Monday January 19th 2026
Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh
Colin Beattie MSP, Midlothian North & Musselburgh, writes his monthly column for Midlothian View
The cost-of-living crisis continues to stretch households’ budgets and that is why I am proud to support a 2026/27 Scottish Government Budget that contains the best cost-of-living support package in the UK, whilst continuing to support our vital public services.
A key priority for the Scottish Government is to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and ease pressure on household budgets, and I believe these proposals will do just that. New measures include the delivery of a new universal breakfast club offer for primary school aged children, free sporting activities and swimming lessons for children. This improves on an already extensive support for families with continued investment in 1140 hours of free childcare, the baby box and the unique Scottish Child Payment which will increase to £28.20 per week.
It is also key we support workers as they deal with higher costs, that is why income tax thresholds have been reduced, resulting in the majority of Scots paying less income tax than in England.
The Scottish Government are also prioritising the public services that we all rely on. The NHS will receive record funding of almost £22.5 billion which will help to continue the fall in waiting times. Additionally, our GP service will improve with plans for new walk-in GP centres.
In order to ensure our tax take can fund these improvements, we must continue to support our business community to thrive. This is why the proposed budget includes a competitive non-domestic rates relief package worth an estimated £864 million, including measures for pubs, restaurants and retailers that make our communities what they are.
This progress has been done against the backdrop of UK Government chaos. Just imagine what else we could achieve if we had the powers of an independent country.
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