Robison announces earlier Scottish Budget date – Daily Business

Finance Secretary Shona Robison has confirmed the Scottish Budget will take place on Tuesday 13 January 2026, two days earlier than proposed.

The new date was announced following discussions with the Kenneth Gibson, convener of Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee.

In a letter to Mr Gibson the Cabinet Secretary said she had carefully considered the committee’s views on balancing the need for robust parliamentary scrutiny with the requirement for the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) to respond to the UK Autumn Budget, which will be published on 26 November.

The change comes after the committee asked ministers to bring the Scottish Budget forward to allow MSPs more time to examine spending plans before the statutory deadline, given the compressed timetable

“I trust this date will allow for meaningful scrutiny while also enabling us to take account of the implications of the scheduling of the UK Autumn Budget,” wrote Ms Robison.

In a statement issued today she said: “Our Budget will target key priorities for Scotland such as eradicating child poverty and supporting the NHS, whilst setting out a comprehensive approach to ensure our finances remain sustainable.

“The late UK Budget – which prevents us from bringing forward our Budget before Christmas – must support the delivery of sustainable and efficient public services, whilst increasing business confidence, investment, growth and jobs.

“Difficult choices will be required as a result of Scotland’s disappointing settlement in the UK Spending Review but we will continue to produce a balanced budget that delivers for the people of Scotland.”