William Eichler 22 February 2019

Holyrood passes £42.5bn budget but warns of Brexit recession

Holyrood has approved the 2019-20 budget which will see £42.5bn invested into public services and the economy — but warned Brexit could push Scotland into recession.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said the budget provides essential funding for health and care services, education, local government and economic investment.

He also said the new budget ensured that 55% of income taxpayers in Scotland pay less tax than those earning the same income in the rest of the UK.

However, he warned that Scotland’s economy was being put at risk by Brexit ‘uncertainty’.

‘Today’s chief economist report shows that a ‘No Deal’ Brexit would be expected to push the Scottish economy into recession during 2019, with the potential for the economy to contract by between 2.5% and 7% by the end of 2019,’ Mr Mackay said.

‘Such an economic slowdown would risk a rise in unemployment from its current record low, with up to 100,000 more people in Scotland made unemployed.

‘This would be an economic shock on the scale of the 2008 financial crisis, and this cannot be allowed to happen.’

Mr Mackey called on the UK Government to rule out a ‘No Deal’ Brexit and extend the Article 50 process.

‘As a responsible Government we are also continuing — and indeed intensifying — our work to prepare for all outcomes as best we can,’ he continued.

‘However, while we will do everything we can to prepare, we will not be able to mitigate all of the impacts of the UK Government’s Brexit approach.

‘This budget safeguards Scotland as best we can, using all the powers and resources at our disposal with a clear focus on our priorities as a nation.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Activites Assistants (CASUAL)

Durham County Council
£24,404 (12.65 p.a. hour) - £25,183 (£13.05 p.a. hour)
This is an exciting opportunity for Casual Activities Assistants to join our Leisure and Sport Service.   Leisure Centres are
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pension Administration Officer

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 p.a. (Grade 3) Pay award pending
A vacancy has arisen within Pension Services for an Administration Officer to provide admin and data support to the pensions team and members of the L Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

County Attendance Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
We are seeking to recruit to the role of County Attendance Officer on a permanent basis to work predominately across the North or the South of the county. The team works across the whole of Oxfordshire so flexibility to work in other areas is also require County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Software Engineer Starter

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914
We're looking for an exceptional human to join our digital team to learn the skills and put them into practice, designing, developing and maintaining websites, mobile apps & AI. You'll join us on our journey as we create better end-to-end services for our Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Executive Director - Growth, Enterprise and Environment

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
£139,111.00 (pay award pending)
This is a chance to make a significant difference to the lives of families across our borough – and to seriously improve your quality of life. Redcar and Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, TS10 1RT
Recuriter: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Linkedin Banner