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Scottish Budget 2021
9 December 2021 saw Kate Forbes, the Scottish Finance Secretary, set out the Scottish Government’s spending plans for 2022/23.
Whilst Rishi Sunak’s Budget on 27 October 2021 contained some measures that were of interest to Scottish residents, Kate announced today that the Scottish purse, which this year is smaller due to Brexit and the withdrawal of Covid funding, will maximise the funds available to them to deliver key priorities and will focus on giving resources to low income households.
Scottish residents have reason to be optimistic though, as forecasts suggest that the Scottish economy will return to pre pandemic levels by spring of 2022.
There were lots of funding announcements for projects focusing on climate change, health and social care, education, ending homelessness, providing affordable housing, tackling child poverty and helping families with the costs of school lunches, uniforms and travel costs.
The following announcements will however be welcomed by many:
- Business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses who will receive a 50% reduction in their business rates for the first three months of 2022, to support them in their return to more normal levels of trading
- Income Tax rates will remain frozen for the 2022/23 tax year, with the tax free personal allowance of £12,570 remaining frozen through to April 2026*
- The Income Tax starting and basic rate bands will see inflationary increases, thus helping those on lower incomes keep more of their money*
- A public sector pay policy with a floor of £10.50 per hour will be introduced, increasing wages for the lowest paid workers
- Increase in the Scottish Child payment, doubling it to £20 per week from April 2022 and expanding eligibility to children aged 6 – 15 from December 2022 onwards
- Over £50million to support the farming sector in tackling climate and nature emergencies and to produce food more sustainably, including £10million for the National Test Programme to transform agriculture and £35.8million for agri-environment schemes
If you have any queries regarding any of the above announcements please do not hesitate to contact us.
*Scottish Income Tax rates 2022/23
Band Income range Rate Starter rate Over £12,570 – £14,732 19% Basic rate Over £14,732 – £25,688 20% Intermediate rate Over £25,688 – £43,662 21% Higher rate Over £43,662 – £150,000 41% Top rate Over £150,000 46% Our 2022/23 Tax Guide now features all of the up-to-date Scottish rates. Simply click the PDF below.
