A DEAL to pass the Scottish Budget has been agreed between the SNP, Liberal Democrats and Greens.
Shona Robison, Finance Secretary, revealed the agreement which will see more cash for school meals, drug treatment services and cheaper bus fares.
The amendments include £16.7 million in funding for drug and alcohol services, including £1m for specialist support for babies born addicted to drugs.
A £2 bus fare cap pilot will begin in one regional transport area. There will also be free bus travel for asylum seekers.
Support for hospices increases from £4m to £5m.
Free school meal eligibility will be extended in S1-S3 in eight local authority areas for pupils in receipt of Scottish Child Payment.
Robison said: “The First Minister was clear that we would bring forward a budget by Scotland for Scotland, and the negotiations we have taken forward have been in that spirit.
“These additional initiatives demonstrate the value of a progressive approach and dialogue.
“During every stage of this process, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have engaged in our discussions in a positive and constructive manner.
“Through seeking compromise I believe we are delivering a budget that will strengthen services and support our communities. With the agreements with these two parties now in place this will secure a majority in parliament in support of the Budget Bill.”
The Greens confirmed their backing following the negotiations.
Ross Greer, finance spokesperson said: “No young person should be sitting in school hungry. As a result of our work, thousands more pupils in S1-S3 will now receive a free school meal. This will build on the success of expanding free school meals in primary schools, a policy delivered by the Scottish Greens a few years ago.
“Our Green MSPs have also secured a year-long regional trial where bus fares will be capped at £2 because we know the cost of public transport needs to come down. This also builds on the success of free bus travel for young people, another Scottish Green policy we made a reality.”
Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar had previously said his party would abstain on the Budget vote in Holyrood.
