The block grant for the Scottish Government this year is £50 billion following Main Estimates 2025-26 published on Thursday
The Scottish Government already had the largest real terms spending review settlement in the history of devolution of £47.7 billion. Following revisions at the Spring Statement and Main Estimates, the Treasury has now confirmed the latest settlement is £50 billion.
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: “The UK Government delivered the largest spending review settlement in the history of the Scottish Parliament, now Scots rightly expect to see that record finding deliver better results like lower NHS waiting lists, better attainment in Schools, more police on the beat and more housing.
“I was very concerned this week to see that attainment targets for Scottish schools have been reduced and housebuilding has fallen by 4,000, meanwhile police officer numbers are lower than when police Scotland was established and 800,000 Scots are on an NHS waiting list.
“Where the UK government has responsibility for public services, we are seeing NHS waiting lists fall, more housing being built and more bobbies on the beat, all part of our Plan for Change. This historic funding deal for the Scottish Government should be delivering similar results.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to UK Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, calling for an urgent change to the UK Government’s “immoral and reckless” social security reforms.
Ms Somerville welcomed the suggestion by Prime Minister Keir Starmer that cuts to winter fuel payment could be eased, but said this was not enough.
In the letter the Social Justice Secretary said: ‘I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister announce plans to ease the Winter Fuel Payment cuts in Parliament last week.
‘I am also aware of various media reports suggesting that a change in the UK Government’s two-child limit may be announced shortly. I welcome these developments and recognise that it is a step in the right direction to delivering a more robust Social Security system.
‘However, deep concerns remain around the UK government’s damaging social security reforms, including those announced in the ‘Pathways to Work’ Green Paper.
‘Given the speculation on the reversal or partial reversal of policies on Winter Fuel Payment and Two Child Cap, I call on you to urgently scrap these immoral proposals on disabled benefits.
‘These plans will only push more into poverty. It is therefore reckless and totally unacceptable for the UK Government to press ahead, not least due to the expected severity of the impact they will have on all our efforts to end child poverty – completely undermining the work of the UK Child Poverty Taskforce.’
Galloway and Ayrshire residents split over National Park plan
Ministers have decided not to pursue a proposal to designate Galloway and Ayrshire as a National Park.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon confirmed that opposition to the nomination and the Reporter’s recommendations against it meant that the region in southwest Scotland would not join the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs as the country’s third national park.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Gougeon said: “While there is substantial support for a National Park and what it could deliver for the southwest of Scotland, there is also significant opposition.
“I realise that this decision will be very disappointing for those who have been campaigning for a new National Park in Galloway over many years.
“I also recognise the huge amount of work and time that has been invested by a great many people throughout this process. I would like to thank everyone involved, including members of the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.
“I would also like to thank NatureScot for its work carrying out such an important and extensive public consultation in a robust and professional way that was commended in the review of the process carried out by the Scottish Community Development Centre. The consultation raised some really important issues that local people care deeply about and we now have the opportunity to look at how we can address these.
“The Scottish Government remains committed to our existing National Parks and the vital leadership role that they play in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, promoting sustainable land management and supporting the economic and social development of local communities.
“Our National Parks are achieving for people and nature.”
The proposal to designate a new National Park in Galloway and Ayrshire was jointly put forward by the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, in response to the Scottish Government’s invitation to communities and organisations across Scotland to nominate their area to be considered for designation as a new National Park.
Five nominations were received through that process – from Galloway and Ayrshire, Lochaber, Loch Awe, Scottish Borders and Tay Forest.
NatureScot was appointed as the statutory Reporter, as specified in the National Parks legislation, to carry out this investigation, undertake a public consultation and report to the Scottish Government.
Following an initial period of engagement with local communities, public bodies and stakeholders, NatureScot ran a 14-week public consultation process from 7 November 2024 until 14 February 2025.
Over 5,000 surveys were completed and more than 1,000 people attended events that were held across Galloway and South and East Ayrshire – with the final results showing around 54% of responses opposed the National Park proposal and around 42% of responses supported it.
The Report found: “Our recommendation as Reporter is therefore not to proceed with the designation but instead to strengthen a range of existing arrangements, including a better resourced and more influential Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve, a renewed focus on people and nature alongside commercial forestry operations in the Galloway Forest Park and a new commitment to the implementation of management strategies for the three National Scenic Areas.”
A cruise ship levy could help to ensure residents benefit from Edinburgh’s popularity as a cruise ship stop.
