SNP announces new 'mansion tax' council tax bands
Scotland's Finance Secretary Shona Robison has announced two new council tax bands for high-value homes, a move mirroring Labour's policy. Discover the impact on property owners and council funding.
Category : Search result: Scottish Budget 2026
Robison's Budget: £40 Child Payment and State Focus
Finance Secretary Shona Robison's budget raises the Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week, sparking debate over its state-heavy focus and new taxes. Read the full analysis.
SNP Budget Freeze Drags Scots into Higher Tax Brackets
John Swinney's budget refuses tax relief for middle earners, freezing thresholds and widening the Scotland-UK tax gap. Critics slam SNP's 'contempt' for hard-working households.
Robison's 'State-Focused' Budget Unveils £40 Child Payment
Finance Secretary Shona Robison's budget, centred on state spending with a £40 weekly child payment, faces opposition criticism for neglecting private enterprise. Analysis inside.
SNP Budget Freeze Drags Scots into Higher Tax Brackets
John Swinney's budget refuses tax relief for middle earners, freezing thresholds and widening the Scotland-UK tax gap. Critics slam SNP's 'contempt' for hard-working households.
SNP Budget: 106,000 Scots to Pay Higher Tax Rates
The SNP's latest Budget freezes income tax thresholds, dragging thousands into higher rates while council tax and a new 'mansion tax' loom. Discover the full financial impact.
SNP Budget: Tax Freeze Hits 106,000 Scots, Benefits Bill Rises
The SNP's latest budget freezes higher tax thresholds, dragging thousands into top rates while benefits spending hits £7.2bn. Read the full analysis of the financial impact.
SNP Budget criticised as major missed opportunity for Scotland
Finance Secretary Shona Robison's Budget faces fierce criticism for failing to address punitive tax rates and boost growth, instead prioritising unsustainable spending. Analysis reveals the impact on professionals, businesses, and public services.
Future of Five Scottish National Treatment Centres in Doubt
Scotland's Finance Secretary Shona Robison cannot confirm if five paused national treatment centres will be built. The SNP government's new infrastructure plan omits them, prompting Labour accusations of ditching vital NHS projects.
OBR 'Earned Trust' Despite Leak, Says Ex-Chair Hughes
Ex-OBR chairman Richard Hughes defends the fiscal watchdog's credibility after his resignation over a major budget leak. He cites 'unprecedented' pre-budget speculation in his 25-year career. Read the full story.
Business leaders warn Scottish Budget rates relief is insufficient
Scottish ministers face backlash as hospitality and retail bosses brand new business rates relief a 'sticking plaster' ahead of 'staggering' tax rises. Read the full industry reaction.
Mother criticises 'glaring gap' in Scottish childcare support
A Stirling mother-of-two says the Scottish Budget fails to help families with young children, leaving a costly gap in support. Discover her story and the call for change.
Scottish Child Payment increase 'falls short', say campaigners
The Scottish Budget pledges to raise the child payment to £40 a week for under-ones by 2027. Poverty action groups argue this fails to meet 2030 child poverty targets and leaves older children behind.
Scottish Budget's education funding hailed and questioned
A lecturer has welcomed Scottish Budget support for colleges but questioned a £20m allocation for Dundee University. Experts warn further cuts would be 'harrowing' for the sector.
SNP Minister: Work Not Best Route Out of Poverty
SNP Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has declared work is not the best escape from poverty, amid a soaring Scottish welfare bill forecast to hit £9bn. Critics slam the stance as fostering a 'toxic dependency culture'.
Scots face £1,800 tax hike as bills soar in budget crisis
Scottish households and businesses demand urgent help in this week's budget as rising bills and the highest taxes in the UK push them to breaking point. Will the SNP act?
Scottish retailers warn of mass closures over business rates
A coalition of 37 major retailers warns SNP ministers that failing to match England's business rates discount in next week's Budget will push shops to the brink, risking thousands of jobs.
Labour Won't Block SNP Budget, Sarwar Confirms
Anas Sarwar says Scottish Labour will not oppose the upcoming Holyrood budget but warns an emergency budget could follow May's election. Read the full political analysis.
Scottish Party Leaders Set Out Election Pledges for May
SNP's John Swinney pushes for independence referendum, Labour's Anas Sarwar targets 'competence', and Tory Russell Findlay focuses on tax cuts as the Holyrood election campaign begins. Read their key pitches.
Swinney: SNP has built foundations for Scottish independence
First Minister John Swinney launched the SNP's Holyrood campaign, claiming the party has laid the groundwork for independence. He aims for a majority to secure a referendum.
Swinney: Tactics ready to force second Scottish independence vote
SNP leader John Swinney insists a Holyrood majority in May could force a fresh independence referendum, despite UK government opposition. Discover the political battle ahead.
Psychic's 2026 predictions: extremes, chaos and opportunity
A top psychic predicts 2026 will be a year of extremes, from wild weather and political surprises to major celebrity news. Discover the detailed forecasts for the UK and beyond.
Higher Tax Rate Looms for Most Scottish Workers by 2029
New analysis forecasts the average Scottish salary will breach the higher tax threshold by 2029, sparking a political row over SNP and Labour fiscal policies. Read the full details.
2026 Preview: Top Music, TV & Cinema Releases
From Lily Allen's tour to Catherine Zeta-Jones' TV comeback and Margot Robbie in Wuthering Heights, discover the must-see entertainment of 2026.
2026 TV Guide: Must-See Shows from Rivals to Buffy
Your complete guide to unmissable television in 2026, from the return of Disney's steamy 'Rivals' and Richard Gadd's 'Half Man' to a new 'Buffy' series and major drama premieres.
2026 Culture Guide: Top Picks for Art, Film & Theatre
Plan your 2026 with The Independent's guide to the year's biggest cultural events, from Tracey Emin at Tate Modern to Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' and a new 'Pride & Prejudice'.
2026 Financial Deadlines: Key Dates for UK Budgets
From tax rises to energy caps, here are all the crucial financial deadlines and changes in 2026 that could impact your household budget. Plan ahead to avoid surprises.
2026's Major Sporting Events: Your Complete Guide
A packed 2026 sporting calendar awaits, featuring a football World Cup, Winter Olympics, Wimbledon, and historic Test matches. Discover all the key dates and storylines.
2026 Sporting Calendar: Major Events & Dates
Your complete guide to the 2026 sporting year, from the Australian Open and Six Nations to the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon. Discover key dates, defending champions, and major storylines.
2026 Bank Holidays: Full List and Date Changes
Your complete guide to the 2026 bank holidays for England and Wales. Discover the eight dates, including a moved Boxing Day and early Easter. Plan your year now.
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