The Scottish Government have this week announced, that they intend to publish their draft Budget plans for 2020 on Thursday 6th February 2020, this is despite the fact that the UK Budget is not due to be announced until 11th March.
The Scottish Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay, had previously stated that it would not be possible to wait for the UK Budget to take place because Scottish councils and public services need confirmation of funding levels.
The Scottish Budget would normally take place following the UK Budget, but following Mr Mackay’s announcement, he commented :
"In these exceptional circumstances, created by the UK government, it is vital we give local authorities and public services clarity on their budgets. That is why we have made the decision to publish our budget in February which will allow local authorities to set their budgets and council tax before the legal deadline of 11 March.
I look forward to publishing a budget that will help tackle the global climate emergency, reduce child poverty and boost the economy."
HM Treasury will work with Scottish ministers to provide the fiscal information required.
As there is nothing to stop the Scottish Parliament from passing their budget prior to the UK budget, It is currently planned that the Scottish Budget will pass through Scottish parliament within a matter of weeks, following the draft announcements on the 6th February, this is to ensure that royal assent is granted, which will provide enough time for any new tax arrangements to be implemented at the start of the new tax year.
