Its key commitments are:

• The reduction - and for many the removal - of business rates affecting 150,000 small business premises

• Reduced rail journey times between our major cities

• An ambitious programme to tackle climate change

• Resources to freeze the Council Tax

John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth

"Our purpose is to create a more successful Scotland through increased sustainable economic growth. Our spending over the next three years is aligned to achieving that purpose.  We will deliver value for money by focusing spending on what matters, to ensure that every penny of Scottish money is used in Scotland to provide better schools, better health care, safer communities and better protection for our environment."

The Finance and Sustainable Growth Secretary also revealed details of an agreement that will give Scotland's 32 councils an increasing share of the Scottish block and greater control than ever before over local spending decisions. In return local authorities will work to deliver shared commitments including a freeze in Council Tax. 

Forward Scotland looks forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government under this new budget towards the pursuit of sustainable development as a means of improving the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Scotland and its people. 

Click the links below to view the main documents: 

The Scottish Government press release

The Scottish Budget Spending Review 2007 report