The Scottish Government has announced that supporting families and key services through the cost of living crisis will be key priorities for next year’s Scottish Budget.
With the ongoing economic pressures, the Deputy First Minister warned Scotland that prioritisation would be crucial as the devolved government sets out how it will look to achieve its aims of delivering net zero, creating sustainable public services, tackling high inflation and eradicating child poverty.
This has lead to the Scottish Government channelling support to the areas where it will be needed the most, whilst also beginning a reform process. This process will help future-proof services by making them more resilient.
John Swinney, Deputy First Minister, said:
“Families , businesses and our public finances are under sustained economic pressure and the Scottish Government has acted decisively to provide hat support it can within its limited resources. We have allocated £3 billion in 2022-23 to mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis, including targeted help such as increasing the game changing Scottish Child Payment to £25 per eligible child per week – a 150% increase within eight months.
However, given the fiscal constraints of devolution, it is not possible to go as far as we would like and so the Budget will prioritise three areas – eradicating child poverty, transforming the economy to deliver net zero and creating sustainable public services.
Difficult decisions are required and resources will be targeted where they are most needed and can secure maximum value from every pound spent.
“The economic challenges we face also require a fundamental change in the way we manage public spending. The Bank of England is predicting the longest recession for a century so this Budget will set in motion reforms that will place our finances and public services on a more sustainable and resilient footing for the future.
“This is a time for firm leadership and bold decision making. Steps we take now will help ensure Scotland emerges from the current crisis a stronger, fairer, greener country.”
The Scottish Parliament will be presented the budget for 2023-23 on Thursday 15th December.
