New polling reveals strong cross-party backing for key elements of the SNP’s Budget, increasing pressure on opposition parties to back the Scottish Government’s proposals.
A Norstat survey conducted after the Budget announcement shows widespread support for initiatives such as universal winter heating payments, record NHS funding, and affordable housing investment.
Universal winter heating payments for pensioners have the backing of 69% of Labour voters, 71% of Tory voters, and 72% of Lib Dem voters.
The pledge to provide record funding to the NHS to reduce waiting times garners approval from 78% of Labour voters, 69% of Tory voters, and 81% of Lib Dem voters.
Plans to deliver 8,000 affordable homes are supported by 61% of Labour voters, with a narrower 52% of Tory and Lib Dem voters also in favour.
The government’s tax policy, which ensures most Scots pay less than elsewhere in the UK, is endorsed by 54% of Labour voters and a significant plurality of Tory and Lib Dem voters.
SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown called the Budget a direct response to Scotland’s priorities, citing the broad support for its key measures.
Brown emphasised that the proposals reflect what people want, delivering action on NHS improvements, affordable housing, and fairer taxes.
The SNP leader warned opposition parties against blocking progress, suggesting that doing so would put them at odds with their own supporters.
Brown also highlighted Labour’s role in scrapping the Winter Fuel Payment, arguing that the SNP’s winter heating measures correct past mistakes.
The Scottish Government’s plans, he said, aim to deliver meaningful progress for communities across Scotland while ensuring the majority pay less tax.
The SNP intends to campaign in communities across Scotland, sharing the message of how the Budget will benefit everyday lives.
Brown concluded by urging opposition parties to listen to their voters and back the proposals, framing the Budget as a decisive step forward for Scotland.