In a formal response to be submitted to the Scottish Government’s Cruise Ship Levy consultation, the council has expressed strong support in principle for a levy to help it manage tourism sustainably at Edinburgh’s ports.
The response also calls for any legislation to be based on evidence and involve greater consultation with ports and the cruise ship industry, as well as close working with other local authorities and regional partners.
Close to 217,500 cruise ship passengers visit Edinburgh and the region annually, with a significant number docking in Leith, Newhaven and South Queensferry. Currently, passengers are exempt from paying local visitor levies.
While any legislation to introduce a national Cruise Ship Levy is still to be developed, comparisons to similar sized destinations suggest it could raise over one million pounds for Edinburgh and the region.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Next summer we’ll become the first city in Scotland to launch a visitor levy, but under the Scottish Government’s legislation cruise ship passengers will be exempt.
“We consider it fair to treat all overnight visitors to Edinburgh the same, whether they choose to stay in a hotel, a short-term let, a campsite or a cruise ship.
“With public finances under increasing pressure, we believe this legislation should be used to empower councils to raise more income locally to better manage cruise ship tourism and pollution in our waters. As such, income raised should be ringfenced for the local area.
“In our waters we’re seeing more ships docking year on year, larger ships, and with that comes an environmental impact. Cruise ship tourism affects local communities and services just as other tourism does.”
You can view the City of Edinburgh Council’s draft response to the Scottish Government’s Cruise Ship Levy Consultation.
A final version will be submitted shortly, including amendments agreed at a meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Tuesday 27 May.
2024 saw a total of 78 water-related fatalities recorded in 2024, which marks the lowest level recorded since 2018
33 of these were accidental fatalities, with men aged 20–29 the most affected group by both number and population rate
82% of the accidental fatalities were men, a consistent trend in recent years
Recreational activities were involved in 46% of accidental deaths, highlighting the risks associated with leisure water use.
Water fatality statistics in Scotland reveals that men, particularly those aged 20 to 29, are at risk of drowning compared to other groups. According to fresh data from the Water Incident Database (WAID), men accounted for 82 per cent of all accidental water-related deaths in Scotland in 2024.
While the overall number of water-related fatalities fell to 78 in 2024, the lowest level since 2018, recent statistics from 2024 suggest that young men are disproportionately affected. The Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) dashboard also provides more specific and in-depth live data, which is updated monthly.
According to the published WAID figures, of the 33 accidental deaths, over half (55 per cent) occurred in coastal waters – a shift from the historical trend of inland waterway incidents. Recreational activities were involved in 46 per cent of these fatalities, and April emerged as the deadliest month.
Encouragingly, overall drownings and accidental drownings are at their lowest levels in Scotland, the accidental fatality rate dropped to 0.60 per 100,000 people, continuing a downward trend
Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland and RoSPA’s Senior Policy Manager, said:“This year’s figures show real progress; water-related fatalities in Scotland are at their lowest levels. However, this is not a time for complacency, as every water-related fatality is a tragedy.
“Last year’s data show that young men were the most affected, with coastal waters currently the most common location for deaths, so we must continue to focus our efforts to address these concerns with targeted safety messages and interventions.
“Fortunately, introduction of the Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) in May 2023 has helped to improve the quality and clarity of fatality data, reducing the number of “not recorded” outcomes and has provided deeper insights into incident causes, which we will continue to use to help identify risk factors now and in the future.”
Key findings from the 2024 WAID (Water Incident Database) report:
33 accidental fatalities, with men aged 20–29 the most affected group by both number and population rate
82% of the accidental fatalities were men, a consistent trend in recent years
Recreational activities were involved in 46% of accidental deaths, highlighting the risks associated with leisure water use
Coastal waters accounted for 55% of accidental fatalities, overtaking inland waterways for the first time in recent years
April was the deadliest month for accidental fatalities
The accidental fatality rate dropped to 0.60, continuing a positive downward trend
Only two cases involved drugs or alcohol, suggesting other behavioural or situational factors are more significant
Community Safety Minister Siobhain Brown said: “My thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends who have lost a loved one in a drowning accident.
“I encourage everyone to protect themselves and others when in and around the water and to be aware that water temperature can vary drastically, as can currents and tides. It’s well worth learning the Water Safety Code and using the resources of Water Safety Scotland so people can stay safe and prevent accidents in our waters.”
