasing the load on the upper rates, those able to pay more - as we promised in the programme for government. We've also kept the personal allowance the same - meaning that for most Scottish taxpayers, their taxes will not go up, but the rewards they get from the budget, tangible and intangible, will. Those who can afford to pay more, will - this includes a significant increase in the amount of tax paid in additional dwellings, both in terms of LVT, which now specifically addresses additional residences, and in an increase to the additional dwelling supplement. This goes hand-in-hand with my efforts, both previously as First Minister, and now as Secretary for Finance and the Economy, to increase Scotland's housing supply. Something I'm happy to say we are going to be able to do with this budget. Overall, Presiding Officer, this budget is one that ought to receive full support from this Parliament. There is something for everyone in this budget, and I believe we can truly recognize that it is a great way to continue the programme of the past few governments - in trying to leave Scotland better off than we inherited it. I think we truly accomplished that with this budget, and I think the people of Scotland have a budget before them in which they can be proud. I know I am.

Debate under the budget will close on the 15th November (4 day debate), at 10pm BST. No amendments may be submitted, as the budget shall go to an en bloc vote on 16th November.