Scotland's total budget last year amounted to some £60bn. The UK government says the block grant for 2025/26 will be £47.7bn. Ms Robison must balance the books every year as the devolved administration has only limited powers to borrow money.

The Scottish Government faces tough spending decisions to fix struggling public services despite an increase in funding from Westminster.

The Scottish budget will “lay the foundations for long-term success”, finance secretary Shona Robison has said. She will announce the Scottish Government’s tax and spend plans for the year ahead to parliament on Wednesday at around 2.50pm.

While there isn't much to pay on below-average house purchases, a £400,000 home (twice the average price) carries a £13,350 bill in Scotland and £7,500 in England. If it's a second home, as an investment for rental perhaps, it rises to £37,350 in Scotland and £27,500 in England.

SNP ministers must end their era of “high tax and free spending” in Wednesday’s Scottish Budget and finally start reforming the country’s struggling public services, opposition parties have argued. Shona Robison,

Families must be protected from further punishing tax rises in today's Budget, SNP ministers have been warned.