Select Committee · Scottish Affairs Committee

The financing of the Scottish Government

Status: Closed Opened: 21 Nov 2024 Closed: 20 Oct 2025 7 recommendations 12 conclusions 1 report

This inquiry is examining the framework for fiscal devolution in Scotland. The Committee is evaluating the effectiveness of the Barnett formula and the fiscal framework in calculating the amount of money available for providing devolved services in Scotland. As part of this, the Committee is examining the interaction between UK Government fiscal events and in-year …

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
1st report – The financing of the Scottish Government HC 456 16 Jul 2025 19 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

1 item
12 Recommendation 1st report – The financing of the Scott… Accepted in Part

Ensure early communication of UK budgetary changes and block grant impact assessments to Scotland

The importance of regular communication between the UK and Scottish Governments, in respect of UK spending decisions which could impact Scotland’s budget, cannot be overstated. The UK Government must ensure that the impact of UK budgetary changes on the block grant is assessed and considered while decisions are being made. …

Government response. The government stated that regular engagement and early notification on funding changes already occur, but rejected the need for formal impact assessments due to the mechanical nature of the Barnett formula, though impacts are routinely considered.
Scotland Office

Oral evidence sessions

1 session
Date Witnesses
29 Jan 2025 Claire Murdoch · NHS England, David Phillips · Institute for Fiscal Studies, Dr João Sousa · Fraser of Allander Institute View ↗

Correspondence

2 letters
DateDirectionTitle
5 Feb 2025 Correspondence from David Phillips, Associate Director, Institute for Fiscal St…
22 Jan 2025 Correspondence from Shona Robison MSP, Scottish Government, regarding the fina…