Swinney does not rule out tax hikes in Scotland

First Minister John Swinney has refused to rule out tax increases in next year's Scottish Budget. His government has been warned it could face a £1bn funding shortfall if the UK government raises income tax rates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Big Issue

Scottish minister remains 'concerned' Labour's child poverty strategy will lack impact

Big Issue sat down with Scottish social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville as she called for Westminster to act on child poverty.

John Swinney backs Steve Clarke for knighthood after Scotland World Cup qualification

The First Minister said it would “be a lovely idea” for the Scotland manager to be honoured for taking the men’s football team to next year’s World Cup.

Scottish government aiming to issue first bonds in 2026-27

The Scottish government is "on track" to issue its first ever bonds in the next financial year, according to the first minister. John Swinney confirmed bonds should be issued in 2026-27, though this is subject to the outcome of May's Holyrood election as well as other factors.

First minister 'open' to national inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland

A woman claiming to be a victim of an alleged Pakistani grooming gang has urged Scotland's first minister to launch a national inquiry.

Scotland Reach 2026 World Cup With Stunning Late Show, Spain, Switzerland Qualify

Injury-time wonder-goals by Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean handed Scotland a stunning 4-2 win over Denmark on Tuesday to qualify them for the 2026 World Cup, while Spain also booked their ticket with a 2-2 draw against Turkey.

Have Scotland qualified for World Cup 2026? Latest Tartan Army results, past record at FIFA soccer tournament

Scotland last featured at the FIFA World Cup in 1998. Will they return for the first time in the 21st century in 2026?
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