Scottish Conservatives call for Derek Mackay's budget to be brought forward

The Scottish budget should be brought forward so that it remains three weeks after the UK budget, according to the Scottish Conservatives.

UK Chancellor Philip Hammond has said his final tax and spending plans before Britain leaves the EU will take place on 29 October, earlier than expected.

Scottish Conservative shadow finance secretary Murdo Fraser has said Scotland Finance Secretary Derek Mackay should follow suit and deliver his plans mid-November.

Fraser said: “This would allow Parliament to have far more time to analyse his budget, as opposed in previous years when we’ve had barely any time to study it before recess.

“Any attempt from Derek Mackay to delay his budget beyond this date could only be seen as an attempt to try and avoid thorough parliamentary scrutiny.”

Hammond's budget will come days after a crunch European Council summit on the UK's plans to leave the EU. It could also be sandwiched between a fresh November meeting which European Council president Donald Tusk last week said was likely to take place if EU leaders believe they can "finalise" a deal.

It is thought Hammond's speech will contain no big ticket announcements as the future of the economy remains unclear.