Recommendation 9

We are not convinced that putting the Barnett formula on a statutory footing, or otherwise formalising it, would significantly improve its effectiveness. The use of the Barnett formula is already a well-established practice, not unlike other features of the UK’s uncodified constitution. Although new routes to legal challenge may be opened though legislation, such a change would restrict the flexibility of the operation of the formula, with little evidence there would be practical benefits for either Government. We also cannot see how a new dispute resolution process 44 specifically for the Barnett formula would not unduly overlap with or duplicate the existing intergovernmental dispute resolution process. (Recommendation, Paragraph 69) Budget stability