Councils given 'complete flexibility' to raise tax rates

Key Facts

Opposition parties said councils would be forced to put up rates due to a tough budget settlement, but Ms Forbes said the government had protected local government "as far as we can".
Kate Forbes said she had offered a fair funding deal to councils Income tax rates have been frozen, although Ms Forbes has made some changes to the thresholds at which people fall into different bands.
The thresholds of the starter and basic rates are to rise with inflation, but those for the higher and top rates will be frozen at their current levels in a bid to raise extra funds.
Other measures detailed in the budget include: £18bn for health and social care £4bn in social security payments, including £197m to double the Scottish Child Payment A business rates relief package for hospitality, retail and leisure firms worth £745m A public sector wage floor of £10.50 per hour £831m for affordable housing projects Almost £2bn of investment in decarbonising homes, transport and industry Ms Forbes said: "This is a transitional budget, as people, businesses and services get back on their feet.