Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for �':' � Scottish GovernmentEducation and Skills �-� Riaghaltas na h-AlbaJohn Swinney MSP ...111111•..._ gov.scot

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Clare Adamson MSP T3.40 Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH191SP Direct Tel: 0131 3485222 Fax: 0131 348 5222 es.committee@parliament.scot

'lo December 2018

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I would like to respond to your letter of 7 November 2018 regarding the Committee's pre­budget scrutiny of the Scottish Budget 2019-20.

The Education and Skills Portfolio is at the heart of delivering excellence and equity within Education in Scotland. Within a challenging financial climate the Scottish Government is firm in its resolve to deliver a world class education system which meets the needs of all our young people. This is why the education portfolio will receive a real terms increase in investment in 2019-20.

I note and welcome further scrutiny later in the parliamentary session of specific public bodies, including SOS, SFC, SQA and Education Scotland, as detailed in your letter.

Please find attached the Scottish Government's position in response to the comments raised in your letter.

JOHN SWINNEY

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