SCOTTISH BUDGET MEANS £57.2 MILLION BOOST FOR EAST LOTHIAN & MIDLOTHIAN

Health services in Midlothian and East Lothian will receive a £57.2 million boost next year, the Scottish Government unveiled in the budget.
 
The inflation busting increase will see NHS Lothian funding increase 4.1% year on year.
 
The budget saw SNP Finance Secretary Derek Mackay increase total health and care funding by £729m, putting the future of the health service at the centre of the Scottish Government’s financial plan.
 
The Finance Secretary did however highlight the risk Brexit plays to this investment, with the potential for the Scottish Government to be forced to review the budget should the UK face a ‘No Deal’ scenario.
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“People across my constituency will welcome the significant investment in our local NHS services, with a real-term increase in spending.
 
“The SNP value our NHS and are determined to ensure it stays fit for the future.
 
“In contrast, the budget exposed the Tory proposals as completely hollow – with their plan to hand high earners a tax cut leaving a £1 billion hole in our public spending.
 
“Meanwhile, even Labour insiders have admitted that their plans are a ‘shambles’ with the party failing to cost their spending demands.
 
“The SNP budget delivers for our NHS in Midlothian and East Lothian.”