Day: 24 March 2026

Devolution reboot part 5: The case for a fiscal reset

Devolution reboot part 5: The case for a fiscal reset Edinburgh skyline merges into London City skyline

IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS I’ve written articles about how the powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament could be used to improve the amenity of life in Scotland, and how this would boost prosperity. If schools are top quality, housing well designed and affordable, crime low and urban spaces attractive, skilled and mobile workers will […]

Reform’s guiding principles: Sound finances, economic growth and the constitution

Reform’s guiding principles: Sound finances, economic growth and the constitution A man stressing over bills with his heads in his hands with a saltire faded in the background

GERS FIGURES CONFIRM a stark reality. Scotland raises £87.3bn in tax, yet spends £117.5bn. That leaves a £30bn deficit – around twelve per cent of GDP. Today, that gap is filled by the UK Treasury, backed by Sterling. It is a safety net. But it is also four times higher than the EU’s three per […]