In Numbers
The Scottish economy is now 7.1% smaller than it was pre-Covid-19. The UK economy has shrunk by 8.5% over the same period.

The current lockdown measures will likely reverse some of the fragile economic recovery seen in the summer with GDP forecast to fall by 5.2% in the first quarter of 2021.

The Scottish Fiscal Commission does not expect GDP to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024

Personal Tax
“All Scottish tax payers will pay slightly less income tax next year than they will this year.”

£90m will be made available to local authorities to freeze council tax levels for the coming year and prevent household bills rising.

There will be no changes to income tax rates and bands.

Business
The Strategic Business Framework Fund will continue to support businesses beyond the end of this financial year, should funding from the UK government continue.

The Finance Minister announced the doubling of the discretionary fund of £60m for local authorities and a commitment to pay February grants at level four, irrespective of which levels are confirmed over the next month.

Public Sector Pay
There will not be a pay freeze as in England.
A minimum 3% increase for those on salaries up to £25k, with £750 cap.
Those on salaries above £25k, +1% capped at £800.

TL;DR [Too Long: Didn’t Read]
No changes to income tax rates and bands
Extra funding for jobs/skills in response to Covid pandemic
Local authorities offered incentives to freeze council tax rates

More details will be added when available.

The Full Budget details are available at
https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-budget-2021-22/