Scotland's finance secretary is setting out his spending plans for the next two financial years later, billing it as a "budget for independence".
Scotland's finance secretary has set out his spending plans for the next two years, insisting they would boost the economy.
John Swinney is announcing proposals to boost the economy, confirming the cost of the new Queensferry crossing has been cut by £145m, releasing funds.
John Swinney said there would be more cash for housing, despite having his overall budget cut by UK ministers.
He is also expected to pledge limited plans to compensate Scots for Westminster benefit cuts.
He also said the SNP government would help mitigate against Westminster welfare reforms.
But opposition parties will urge him to go further and do more.
But the opposition accused him of putting Scotland "on pause" until next autumn's independence referendum.
Speaking ahead of his budget announcement, Mr Swinney said the Scottish government was supporting an investment-led recovery.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Swinney said his draft budget would also fund a national performance centre for sport, while continuing the council tax freeze, as well as universal benefits like free prescriptions.
"We are managing public expenditure very, very tightly and very carefully to maximise the value for the taxpayer," he said.
"So in every step we take, whatever project we are looking at, whatever area of service, we are exercising ever more stringent financial scrutiny to make sure we deliver the maximum value for the public pound, but also we maximise the effectiveness of the use of public money investing in our public services."
Mr Swinney has announced that the cost of the new bridge over the Firth of Forth is an estimated £145m lower than previously thought, freeing up funds.
His budget is also expected to include measures to mitigate the impact of the UK government's cuts to housing benefits for people judged to have spare rooms.
Opposition parties will call on the finance secretary to address issues ranging from the cost of living and housing, to college funding and childcare.
Labour have said they want more action on the under-occupancy charge, labelled "the bedroom tax" by critics.
The Liberal Democrats will urge the SNP administration to reverse cuts to college budgets and extend free childcare, while the Greens have called for measures to address the rising cost of living.
