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Budgets are about choices. And those choices matter. For families across Angus, this budget continues the strongest package of cost-of-living support anywhere in the UK. Prescriptions and eye tests remain free, peak rail fares have been abolished, and young people from Angus can attend university without being burdened by tens of thousands of pounds of debt.

Families benefit from 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare, worth around £6000 per child. Free bus travel helps under-22s get to work or college and keeps older residents connected. Thousands of children receive free school meals, and every newborn receives a baby box.

These measures are not abstract - they make a real difference to household budgets. The budget also strengthens support for families through the Scottish Child Payment, with further increases for families with infants. Funding is being committed to mitigate the impact of the two-child benefit cap, keeping more Scottish children out of poverty.

Our NHS will see funding rise to £22.5 billion, with record investment for primary care and social care. That means more appointments, more operations and continued progress on waiting times, alongside staff recruitment and retention.

Record investment will help deliver more affordable, energy-efficient homes. The Small Business Bonus Scheme continues to remove rates from thousands of properties, supporting small businesses.

This is a minority Parliament, so budgets require engagement and compromise. It was disappointing that Labour announced their abstention before a single line had been scrutinised, while the Conservatives appear determined to oppose any budget. The Lib Dems and the Greens have engaged constructively to secure improvements. This is a budget focused on families, on fairness and on Scotland’s future, and that is why I supported it. Because in Angus, those choices are not theoretical. They are felt in household budgets, GP surgeries and opportunities for the next generation.