Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has introduced the Budget Bill 2017-18 to the Scottish Parliament.

The introduction marks the first formal step in the process of parliamentary scrutiny, following the publication of the Scottish Government's draft budget in December.

As a minority administration, the government has to persuade at least one of the other parties to back its budget, which was defeated in draft form on publication.

Read more: Councils appeal to opposition leaders in budget crisis as cuts campaign kicks off

The Scottish Government also failed to win a vote at Holyrood on its budget proposals this week, with Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh casting the crucial ballot.

Mr Mackay said: "We have published a budget for growth and public services, for our environment and our communities.

"It delivers increased investment in education, with £120 million for schools to use at their discretion to close the attainment gap in 2017-18 - £20 million more than previously announced.

"This budget will deliver record investment in the NHS through an additional £304 million in resource funding, £120 million above inflation as part of an overall commitment of an extra £500 million above inflation over this Parliament. And it protects low-income households from tax hikes and supports more and better jobs.

Read more: Councils appeal to opposition leaders in budget crisis as cuts campaign kicks off

"This government seeks consensus and I remain in active discussions with other political parties.

"I am considering the detail of the propositions that we have received to date and will continue to take forward constructive discussions on our budget plans to deliver growth for our economy and strong public services for everyone."

Labour has refused to back the budget in its current form, calling for a tax hike for the highest earners and claiming the budget proposes cutting £327 million from councils' core funding.

The Conservatives also refuse to back it in opposition to tax proposals while the Liberal Democrats want 1p on tax to pay for a £400 million package of services.

Read more: Councils appeal to opposition leaders in budget crisis as cuts campaign kicks off

The Greens are calling for the government to introduce more progressive taxation before they can back the budget plans.