In what will be a ‘bold, ambitious budget for the future’, the deputy first minister will outline budget proposals whilst meeting legislative requirements to have an approved Scottish Budget in place for the start of the next financial year.

The date has been delayed as the UK government spending review will only be revealed on 25 November at the same time as the Autumn Statement.

The Scotland Budget will be the first opportunity for Swinney to set out plans for the SRIT, which allows the Scottish government to alter income tax rates within a 10p baseline.

Swinney said: ‘In response to the later than usual UK spending review publication date and despite the continued uncertainty around our financial settlement, I have today written to the finance committee to seek their agreement that the Scottish government publish the draft budget on 16 December 2015.

‘This approach will give the Scottish government and our partners as much time as possible after the UK spending review on 25 November to develop proposals for a bold, ambitious budget for the future.

 ‘In years to come, the additional responsibilities we will get through the Scotland Bill will enable this, and future Scottish governments, to take a distinctive approach to the challenges we face, to design policies and programmes that align with our vision of a stronger, wealthier and fairer society.

‘This government has used the tax powers we have to support those on low incomes, such as removing tax on buying a home from the 50% of people at the bottom of the market. When we set out our tax plans they will be driven by our principles of establishing a system that is fair and progressive.’