Date for Scottish budget confirmed for January 2026

Finance Secretary Shona Robison was warned “difficult choices” will be needed in next year’s Holyrood budget, as she confirmed the date she will unveil her draft tax and spending plans.

Ms Robison will set out her proposals for 2026-27 on January 13 next year – almost seven weeks after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces the UK’s Budget.

Ms Robison had previously suggested Thursday January 15 as a date for the announcement, but brought it forward after MSPs on the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee complained about a lack of time for scrutiny.

In a letter to the committee confirming the January 13 date, Ms Robison told the 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.”

The Finance Secretary had already said the Chancellor’s Budget date of November 26 meant she was unable to bring forward the draft Scottish budget before Christmas – as would normally be the case.

However, she warned of “difficult decisions” for the Scottish Government, claiming this stemmed from “Scotland’s disappointing settlement in the UK spending review”.

Ms Robison 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.”