Scottish parliament supports minority government’s tax and spending plans after intensive negotiations

The SNP minority government has passed its budget and avoided triggering an early election after securing a coalition of support at Holyrood.

The tax and spending plans, which provide £21.7bn for health and social care, including £200m to reduce waiting times and tackle delayed discharge, passed the first parliamentary stage, marking a significant success for first minister, John Swinney, who promised a more consensual style of politics when he took office in May 2024.