More public spending cuts will be required amid a “very challenging environment”, Scotland’s finance secretary has warned. In a letter to a Holyrood committee, Shona Robison said “additional measures” will be necessary following UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcement of a £22 billion hole in the public finances. It came as college lecturers were urged to accept a new pay deal that would bring a long-running dispute to an end.
Unions have also recommended NHS workers accept a 5.5 per cent pay increase. College Employers Scotland (CES) said the Scottish Government had agreed to provide an extra £4.
5 million in additional funding to allow the fresh offer to be tabled. Ms Robison said more cost-cutting measures were needed following the Treasury’s review of public finances and uncertainty over how pay review body recommendations will be funded. Earlier this month, she confirmed a freeze on public sector recruitment for everything except “essential frontline” posts.
Scotland’s version of the winter heating payment will also be means-tested, following a similar decision by the UK government. Meanwhile, the arts body Creative Scotland has closed one of its key funds due to concerns over support from the Scottish Government. In a letter to Kenneth Gibson, convener of Holyrood’s finance committee, Ms Robison said more cost-cutting was needed in the 2024/25 financial year.
She said: “The Scottish Government, along with government and public sector bo.