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Sceptical Scot

Asking Questions. Seeking Answers.

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Economy

How sustainable are Scottish tax and spend policies?

March 22, 2023 by Mairi Spowage Leave a Comment

“under current Scottish and UK fiscal policies, if public services in Scotland are to continue to be delivered as they are today, Scottish Government spending over the next 50 years will exceed the estimated funding available by an average of 1.7% each year.”

Scotland needs a new politics – and fresh policy options

March 17, 2023 by David Gow 1 Comment

As the SNP leadership campaign crawls to the finish post, time for a Big Debate on the political and socio-economic future in Scotland and the UK

What does Hunt’s first Budget mean for Scotland? (Update)

March 16, 2023 by Emma Congreve and Mairi Spowage Leave a Comment

“The £320 million of money coming to Scotland mentioned in the Chancellor’s speech is for 2023-24 and 2024-25, but that’s all we’ve been told. Given that these figures will have been worked out in advance, there is surely no reason why these figures can’t be released in full at the same time as the rest of the Budget documents.”

Prospects for future fiscal devolution?

February 25, 2023 by Graeme Roy Leave a Comment

Winter-flowering spikes of Witch Hasel, yellow against a blue sky: photo Fay Young

“Are current fiscal powers optimal for managing day-to-day and longer-term risks? And do the devolved administrations have the right tools to manage the financial risks they are likely to face now and in the future?”

Scotland’s currency options under independence

February 25, 2023 by Iain Hardie Leave a Comment

“The transition to full use of a S£ would take time, with high use of the UK£ within Scotland even once the S£ is established, whether at independence or soon after. In my view, it should start on day 1 of independence.”

Swinney should use his fiscal powers to the full: Update

December 12, 2022 by Fraser of Allander Institute Leave a Comment

“But there are also flexibilities that the Deputy First Minister has for the next financial year that were not available to him for this year – the Scottish Government does have tax powers that could be used, if he wishes, to raise more revenue.” FAI sets the scene for Thursday’s Scottish Budget

The left must abandon high tax policies

October 25, 2022 by Guy Standing Leave a Comment

“The left should opt for an eco-fiscal policy, designed to dismantle rentier capitalism. It should accept that high progressive income tax is out of date. It should make clear that income and consumption taxes are mainly for public services and infrastructure, including transport, defence, housing, schools and other social needs. Beyond that, the aim should be to restructure fiscal policy as a means of common justice.”

Scotland deserves better than two bad choices

October 22, 2022 by Eddie Barnes 5 Comments

The latest Building a New Scotland paper on the economy is being roasted – including by informed nationalists. Here a prominent unionist dissects a weak case. “Doubtless the SNP will argue all this is “Project Fear”. It really isn’t. It is the reality that flows from our underlying economic position.”

The ‘markets’ ease the return to economic reality

October 17, 2022 by Anton Muscatelli Leave a Comment

“But there may be a silver lining here. This may be a wake-up call that populist policies need to pass the credibility test when it comes to foreign exchange and bond markets,” writes economist and university principal Anton Muscatelli on how the markets reined back an imploding UK government.

Fantasy economics: alive and well on both sides of the border

October 8, 2022 by John McLaren 1 Comment

“Where Scotland differs (from the UK) the most is in its lack of engagement on economic issues. If this continues then the £1.5 billion (fiscal) shortfall will continue to grow and taxes will continue to rise to compensate. Surely no-one wants this but then why does no one take it seriously?” asks John McLaren in his latest acute commentary on the state of the Scottish economy.

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What’s new on Sceptical Scot

  • The rules of the road in the Highlands March 22, 2023
  • How sustainable are Scottish tax and spend policies? March 22, 2023
  • Scotland needs a new politics – and fresh policy options March 17, 2023
  • What does Hunt’s first Budget mean for Scotland? (Update) March 16, 2023
  • ChatGPT, you’re fired! March 14, 2023
  • Impartiality and public service media March 13, 2023
  • SNP leadership election: what about indy in Europe? March 8, 2023
  • Taking the border out of politics March 8, 2023
  • Are Europe’s independence movements dead? March 5, 2023
  • Why Labour should adopt a two-stage approach to Lords reform March 5, 2023

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