The focus of the Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee’s pre-Budget scrutiny 2027-28 will be on funding for culture and heritage, though consideration will also be given to funding for international development and external affairs.

Pre-Budget scrutiny seeks to:

• influence how the Budget is prepared
• improve transparency and increase public awareness of the Budget
• consider how the Government’s Budget for the coming year should respond to new fiscal and wider policy challenges
• lead to better results and outcomes when compared against the Scottish Government’s targets and goals.

When does it happen?

Pre-Budget scrutiny normally takes place in the months leading up to the Scottish Budget.

Find out more about pre-Budget scrutiny and the Budget process