Glasgow MSP Bob Doris has welcomed extra support for both the college and housing sectors in the Scottish budget. The budget for 2012/13 was presented to Parliament by Finance Secretary John Swinney yesterday and approved by a majority of 70 MSPs.

Mr Doris said: "I am delighted that the Scottish Government's focus on jobs and economic recovery continues unabated in this budget.

"There is an additional £87m invested in affordable and energy efficient homes. These measures will support jobs in the construction industry and help alleviate fuel poverty.

"£10m for a new Greener Housing Innovation Scheme will help councils and housing associations to build green homes for the future.

"The budget also includes new investment for transport and health, and I know the college sector will welcome the extra £8m funding and £11.4m for student support in 2012/13. This is in addition to the £15m Transformation Fund that was announced at the end of last year to help drive reform in the college sector. By 2014/15, the SNP Government will have invested £4.7bn in colleges, which is 40% more than in the 8 years of the previous Labour/ Lib Dem administration.

"The budget will support a further 5,000 jobs through an additional £382m in capital spending.

"It is remarkable given the restraints placed on the Scottish budget from the Westminster Coalition Government that Finance Secretary John Swinney has been able to present such a forward-thinking budget to Parliament.

"The SNP will continue to focus our efforts on economic recovery and in supporting the sectors which will lead us to recovery."