That's all from Holyrood Live on Thursday 31 January 2019.

The Scottish government's budget has passed a key Holyrood vote after the SNP struck a deal with the Greens.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said he was "pleased to have reached an agreement" minutes before the Holyrood budget debate was due to begin.

The deal includes more core funding for councils and extra powers for them to levy local parking and tourist taxes.

Green co-convener Patrick Harvie said the deal was the result of "constructive politics".

Image source, bbc

MSPs agree to the general principles of the Budget (Scotland) (No.3) Bill, external, with 67 MSPs backing it, 58 against and with Independent MSP Mark McDonald abstaining.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser's amendment was defeated earlier with, 30 MSPs backing it and 96 against.

MSPs agree to the general principles of the Budget (Scotland) (No.3) Bill, external, with 67 MSPs backing it, 58 against and with one abstention.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser's amendment was defeated earlier with, 30 MSPs backing it and 96 against.

Closing out the debate, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay insists that if ever there was a time to ensure public services are sustainable, today is it.

"We're investing in the economy, in education and in the environment too."

Mr Mackay says the biggest challenge to public services now is Brexit.

Under our progressive regime, income tax will be fair and progressive, and Scotland will continue to be the lowest taxed part of the UK the finance secretary tells the chamber.

And there would need to be a 6% increase on the higher rate to pay for what Labour is asked for, he suggests.

"This is a good budget for Scotland."

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Adam Tomkins begins by saying the context of this debate is that the Scottish government's budget is going up by more than £1bn in cash terms this year, a real terms increase of nearly 2%.

"That's the context in which tonight the SNP seeks to pass another pay more, get less budget," says the Tory MSP.

Mr Tomkins insists this will ensure Scotland remains the highest taxed part of the UK.

He accuses Mr Harvie of once again being a "cheap date".

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Elaine Smith, closing for her party, says children living in poverty "need action now".

She argues the Scottish government has the powers to provide a £5 top up to child benefit, which could help "mitigate the Dickensian Tory welfare policy".

£90m for councils does nothing to fill the gap left by previous budgets, she insists.

This government needs to think again and bring back a budget which properly invests in people, Ms Smith concludes.

Image source, bbc

The SNP has struck a deal with the Greens to pass the Scottish government budget ahead of a key vote at Holyrood.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said he was "pleased to have reached an agreement" minutes before the Holyrood budget debate was due to begin.

The deal includes extra funding for councils and extra powers for them to levy local parking and tourist taxes.

Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie said the deal was the result of "constructive politics".

He said his party had worked for months to secure extra protection for local services and movement towards reform of local taxation.

• Richer or poorer? Ask the calculator
• Scottish budget proposals at a glance
• How does tax in Scotland compare to the rest of the UK?
• Read more here

Labour MSP Neil Findlay says cuts are impacting every single community and the most vulnerable people in them.

Swimming pools, libraries and community centres are at risk he says.

He also suggests teaching vacancies are rising and schools are considering shorter weeks as a result.

The money from the UK government to Scotland has fallen by 1.65%, Mr Findlay accepts, but adds that Scottish government cuts to council funding equates to 6.92%.

Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Tom Arthur again causes a wee ruckus, this time by saying Alex Rowley is the only one in the Labour party who seems to have a brain, as he approached the budget with a degree of constructiveness.

Deputy Presiding Officer Linda Fabiani intervenes again to crticise a word that was used by Labour MSP Neil Findlay in response to Mr Arthur.

Mr Findlay is joined by Mr Swinney in being chastised by Ms Fabiani.

She calls for the temperature of this debate be lowered as it is becoming ridiculous.

"If I used a word that was inappropriate I withdraw that word," says Mr Findlay but points out Mr Arthur accused Mr Briggs of lying and said Labour had no brain which was just as bad.

Mr Arthur also withdraws his inappropriate language and everything is cool again.

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Miles Briggs insists it was his working with Amanda Kopel to bring forward a private member's bill that led this "incompetent government" to finally bring in Frank's Law on personal care.

Frank's Law will see the extension of free personal care to under-65s with degenerative conditions.

Mr Briggs then accuses Mr Mackay, George Adam and Tom Arthur of only being MSPs because the stood on a platform to save the children's ward at the Royal Paisley Hospital.

"How's that campaign going for you finance secretary?"

"You sold out your constituents on that as well."

SNP MSP Tom Arthur attempts to raise a point of order and says: "The member has just lied in the chamber."

Deputy Presiding Officer Linda Fabiani gently warns members about their contributions.

Image source, bbc

The SNP has struck a deal with the Greens to pass the Scottish government budget ahead of a key vote at Holyrood.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said he was "pleased to have reached an agreement" minutes before the Holyrood budget debate was due to begin.

The deal includes extra funding for councils and extra powers for them to levy local parking and tourist taxes.

Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie said the deal was the result of "constructive politics".

He said his party had worked for months to secure extra protection for local services and movement towards reform of local taxation.

• Richer or poorer? Ask the calculator
• Scottish budget proposals at a glance
• How does tax in Scotland compare to the rest of the UK?
• Read more here