For immediate release

The SNP Government’s Scottish Budget for 2025/26 has passed its final stage in the Scottish Parliament – delivering real progress for residents in Rutherglen and Cambuslang, local MSP Clare Haughey has said. 

This ensured a record increase of nearly £2 billion for frontline NHS boards – with an extra £224 million for NHS Lanarkshire and £390.40 million for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, where many local residents are referred.  An additional £200 million investment will reduce waiting lists, and see over 150,000 extra patients treated as a result.

Other budget outcomes include lower income tax for most Scots compared to the rest of the UK, the most generous rates relief programme anywhere in the UK to support local businesses and organisations, and the restoration of winter fuel payments for pensioners – after the UK Labour Government scrapped them.

A £1 billion increase in funding to local authorities will facilitate pay increases agreed for teachers, social care workers, refuse collectors and more, as well as providing additional funding for local priorities such as additional support for learning, and tackling the climate emergency.

Commenting, Clare Haughey said;  

“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.

“Having promised 64,000 additional NHS procedures and appointment by the end of March, the Scottish Government have exceeded that target by delivering over 75,000 by the end of January. 

“The record NHS funding secured in the budget will continue to make a real difference, ensuring that people get the care they need, when they need it.

“The £63.7 million increase to their budget that South Lanarkshire Council will receive is a very welcome investment in our local services and communities, and will help to mitigate the £15 million bill the Council are facing due to the UK Government’s changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions.

“The SNP Scottish Government is delivering for Rutherglen and Cambuslang, and I am pleased Parliament has back this budget to ensure that continues.”

ENDS