A record funding of £18 billion will be put into health and social care in Scotland, including £12.9 billion for health boards to support patient services.
The local government will also be required to meet a minimum of £10.50 hourly rate for all care workers in order to retain the workforce.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Investment in our health and social care services is central to Scotland’s recovery from COVID-19 - and to ensuring we properly recognise and reward the hardworking staff and carers who have gone over and above to make sure we are all cared for when we need it most.
“Our priority for social care is the creation of the National Care Service, but this Budget ensures we do not wait for the service to come into being to continue to drive up standards and quality.
“This Budget will ensure everyone continues to get the care they need, while repaying the efforts of those who are looking after us all.
“We will support services to deliver care – either physical or mental – in a way that works best for patients, while addressing the health inequalities our society faces, which unfortunately have been exacerbated by the pandemic.”
Here's where some of the budget will be spent:
- £1.6bn into social care and integration
- Over £1.2bn into mental health services
- £147.6 million to address drug deaths and tackle health problems caused by alcohol.
- £554 million into infrastructure to expand Scotland’s network of National Treatment Centres
