On Thursday (December 9), the Scottish Government will publish its budget for 2022/23. It will be the first budget of this session of parliament, following the elections in May. Kate Forbes’ third budget in charge of the Scottish Government’s finances will arguably be the most difficult she has faced. Whilst the Scottish Government will have more resources at its disposal than … [Read more...] about Kate’s budget blues
#SP2021: it’s the economy…
With less than a week to go before polling day, what issues can we take from the election debates and party manifestos? Here are six takeaways:There is much common ground between the parties on policy priorities for the next parliamentThere is much more common ground between the parties on the big public policy priorities for the next parliament than you might … [Read more...] about #SP2021: it’s the economy…
Tax policy in Holyrood 5
Tax has been at the forefront of policy debate throughout the last parliament. Most noticeable has been the Scottish Parliament’s new powers on income tax. These became operational in 2017, and paved the way for significant policy divergences between Scotland and the rest of the UK (rUK). But there have been significant policy changes in other areas too. Council tax has been … [Read more...] about Tax policy in Holyrood 5
Cui bono? Carlaw’s tax cuts
Earlier this week, Scottish Conservatives leadership candidate Jackson Carlaw committed to close the income tax gap between Scotland and rUK for those earning between £27,000 and £45,000. The majority of individuals with income in this range (those with incomes less than £43,430) currently face annual income tax liabilities of up to £150 higher than equivalent counterparts in … [Read more...] about Cui bono? Carlaw’s tax cuts
Scotland’s budget prospects
The Fraser of Allander Institute has published its 4th annual Scotland’s Budget Report.The latest report shows that the Scottish Government’s resource budget in the past three years has evolved more healthily than was anticipated at the start of the parliamentary term in 2016, due to both UK government spending increases and Scottish government tax … [Read more...] about Scotland’s budget prospects