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SNP budget plan approval expected SNP budget plan approval expected
(40 minutes later)
The Scottish government's budget for the year ahead is expected to pass its first parliamentary hurdle, despite concern from rival parties.The Scottish government's budget for the year ahead is expected to pass its first parliamentary hurdle, despite concern from rival parties.
Ministers said the £30bn spending plans would protect frontline public services such as schools and hospitals.Ministers said the £30bn spending plans would protect frontline public services such as schools and hospitals.
Finance Secretary John Swinney is likely to say which concessions he will give to other parties so the minority SNP government can pass the budget.Finance Secretary John Swinney is likely to say which concessions he will give to other parties so the minority SNP government can pass the budget.
It is expected to go through with Conservative and Lib Dem support.It is expected to go through with Conservative and Lib Dem support.
But Labour, which demanded the government re-instate the cancelled Glasgow Airport rail link, is likely to oppose it.But Labour, which demanded the government re-instate the cancelled Glasgow Airport rail link, is likely to oppose it.
Labour have abandoned any pretence of credibility on Scotland's budget Derek BrownleeScottish Conservatives
MSPs will debate the draft 2010-11 budget as Scottish ministers warned of a spending squeeze, brought on by Westminster efficiency savings.MSPs will debate the draft 2010-11 budget as Scottish ministers warned of a spending squeeze, brought on by Westminster efficiency savings.
Brian TaylorPolitical editor I expect John Swinney this afternoon, opening the debate, to signal support for significant pay constraint in the upper echelons of the public sector.
In the next few weeks, Mr Swinney will outline a full pay policy. But we should get some pointers this afternoon.
He'll back a freeze in top salaries - where he has the power to do so.
He'll urge the public sector to shelve bonuses. And he'll argue the overall salary bill should be driven down.
Read Brian Taylor's blog
The Liberal Democrats said they wanted pay cuts for top public servants in return for their support for the bill.The Liberal Democrats said they wanted pay cuts for top public servants in return for their support for the bill.
The Tories have urged the finance secretary to prepare an emergency budget, which could be used in the event of more public spending cuts after the UK election.The Tories have urged the finance secretary to prepare an emergency budget, which could be used in the event of more public spending cuts after the UK election.
Mr Swinney said he would welcome constructive proposals from opposition parties - but has warned they must be realistic, given what cash was available.Mr Swinney said he would welcome constructive proposals from opposition parties - but has warned they must be realistic, given what cash was available.
Labour finance spokesman Andy Kerr accused the SNP of collaborating with the Conservatives to bring in massive cuts.Labour finance spokesman Andy Kerr accused the SNP of collaborating with the Conservatives to bring in massive cuts.
He said: "John Swinney's budget for 2010-11 is growing by almost £1bn, but he is refusing to listen to the needs of the economy.He said: "John Swinney's budget for 2010-11 is growing by almost £1bn, but he is refusing to listen to the needs of the economy.
"The SNP have failed to make a single change to their budget in response to the global recession.""The SNP have failed to make a single change to their budget in response to the global recession."
Conservative finance spokesman Derek Brownlee accused Labour of being unrealisticConservative finance spokesman Derek Brownlee accused Labour of being unrealistic
He said: "In recent weeks. Scottish Labour has demanded almost £800m of extra spending. They have abandoned any pretence of credibility on Scotland's budget."He said: "In recent weeks. Scottish Labour has demanded almost £800m of extra spending. They have abandoned any pretence of credibility on Scotland's budget."
If passed, the budget would need two further votes at Holyrood, before winning final approval.If passed, the budget would need two further votes at Holyrood, before winning final approval.
Last year's budget was defeated by a casting vote during the process and then passed at the second attempt, after opposition parties won concessions from ministers in return for their support.Last year's budget was defeated by a casting vote during the process and then passed at the second attempt, after opposition parties won concessions from ministers in return for their support.