Water Safety Scotland continues to promote water safety through its assets, including free education resources for teachers and practitioners and free consistent water safety messaging for partners to use across Scotland.
As summer approaches, Water Safety Scotland wants to remind the public to stay safe and follow the three-part Water Safety Code:
Angus Robertson has welcomed a new agreement which will strengthen business links between Scotland and Ukraine and support the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Scottish Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine commits the two governments to strengthening trade and investment links through information exchange and practical support for businesses working in both countries.
Total trade in goods between Scotland and Ukraine was worth £38.4 million in 2024. A number of Scottish companies are supporting Ukraine’s efforts to rebuild, including Coatbridge-based Cairnhill Structures Ltd which has supplied fabricated steel to rebuild two bridges in Kyiv destroyed during the Russian invasion.
The signing took place during a visit to Scotland by a delegation of more than 60 Ukrainian mayors and business representatives.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Scotland is deeply committed to supporting Ukraine, whose men, women and children are putting their lives, their freedom and their prosperity on the line to defend their country – and all of our democracies.
“The Memorandum of Understanding we have signed today will strengthen the trade and investment relationship between Scotland and Ukraine, helping businesses in both countries to grow through the exchange of ideas, knowledge and practical support for businesses working in-country.
“We want to learn from each other to make the most of our combined strengths, from e-commerce, to green energy technologies and innovation in agrifood. Scotland stands ready to support Ukraine to recover and rebuild from the damage caused by Russia’s barbaric aggression.
“We will work with the UK Government and our international partners in support of Ukraine’s long-term future, her sovereignty and social and economic prosperity.”
The Consul of Ukraine in Edinburgh Andrii Madzianovskyi, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Ukrainian Government, said: “For Ukraine, this partnership opens new avenues for investment, technology exchange, and access to high-value markets.
“For Scotland, it provides opportunities to expand its business presence in Eastern Europe, diversify partnerships, and support Ukraine’s recovery and growth.
“We wish to see increased bilateral trade and joint business projects as well as stronger business networks and institutional ties. There will be promotion of innovation, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship and enhanced mutual trust and international cooperation.
“This agreement signals a commitment to long-term collaboration and mutual prosperity.”
Mounting pressures from inflation, increasing costs and demand are exceeding the Scottish Government’s additional investment in Scotland’s councils.
In 2025/26 councils received over £15 billion in government funding, with more money set to be raised from council tax and charges for some services. With communities paying more for services, their expectations are increasing.
In its latest assessment of local government finances, the Accounts Commission reports that additional costs from wage increases, higher employer National Insurance contributions and intensifying service demands, including social care as Scotland’s population ages, mean councils must cover a budget shortfall of £647 million in 2025/26.
Whilst councils have partly met this shortfall through service savings and increased charges for services, continuing to use reserves and make one-off savings isn’t sustainable. It intensifies pressures on future budgets.
Longer-term change in the way services are delivered is happening but must accelerate. Action is also needed to better understand the impacts on the most vulnerable communities.
Capital funding is vital for councils to invest in public buildings such as schools and libraries, as well as roads. It also underpins the significant transformation needed in the ways services are delivered in the future.
Capital funding from the Scottish Government is increasing but has not returned to previous levels. Councils remain heavily reliant on borrowing to fund their planned £4.7 billion capital investment in 2025/26.
Mounting pressures mean Scotland’s councils must cover a budget shortfall of £647 million in 2025/26.
Difficult decisions lie ahead on what services can be delivered and how.
Derek Yule, Member of the Accounts Commission said: “There’s a growing expectation gap. Councils don’t have enough money to meet current demand, at a time when local communities are being asked to contribute more through increases in council tax and charges for some services.
“Councils need to provide clearer budget information and work with communities to determine how services will be delivered in the future. These conversations won’t be easy.
“With public finances tightening, however, not all cost increases faced by councils can be met by government funding. Local action is needed now to find solutions to immediate and future financial challenges.
“This means difficult decisions on what services can be delivered and making major changes in how they are delivered.”
Michelle, a mother of three from Edinburgh has shared the impact Scottish Child Payment is having in her daughter’s life
“One of my daughters has autism and ADHD, and Scottish Child Payment allows me to do activities that calm her down and make her happy and that makes a massive difference.”
Figures released yesterday reveal that Michelle’s daughter is just one of 326,255 children who are actively benefiting from Scottish Child Payment.
Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland and provides financial support for families, helping with the costs of caring for a child. It is a weekly payment, currently worth £27.15, for every eligible child that a parent or carer looks after who’s under 16 years of age.
