MSPs have been urged to back the Scottish Budget to deliver “record investment” in the country’s public services.
Public finance minister Ivan McKee said the Scottish Government’s tax and spending plans include the biggest funding settlement for the NHS in the history of devolution.
If passed, the 2025-26 Budget will see £21.7 billion invested in health and social care frontline services and more than £15 billion for councils, the Government said.
Mr McKee said it would deliver on the priorities of Scots and businesses across the country.
He said: “This Government is determined to deliver on the issues that matter most to the people of Scotland – and driving improvement in public services like our NHS.
“The Budget brings hope to people across the country, invests record amounts in our health service, and delivers a wealth of new opportunities in our economy.
“Our investment in public services will unlock the funding required to renew our NHS and deliver improved services for patients with a substantial increase in capacity.
“This is an opportunity for Parliament to come together around a national mission to improve patient experiences in the NHS, deliver increased funding for local services and to drive economic growth.
“This Government has listened to the people’s priorities and we’ve taken action – and I am asking MSPs from across the chamber to join us in supporting our public services.”
The Budget looks set to pass following Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar’s announcement that his party would abstain on the vote.
The extra spending for the NHS comes amid record waiting times and delayed discharge figures.
A report by the Royal College of Nursing earlier this month found there had been a “devastating collapse in care standards” in hospitals, with patients “routinely coming to harm” and unable to access basic services.
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