inance Secretary Shona Robison has confirmed that the Scottish Government will publish its draft Budget for 2026–27 on 13 January, warning that “difficult choices” will be required amid a tight financial settlement.
The announcement comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves set the date for the UK Budget on 26 November. Ms Robison said the timing meant Holyrood could not bring forward its draft Budget before Christmas, as is normally the case.
The Finance Secretary had initially proposed 15 January as the date for the announcement but agreed to move it forward by two days following pressure from the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee, which raised concerns about the lack of time for scrutiny.
“I trust this date will allow for meaningful scrutiny while also enabling us to take account of the implications of the UK autumn Budget,” she said.
Ms Robison said the Scottish Government faces major fiscal constraints as a result of what she described as “Scotland’s disappointing settlement in the UK spending review”.
She added: “Our Budget will target key priorities for Scotland such as eradicating child poverty and supporting the NHS, whilst setting out a comprehensive approach to ensure our finances remain sustainable.
“The late UK Budget — which prevents us from bringing forward our Budget before Christmas — must support the delivery of sustainable and efficient public services, whilst increasing business confidence, investment, growth and jobs.
“Difficult choices will be required, but we will continue to produce a balanced Budget that delivers for the people of Scotland.”
The Scottish Budget will set out tax and spending plans for the next financial year, including allocations for local government, health, education, infrastructure and economic development.
