SCOTTISH BUDGET PASSES, DELIVERING PROGRESS FOR MIDLOTHIAN NORTH & MUSSELBURGH

LOCAL LABOUR MSP FAILS TO BACK FUNDING FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN MIDLOTHIAN NORTH & MUSSELBURGH
 
The SNP Government’s Scottish Budget for 2025/26 has passed its final stage in the Scottish Parliament – delivering real progress for residents in Midlothian North & Musselburgh, local MSP Colin Beattie has said.  
 
The Budget will deliver:  
 
· Record funding for the NHS of £21.7 billion. 
· The restoration of winter fuel payments for pensioners - after Labour scrapped them across the UK.
· The scrapping of the cruel two-child benefit cap – which Scottish Labour was critical of whilst in opposition.
· Additional investment for Grangemouth and its workforce to secure a just transition.
· Lower income tax for most Scots compared to the rest of the UK.
· The most generous rates relief programme anywhere in the UK.
· Increased £34 million investment in Scotland’s culture sector – exceeding Labour’s calls from before the budget.
 
However – despite the Labour Party in Scotland previously stating it supported many of the measures in the budget, local Labour MSP Sarah Boyack failed to back the budget, instead choosing to abstain. 
 
Local MSP Sarah Boyak has said voters will not forgive or forget Labour’s decision to abstain on Budget improvements being delivered in Midlothian North & Musselburgh
 
Commenting local MSP Colin Beattie said: 
 
“I am delighted that John Swinney's first Budget as First Minister has been passed in the Scottish Parliament. It will deliver real progress on people in Midlothian North & Musselburgh’s priorities.

“The Budget delivers record investment in the NHS, the restoration of winter fuel payments for pensioners and scraps the cruel two-child benefit cap. All of this is being delivered with the fairest tax system in the UK which means that the majority of people pay less tax than in the rest of the UK.

"Whilst other parties worked constructively with the SNP to deliver this Budget, Anas Sarwar's Labour Party - along with the Tories - showed that they are big on words but low in action when it comes to investing in the NHS, tackling child poverty and securing a future for Grangemouth.

"Whilst Anas Sarwar sits on his hands waiting for directions from his London bosses, under John Swinney’s leadership, the SNP has listened to people's concerns and is taking strong action to deliver on their priorities."  
 
ENDS