Scotland is to receive £220m emergency UK government money to help tackle Covid-19.

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has confirmed this increased funding following discussions with the Devolved Administrations. This funding is intended to ensure the Devolved Administrations can take the Covid precautions they feel are necessary to keep people safe.

The additional amounts now being provided to each government on top of their Autumn Budget 2021 funding are:

• Scottish Government – £440 million
• Welsh Government – £270 million
• Northern Ireland Executive – £150 million

These amounts will continue to be kept under review.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said:

“Following discussions with the Devolved Administrations, we are now doubling the additional funding available.

“We will continue to listen to and work with the Devolved Administrations in the face of this serious health crisis to ensure we’re getting the booster to people all over the UK and that people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are supported.”

The Scottish government has made repeated calls for more funds from the Treasury as Omicron numbers rise.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the announcement but said it appeared to be an advance on money that would have come to Scotland anyway.

Her spokesperson also said she was “incredulous” that neither the prime minister nor the chancellor attended a meeting of the Cobra committee with the devolved nations on Sunday.

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