FINANCE Secretary Derek Mackay has promised a budget that "will grow Scotland’s economy and improve public services" as he brings his spending plans back to Holyrood.
However, Mackay was warned by Labour not to "sell out the poorest Scots", as the budget looks set to pass its final parliamentary stage on Thursday with SNP and Green support.
The Scottish Parliament will also vote for the first time ever to set income tax rates and bands in Scotland on Tuesday, under newly-devolved powers.
Mackay said the Budget will deliver £304 million additional investment in the NHS and a 20 per cent increase in the direct funding for schools to tackle attainment, from £100 to £120m.
He said: “This week’s historic Budget sets out a positive vision for Scotland – one that will protect family incomes, safeguard jobs and deliver record investment in public services."
However, Scottish Labour deputy leader Alex Rowley said the SNP Government should use Holyrood's new powers to introduce a 50p top rate of tax for the richest one per cent earning more than £150,000 a year.
Rowley said: "The SNP and the Greens must not sell out the poorest Scots by voting against fairer taxes on the richest few to invest in local services."
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