When are the Scottish and Welsh Budgets likely to be held? An update on devolved taxes.
Scottish Budget
The Scottish Budget is usually held in December. However, with the UK's Budget scheduled for 26 November 2025, this will give the Scottish Government little time to assess its implications for Scotland and finalise its plans.
In a letter to the Finance and Public Administration Committee of the Scottish Parliament dated 19 September 2025, Shona Robison MSP (Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government) states, "I am minded to propose Thursday, 15 January 2026 as the publication date for the Scottish Budget and associated documents".
While this date has not yet been confirmed formally, it looks likely that the Scottish Budget will not be presented until the new year.
The last Scottish Budget was held on 4 December 2024.
Scottish Income Tax has applied since 6 April 2016 and is payable by Scottish taxpayers. This followed the introduction, on 1 April 2015, of:
- Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) which replaced Stamp Duty Land Tax in Scotland.
- Scottish Landfill Tax, which replaced Landfill Tax on transactions taking place in Scotland.
Aggregates Levy is due to be devolved to Scotland, with the Scottish Aggregates Tax planned to go live on 1 April 2026.
Welsh Budget
The Welsh Government has published its Budget timeline for 2026-27:
- 14 October 2025: Outline draft Budget scrutinised by the finance committees.
- 3 November 2025: Detailed draft Budget scrutinised by policy committees.
- 16 December 2025: Draft Budget debate in Plenary.
- 20 January 2026: Final Budget published.
- 27 January 2026: Final Budget debate.
In 2024, the outline and detailed draft budgets were Published together on 10 December 2024.
Since 6 April 2019, Wales has been able to set its own Welsh Rate of Income Tax. This followed the introduction, from 1 April 2018, of Land Transaction Tax (LTT) which replaced Stamp Duty Land Tax in Wales.
Useful guides on this topic
Scottish Income Tax
From 6 April 2016, Scotland sets its own Income Tax rates. What is the rate of Scottish Income Tax? What implications does it have?
Scottish Income Tax: Am I a Scottish taxpayer?
Who does Scottish Income Tax apply to? Am I resident in Scotland? What constitutes a residence and the 'main' residence?
Scottish LBTT Rates
What are the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) rates?
Welsh Income Tax
Since 6 April 2019, Wales has been able to set its own Welsh Rate of Income Tax.
Welsh Income Tax: Am I a Welsh Taxpayer?
Who is a Welsh taxpayer? What if I move across the border during the tax year? What about non-UK residents who work in Wales?
Welsh Land Transaction Tax (LTT)
What is Land Transaction Tax? How does it operate? What reliefs are available?
External links
Scottish Government, letter from Shona Robison MSP 19 September 2025