Budget for scotland passes first hurdle

The SNP's budget for Scotland's economic recovery has cleared it's first hurdle.

The budget which includes a freeze in council tax for the third year, support for small businesses and apprentices, protected spending on the NHS and money to improve Scotland's infrastructure including road, rail, schools and hospitals secured parliamentary backing this week.

Despite repeated claims that Labour would reinstate the Glasgow Rail Link no proposals were put forward by the opposition.

There will now be two more weeks of negotiation before a final vote.

Speaking in Parliament SNP Finance Secretary John Swinney said:

"We debate the bill at a time when much remains uncertain in relation to the prospects for the global economy and the spending decisions that the United Kingdom Government might take during the coming year, whether in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's March budget or after the general election.

"It is clear that we must take decisions that are influenced by the economic and financial context in Scotland, which are inevitably driven by decisions about the spending environment in the UK. There will be consequences for Scotland, and the Scottish Government must address that.

"The principles that underpin our budget are that it should support businesses and families in the face of the challenges that have been brought about by the recession, and that it should help to set Scotland on a course for economic recovery.

"We are investing more than £1 billion in Scotland's transport infrastructure and we are maintaining substantial investment of £2 billion in higher and further education and skills, including modern apprenticeships. We are determined to ensure that we have in place appropriate and effective training and educational provision in order to support young people, and others who are facing economic difficulties, in finding new opportunities."