The Scottish Government have this week set out their draft budget for the 2026-27 financial year - the last budget before the Scottish Elections in May this year. Let’s look at how this “budget for Scottish families” is likely to impact the dietetic workforce and the BDA’s campaigns.
“This Budget delivers for families across the country, for a stronger NHS, and for a more prosperous future. It will fund landmark policies to continue efforts to eradicate child poverty, investing in a brighter future for Scotland and the children growing up here.” Shona Robison, MSP, Finance Secretary
Health and social care
For health and social care the budget outlines that:
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The NHS is to receive a total investment of £17.6bn, with £2.4bn for GPs, primary care and community services,
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over £2.3bn for social care and spending on primary care will see the first £98 million of additional funding for general practice from the £531 million three-year deal announced last year,
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This is as well as the £36 million promised to establish new high street GP walk‑in centres, which are to be piloted in fifteen locations which have not yet been announced.
Although there is no update on the delivery of the network of national treatment centres, the government says it will kick off a £500 million programme of investment in primary and community care infrastructure to create ‘a network of local care and wellbeing centres across Scotland’.
Investment in primary and community care infrastructure is welcome, but these ambitions will not be delivered without a properly funded dietetic workforce. Prevention policy continues to move faster than workforce planning, which risks limiting impact on the ground. With Scottish elections approaching, these funding choices matter, and dietitians have a real opportunity to contribute to what happens next through political engagement.
Poverty and food insecurity
The Scottish Child Payment will rise to £40 per week, with earlier support for children under one, and a further £49 million earmarked for new measures in the forthcoming Child Poverty Delivery Plan, due to be released in March. With this uplifted payment being delayed until 2027-2028 though, many who are dealing with the reality of food insecurity every day need will continue to struggle.
A commitment to universal free breakfast clubs in every primary school by August 2027, is of course welcome step in alleviating morning hunger. Whilst this is welcome, the BDA is disappointed that yet again, the opportunity to extend universal access to free school meals to primary 6 and 7s has been missed.
The dietetic profession will be invaluable in delivering the ambitions laid out in the Scottish budget, through dietitians' key work in prevention within public health and through individual condition progression; the need for continued investment in delivering a strong dietetic workforce; and being key partners in delivering the healthy nation this budget aspires to support.
We will continue to advocate for targeted funding for the AHP and dietetic workforce, and to ensure every child has access to a free and nutritious lunch every day at school through our Free School Meals campaign. With elections approaching, this Budget shows why political engagement matters. Members have a vital role to play in shaping what happens next:
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You can read more about our priority campaigns here.
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Use our Political engagement 101: A toolkit for BDA members to engage with your elected officials
