The Scottish Government unveiled its budget on Thursday afternoon amid the backdrop of the resignation of disgraced finance secretary Derek Mackay.
Kate Forbes was forced to step in just hours ahead of its presentation following lurid allegations concerning the former budget chief, presenting a raft of spending plans ahead of the UK Government’s own review in March.
Ms Forbes presented the government’s spending promises to the chamber, saying she was “proud” to deliver extra money for health, the fight against poverty and green initiatives.
As much as 1% of GDP will be spent on low carbon and green initiatives, Ms Forbes said.
Money, money, money
At a glance, Ms Forbes announced the following investment:
Health
£15 billion for health and social care services “for the first time ever”
£9.4 billion for health and social care partnerships
£117 million towards mental health services
60% increase in funding for programmes to tackle harm from alcohol and drugs, including the new Scottish Drugs Taskforce.
Education
£120 million targeted at closing the attainment gap – £62 million provided out with the settlement through the attainment Scotland fund
Police and justice
Additional £37 million for the Scottish Police Authority resource budget.£6.5 million extra for community justice interventions.
£70 million for prison estates including replacement to HMP Barlinnie and investment in female estate.
Green projects
£1.8 billion capital investment in specific projects to reduce emissions
£85 million investment in cycling walking and sustainable transport
£83 million future transport fund for low carbon initiatives like electric buses, electric vehicle charging points and Switched on Towns and Cities programme
£5 million on electric car shift in justice services
£40 million in Agricultural Transformation Programme
£64 million (up from £59 million) in forestry
