Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Acknowledged
Formalising Barnett formula or dedicated dispute process would not improve effectiveness
Recommendation
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
Government Response Summary
The government repeats the committee's conclusion verbatim.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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 ei