'Scotland must not be left an afterthought', Finance Secretary warns ahead of UK Budget

Scotland must not be left as “an afterthought” in the UK Budget, Shona Robison has warned ahead of the announcement on Wednesday.

The finance secretary has urged the UK Government to deliver more funding for Scotland’s public services, infrastructure, and cost-of-living support.

She has also called for action to lower household energy bills, to ensure that any major taxation choices do not see Scotland losing out on vital funding, and to reform the energy profits levy to support jobs and investment across Scotland’s energy sector.

The minister claimed the Scottish Government has tried to express their concerns about the impact of the upcoming Budget on Scotland’s finances but Westminster has failed to meet with them.

“We don’t want Scotland to be an afterthought by the Chancellor,” she told STV News.

“I don’t think it’s too much to ask the Prime Minister or Chancellor to give the First Minister some time to talk about the Budget when he is in London.

“It is disappointing. We’re not happy about the process undertaken.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is due to deliver the Autumn Budget on Wednesday (November 26) with a pledge to tackle the cost of living.

She abandoned expected plans to hike income tax rates after a press conference and behind-the-scenes briefings aimed at preparing the country for the manifesto-busting move.

The apparent U-turn was attributed to improved economic forecasts.

But at the same time, Reeves is widely expected to raise taxes in an effort to bridge a multibillion-pound gap in her spending plans.

Robison said the UK Government’s increase on national insurance “without consultation” earlier this year led to a funding shortfall of around £400m for public services in Scotland.

“Those discussions would have been helpful prior to the Budget,” she said.

“At the end of the day, most of Scotland’s budget is dictated by decisions made by the UK Government. If they invest in areas that are devolved like health, local government, social care, we will get the benefit of consequential funding for that.

“But if they don’t, and we see cuts to budgets in areas that are devolved, we can see some very negative impact on Scotland’s budget, and that will be a problem.”

Robison said energy bills remain a “real worry” for households.

“While the UK Government promised to cut energy bills by £300, they have actually risen by almost £200 – this budget has to recognise the impact and struggle households are under with cost of living,” she said.

“Whether it’s food or fuel, people are feeling it. Whatever action is taken, it must not exacerbate that situation.”

The Scottish Budget is announced on January 13.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “The Chancellor will deliver a Budget that builds stronger foundations to secure Scotland and the whole United Kingdom’s future, focusing on the priorities of working people: cutting waiting lists further, cutting the national debt and cutting the cost of living.”