MSPs have approved the Scottish government Budget for 2025-26.
The minority SNP administration’s spending plans were supported by the Greens, Liberal Democrats and Alba, while Labour MSPs abstained from the stage three ballot.
The Budget Bill was passed by 73 votes to 29 and will now go through the formal process of receiving Royal Assent before it becomes an act of law.
Responding to the budget vote, Michelle Ferguson, Director, CBI Scotland, said:
“The passing of the Budget by MSPs will help to shore up the public sector and households most in need when fiscal headroom is in short supply. But Scotland is underperforming in areas crucial to our long-term prosperity, such as business investment and businesses desperately lack access to the people and skills that they need to succeed.
“The only way to improve public services and raise living standards is to help companies thrive and deliver growth. That’s why we need more competitive tax policies and business working with the Scottish Government to co-create policy that protects Scotland’s competitiveness and avoids short-changing our long-term growth ambitions, especially in green jobs and offshore wind.”
The government’s tax and spending plans will take effect from the start of the new financial year in April.
