Robison warns of 'difficult choices' as Budget date set

Shona Robison previously criticised the UK government's budget date for failing to take devolved nations into account

Finance Secretary Shona Robison has warned of "difficult choices" as she confirmed the Scottish Budget date.

The Scottish government will outline its tax and spending plans for the year on 13 January, more than a month later than usual.

It was delayed after the date for the UK budget - which includes a block grant underpinning Holyrood's funding - was set for 26 November, nearly a month later than last year.

Robison previously said it would be "incredibly difficult" to finish the Scottish budget before Christmas due to the need to analyse the chancellor's plans.

She will unveil her budget for 2026/27 almost seven weeks after Rachel Reeves announces the UK government's tax and spending plans.

Last year, the Scottish Budget was approved by MSPs at the end of February.

The current Holyrood term ends in March 2026 ahead of next May's Scottish Parliament election.

'Balanced budget'

Robison warned of difficult choices for the Scottish government, claiming this stemmed from "Scotland's disappointing settlement in the UK spending review".

She said: "Our budget will target key priorities for Scotland such as eradicating child poverty and supporting the NHS, whilst setting out a comprehensive approach to ensure our finances remain sustainable.

"The late UK Budget - which prevents us from bringing forward our budget before Christmas - must support the delivery of sustainable and efficient public services, whilst increasing business confidence, investment, growth and jobs.

"Difficult choices will be required as a result of Scotland's disappointing settlement in the UK spending review but we will continue to produce a balanced budget that delivers for the people of Scotland."

The finance secretary had previously suggested 15 January as a date for the Scottish Budget announcement.

But this was brought forward after the finance committee complained about a lack of time for scrutiny.

In a letter to the committee, Robison told MSPs: "I trust this date will allow for meaningful scrutiny while also enabling us to take account of the implications of the scheduling of the UK Autumn Budget."