CHRISTINE Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale has welcomed the Scottish Government’s draft budget for 2015-16, which includes continued investment in the Borders.

Setting out the budget to parliament on Thursday, Finance Secretary John Swinney said the plans would make Scotland a more prosperous country, tackle inequalities, continue to protect and invest in Scotland’s public services and would build on the Scottish Government’s track record since 2007.

The latest draft Scottish budget means that people living in Midlothian and the Scottish Borders will continue to benefit from free prescriptions, free school meals, free personal care for the elderly and average savings of around £1,200 thanks to extra money provided to freeze council tax since 2007.

The draft budget also includes funding for 600 hours of free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds, more affordable housing, a commitment to the Living Wage, continued measures to fully mitigate the Bedroom Tax, a protected NHS budget and ongoing investment in the Borders Railway, which will start taking passengers in 2015.

In addition to this, the Scottish Borders will receive a share of the £10.8 billion local government allocation and a £4.5 million boost to its housing stock.

Commenting on the draft budget, Ms Grahame said: “The draft budget shows the SNP Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the public services we value, including health and social care and education, against a backdrop of cuts from Westminster.

“My constituency of Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale will continue to benefit from the SNP Government’s budget commitments through, for example guaranteed, for the completion of the Borders Railway and additional funding to build more housing – something which is desperately needed in the area.”