Michelle said: “Scottish Child Payment is something that helps you and helps your children when you’re in a difficult financial situation.
“I think there’s sometimes a stigma around applying for it, especially as a single mother, but I highly recommend that those who have yet to apply for it do so.”
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and a national mission.
“Today’s figure show that the Scottish Government is supporting 233,040 individual clients and 326,255 children throughout Scotland, with over 7.5 million paid out in Scottish Child Payment.
“These payments are actively improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Scotland – helping their families to access essentials and experiences they might otherwise miss out on because they live on a low income.
“In the coming year it is forecast we’ll invest a further £471 million, ensuring that this support continues to reach even more families and children who need it.”
We would urge those who are thinking of applying for financial support, to check their eligibility and start their application today.”
Funding to support local councils and the third sector
A funding package to support Ukrainian communities and culture in Scotland to flourish has been announced by Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart.
Funding of over £600,000 will support third sector organisations working to support displaced Ukrainians, including community and cultural activities, while a further £3.5m funding for local authorities and COSLA will support displaced Ukrainians, as well as refugees and people seeking asylum, to settle into communities.
The funding was announced at an event hosted by COSLA, marking a visit to Scotland by a civic delegation of mayors from Ukraine.
Speaking ahead of the event, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Scotland stands in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, as it has since Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022.
“More than 28,000 displaced Ukrainians with a Scottish-sponsored visa have arrived in the UK, and we are helping people rebuild their lives here.
“Many of those who left Ukraine shortly after the war outbreak have now been in Scotland for several years, forming thriving Ukrainian communities right across the country. We want those communities to flourish, and this funding will support cultural and social activities and events to strengthen. It will also support services to help people recover from the trauma of fleeing war.
“I’m very pleased to be announcing this funding at the same time as a visit from the Ukrainian rebirth delegation, and I look forward to exploring further opportunities for connection and partnership between Scotland and Ukraine.”
COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson Councillor Maureen Chalmers said: “COSLA is so very pleased to welcome colleagues from Local Government in Ukraine to Verity House today.
“We are also delighted to be working with Scottish Government to host this event, coming together to show our commitment across government in Scotland.
“COSLA has expressed full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people and our peers in local and regional government, standing ready to support those affected and play a very active part in Ukrainian refugee resettlement.
“COSLA welcomes Scottish Government’s announcement of the continuation of £3.4m resettlement funding for Local Authorities for 2025-26. This funding will play an important role in enabling councils’ ongoing work supporting the integration of Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s illegal war, as well as other people seeking protection in this country.
“We are also very grateful for confirmation of continued funding for COSLA to support the work that we do with our member councils and with Scottish Government in relation to the integration of people displaced from Ukraine, as well as others who are seeking sanctuary here and migrants who are at risk of destitution.”
Funding to support local authority resettlement support
£ 3,400,000
Funding for COSLA
£ 175,400
This funding is part of a broader package of funding this financial year, which will support Ukrainians and displaced people from all backgrounds settle into life in Scotland.
The budget for a programme that uses technology in housing to help older people remain independent for longer will more than double this year from £8.2 million to £20.9 million.
This means more housing association tenants will benefit from the Registered Social Landlord Adaptations Programme, a preventative model that also reduces hospital admissions and long-term care costs.
On her visit to Bield Housing Association’s Tech Hub in Linlithgow, the Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville saw a variety of adaptations that are making a difference to the lives of older people and saving public money.
Ms Somerville said: “Scotland faces significant challenges as our population ages and it is preventative, people-focused approaches like this that will help us deliver better outcomes for older people while making the best use of public resources.
“That is why we announced in our Programme for Government that we would more than double the budget this year for the Registered Social Landlord’s Adaptations Programme from £8.25 million to £20.9 million to allow housing associations to plan and deliver more adaptations for their tenants.
“This financial year we are also investing £768 million in affordable housing, the majority of which will be for social rent. This reflects our long-standing commitment to ensure everyone in Scotland has a safe and affordable home to live in.”
Chief Executive of Bield Debbie Collins said: “Investing in the right housing and technology supports older people to manage their health, stay connected, and live independently – reducing reliance on formal care and helping to avoid preventable hospital stays.
“We believe housing must be seen as part of the health and care infrastructure and that continued investment in digital solutions and accessible homes not only improve people’s lives but delivers public value by saving money in the long-term.”
