Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, welcomes the 2024-25 Scottish Budget which has prioritised our most vital services and will invest in NHS Scotland.
The 2024-25 Scottish Budget was commended to the Scottish Parliament by Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison, in a statement to the Chamber on Tuesday 19th December 2023.
Commenting Fiona said;
“The UK Government delivered a 3% real terms cut to England’s NHS in their autumn statement, while the Scottish Government are increasing their frontline NHS budget in real terms.
“Ensuring that the NHS has the protection it needs is a clear priority in this budget. The Scottish Government are mitigating UK austerity and will increase funding for frontline NHS Boards by £550 million.
“This increase will take the total investment to £13.2 billion in the year ahead and ensure our NHS in Scotland, has the support it needs going into the new year with an uplift in funding of over 4%.
“This level of investment will help the NHS continue to evolve its delivery of services and to work and work to improve our waiting times. The Scottish Government is also committed to ensuring our NHS remains publicly-owned, publicly operated, and free at the point of need.
“While it is clear the Scottish Government cannot mitigate every financial decision taken by the UK Government, I am pleased to see a budget which is prioritising our most vital services.”
ENDS