Highland Greens MSP Ariane Burgess hails 'greenest budget' ever
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The Scottish Parliament has backed the greenest budget in its history and made vital steps for our environment and wellbeing, according to Highland Greens MSP Ariane Burgess.
The budget includes £2.2 billion worth of climate and nature investment, as well as the expansion of free school meals to 20,000 more children and the scrapping of peak rail fares.
Ms Burgess said: “We want Scotland to be the best country to live and grow up in, and this Budget takes us a step closer to that, with a big expansion of free school meals and the £25 per week Scottish Child Payment, as well as scrapping peak rail fares and continued free bus travel for young people.
“The additional £100 million for local councils will go a long way towards protecting services whilst ensuring council staff receive fair pay rises. The Highlands & Islands community-based culture, arts and heritage activities are a big part of what makes our region special and I’m delighted that, through budget negotiations, we’ve been able to secure financial certainty for the sector.”