Climate change to be at the centre of Scottish budget

Scotttish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has said that tackling the global climate emergency will be at the heart of the Scottish Budget.

Speaking ahead of the budget, Mackay highlighted how Scotland has already put in place the most ambitious climate legislation and targets of any country, including decarbonising Scotland’s railways by 2035 and making the Highlands and Islands the world’s first net zero aviation region by 2040.

The upcoming budget, expected this week, will set out how Scottish spending plans and investments will help the government achieve these ambitions.

Contrary to action in Westminster, Mackay also said that the Scottish government will confirm individual local authority funding allocations, having already announced flexibility for councils to increase their council tax levels by up to three per cent in real terms.

Mackay said: “I am focused on delivering a budget that promotes inclusive economic growth and puts wellbeing at the heart of our economic strategy to ensure as many people as possible across the country benefit. However, as we set out our spending priorities for the year, Brexit remains the biggest threat to our economy and the risk of a ‘no deal’ Brexit is still on the table with the UK Government ruling out any extension to the transition period.

“In a period of great uncertainty caused by Brexit, the national interest demands that the Scottish Parliament passes this budget in good order, and I urge all parties to work constructively to ensure that happens.”