SNP budget set to be approved by MSPs 'tomorrow'

Published on Tuesday 3 February 2009 12:35

THE Scottish Government's £33 billion budget is likely to be passed by MSPs tomorrow, it emerged today.

A deal with the Liberal Democrats that will see the spending plan approved is close to completion.

MSPs rejected the SNP administration's budget proposal last Wednesday.

But since the vote – in which Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens voted against the SNP – ministers and opposition leaders have been discussing how to reach an agreement.

A spokesman for First Minister Alex Salmond said: "We are very close to finalising an agreement with the Liberal Democrats to secure support for the passage of the budget.

"It is my expectation that the budget would pass through its three stages tomorrow."

Mr Salmond met Labour leader Iain Gray this morning in continuing efforts to reach a deal.

The First Minister's spokesman said the private meeting "was very constructive".

Ministers are seeking the "broadest possible support" for the budget, he added.