The Scottish Budget was finally passed today by 64 votes to one against, with 60 abstentions and four MSPs not voting.
SNP and Conservative MSPs, as well as Independent MSP Margo MacDonald,
voted in favour of the Budget and Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the
Greens voted to abstain.
The lone vote against it was from Labour MSP Cathie Craigie. The four MSPs who did not vote were the Presiding Officer, Liberal Democrats Robert Brown and Ross Finnie, and Labour MSP Marilyn Livingstone.
An amendment from Labour's Iain Gray adding a call from more skills and training development, including modern apprenticeships, was given wide cross-party support except from the Lib Dems, who largely abstained.
Lib Dem MSP Iain Smith voted against Gray's amendment, which was passed with 110 votes.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said: "Our goal has been to deliver a budget to benefit all of Scotland through increased, sustainable economic growth and measures to strengthen Scottish society. Today marks a major achievement in taking forward our commitments.
"In order to achieve a parliamentary majority we have had to make some tough choices and build consensus. Last week we agreed to provide additional resources for police numbers and climate change and today I announced moves to accelerate the reduction and removal of business rates and funding for the Bus Services Operating Grant.
"I am delighted that the budget passed today will ensure we can deliver policies that will freeze the Council Tax, increase funding for local government, secure jobs and boost investment in the voluntary sector, as well as delivering vital infrastructure projects and support for Scottish business.
"Our purpose is to create a more successful Scotland through increased sustainable economic growth. Our spending over the next three years is aligned to achieving that purpose.
"We will deliver value for money by focusing spending on what matters, to ensure that every pound of Scottish money is used in Scotland to provide better schools, better health care, safer communities and better protection for our environment."
Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative leader, said: "The Scottish Conservatives have changed this budget for the better.
"We have used our influence to deliver key policies which will mean more police, lower taxes, and a new national drugs strategy."
Green MSP Patrick Harvie said: "Today we have abstained because the budget, improved as it is, still does not go far enough in the right direction for Scotland. There are progressive proposals within it which we welcome, but the SNP still put road-building ahead of public transport.
"Scottish Green Party will continue to work constructively with other parties on an issue-by-issue basis to move social justice and sustainability higher up the agenda, and to try and turn around the supertanker of Government policy."
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