Scotland's Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, has warned that upcoming budget cuts will significantly impact the Scottish government's ability to deliver essential services.

Robison expressed concern that the UK is entering a "new era of austerity" under the Labour government at Westminster, just ahead of an anticipated announcement where she is expected to confirm substantial reductions in public services across Scotland.

Reports over the weekend suggested that the cuts could exceed £500 million, with a freeze on non-essential spending already in place. Robison argued that these measures are a result of funding reductions imposed by the UK government, though the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC), an independent economic forecaster, recently indicated that much of the financial strain stems from decisions made by the Scottish government itself.

The SFC report highlighted that policies such as the council tax freeze, more generous public sector pay agreements compared to the rest of the UK, and social security reforms have limited the Scottish government’s financial flexibility both now and in the future.

Robison criticized the new Labour government for ushering in what she described as a "new era of austerity," asserting that the proposed cuts will profoundly affect the government's ability to serve the people of Scotland. However, she assured that the SNP government would do everything possible to shield public services and citizens from the budget reductions imposed by Westminster, emphasizing that her administration's budget would remain balanced.

Labour, meanwhile, has defended its budget approach, arguing that the "painful" measures are necessary to address a financial "black hole" left by the previous Conservative administration.

Concerns have already been raised by environmental groups and the arts sector in Scotland regarding the impact of the upcoming budget on their areas. First Minister John Swinney is set to present his first Programme for Government to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, following a speech at the SNP conference where he emphasized the need for the government to work "smarter and harder" while denying that austerity was being introduced in Scotland.

On Monday, Swinney reiterated that the devolved administration was "living within its means." However, Scottish Labour’s finance spokesperson, Michael Marra, accused the SNP of "secrecy and spin" regarding the country's financial situation. Marra called on the SNP to be transparent about the financial challenges ahead and criticized the lack of clarity on what constitutes an "essential" job, as the SNP has promised to protect such roles from cuts.

Scottish Conservatives finance spokeswoman Liz Smith also weighed in, arguing that the SNP has created a "high tax, low growth environment" and warned that any further tax increases would be "devastating" for Scotland. Photo by Scottish Government, Wikimedia commons.