News in Review Wednesday 14th January 2026

This week’s News in Review has the main points from Scotland’s draft Budget – tax changes, health investment and support for families ahead of May’s Holyrood election. Plus – December house prices dip.

Key takeaways:

  • Scotland’s draft Budget raises Income Tax thresholds, adds new Council Tax bands and prioritises healthcare and family support
  • Additional measures include college funding increases, primary school breakfast clubs and major capital investment across infrastructure
  • Halifax data shows UK house prices fell again in December, with values and annual growth both continuing to soften