SNP 'cautiously optimistic' on budget D-Day

THE Scottish Government was today "cautiously optimistic" that its £30 billion budget will be passed by MSPs tonight.

Finance Secretary John Swinney last night announced concessions on college places and business support in an effort to secure opposition backing for the 2010-11 spending plans.

Last year, the SNP budget was defeated on the casting vote of the presiding officer, but this year Mr Swinney has made early concessions in a bid to avoid a repeat.

He set out plans for a 20m boost for college places, and 10m to support access to finance for firms. Both measures were demanded by the Lib Dems.

He is also understood to have agreed to Tory calls for all items of spending of 25,000, excluding salaries, to be listed publicly, and a deal was expected with the Greens over more money for insulation.

Labour looks likely to vote against the budget though, as the SNP is refusing to reinstate Glasgow Airport Rail Link.