Overview
- Finance Secretary Shona Robison unveiled a £68bn draft Budget for 2026–27 that is expected to pass after Scottish Labour said it will abstain.
- Basic and intermediate income tax thresholds rise by 7.4%, leaving most earners below about £33,500 slightly better off than in the rest of the UK while many middle and higher earners continue to pay more and the 50% marginal band issue remains.
- Health and social care funding increases to £22.5bn, including support for walk‑in GP clinics, alongside a pledge to raise the Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week for under‑ones and expand breakfast clubs.
- New wealth measures include extra council tax bands for £1m‑plus homes from April 2028 and a private‑jet levy planned after April 2027.
- Business support features transitional relief and 15% non‑domestic rates relief for hospitality, tourism and leisure, as fiscal watchdogs highlight a near‑£5bn funding gap and analysts point to planned day‑to‑day spending cuts.