Scottish budget: SNP government cuts taxes for lowest earners

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Severin Carrell Scotland editorJanuary 13, 2026 at 08:06 PM

Read Original Article

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In its latest budget, the Scottish National Party (SNP) government in Scotland announced a tax cut of £11 per year for the lowest earners, affecting 55% of Scottish taxpayers. The move, costing £50 million, aims to bolster the SNP's chances in the upcoming May elections. The budget also includes increased child payments for low-income families, higher air passenger duty on private jets, increased council tax for homes over £1 million, and a boost in college funding. Finance Secretary Shona Robison defended the budget as beneficial for Scots. However, opposition parties, the IPPR, and Icas criticized the budget, citing concerns about its complexity and failure to address key issues like child poverty and economic growth. Scottish Labour plans to cut taxes for middle earners.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Holyrood 30% Stephen Boyd 40% Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (Icas) 40% Michael Marra 50% Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) ×250% UK 60% Scottish Labour 60% Shona Robison ×380% Scotland ×685% Scottish National Party (SNP) ×690%

Keywords

scottish budget 100% tax cuts 90% scottish national party 80% income tax 70% election pledges 60% child poverty 50% economic growth 50% cost-of-living 50% public services 40%