Scottish Greens reach budget deal with SNP

Derek Mackay’s budget will pass through the Scottish Parliament today after the SNP and Scottish Greens confirmed they have reached a deal on tax.

The confirmation came hours before the budget stage one debate in Holyrood, with a spokesperson for the Scottish Greens confirming that a deal, involving increased funding for local authorities through increases in income tax on higher earners, had been reached with the SNP.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said the deal will see the budget pass through all stages, with the Greens suggesting the deal would aim to protect local council services such as schools and social care.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Greens said: “A substantial package of funding for local councils to spend on local priorities is welcome. Opposition parties have a responsibility to make a difference, and that’s exactly what the Greens are doing.”

As a minority administration the SNP requires at least one party to abstain for its spending plans to pass.