Scottish Liberal Democrats today voted for the Scottish Government's budget after additional spending was allocated to priority areas argued for by the party.
Willie Rennie MSPIn a tight budget, the party argued for the additional finance supplied by the UK Coalition Government to be spent on colleges, social housing, transport projects and early intervention.
Speaking after the debate, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP said:
"This budget wasn't perfect by any means but it was good enough to get our support.
"The additional support for students, colleges, new homes and help for children from disadvantaged backgrounds reflected the priorities we argued for.
"Together with the National Union of Students and thousands of students across Scotland, we made the case for a reversal of the £40million cut imposed on colleges by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government have largely reversed that cut.
"We argued for more funds to build homes for rent and more has been allocated today. To reach the homeless targets and the desperate need for more homes we will continue to press for more.
"The additional spending on early intervention is welcome too in order to give children from disadvantaged backgrounds the best start in life.
"We also welcome the commitment from John Swinney to explore the support for the Islands through the Air Discount Scheme."