Question reference: S5W-24044
- Asked by: Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 26 June 2019
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Current status: Answered by Michael Russell on 15 July 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that UK ministers are considering taking control of spending in devolved areas; what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding these reports, and what assessment it has made regarding whether such action would be in line with the (a) Scotland Act 2016, (b) current Treasury rules and (c) Statement on Funding Policy.
Answer
Devolved matters are the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government, which are accountable to the Scottish people for policy and funding decisions in these areas. The arrangements for funding of the Devolved Administrations are set out in the Statement of Funding Policy.
The Scottish Government is always willing to consider proposals to increase funding for public services in Scotland but these must respect the responsibilities of the Scottish Government and Parliament under the devolution settlement and be consistent with the well-established funding arrangements. Any attempt by a UK Government to bypass this Parliament or the Scottish Government would be unacceptable.