Summary

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  • The Local Government and Regeneration Committee took evidence on the budget from Finance Secretary John Swinney

  • Portfolio questions focussed on social justice, communities and pensioner’s rights before moving on to fair work, skills and training

  • MSPs agreed to the general principles of the budget bill after the first debate

  • SNP MSP Jim Eadie led a debate entitled 'Reinstatement of the Edinburgh South Suburban Railway'

Live Reporting

Craig Hutchison and Colin Bell

  1. Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live

    Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live's coverage of the Scottish Parliament on 3 February 2016.

    It's all about the money today as the Budget Bill is debated for the first time from 2.40pm, with Labour and the Lib Dems pushing for John Swinney to increase income tax in Scotland to 1p above the UK rate.  

    Income tax will dominate the Budget Bill debate this afternoonbbc

    Income tax will dominate the Budget Bill debate this afternoon

    With the Scottish rate of income tax due to come into effect from 6 April, Deputy First Minister Mr Swinney has pledged to keep payments in line with the rest of the UK.  

    Mr Swinney can also expect to come under pressure on the cuts to council budgets and he is up before the Local Government and