Budget branded ‘missed opportunity’ by Swinney despite £320m for Scotland

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has unveiled his latest spending plans.

Jeremy Hunt’s Budget was criticised by John Swinney (PA) (PA Wire)

Deputy First Minister John Swinney has branded the UK Budget a “missed opportunity”, despite Chancellor Jeremy Hunt promising another £320 million for the Scottish Government.

As well as the additional cash, which will come to Holyrood ministers as a result of spending decisions for England, Mr Hunt said Scotland would be home to one of 12 “Canary Wharf”-style investment zones – where businesses can benefit from tax reliefs.

But Mr Swinney said there should have “been more substantive action” from the Chancellor to increase the Scottish Government’s budget.