The financing of the Scottish Government

Scottish Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 21 Nov 2024 Closed: 20 Oct 2025 Parliament page
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 … Read more
7 Recommendations
12 Conclusions
1 Report
1 Oral session
2 Letters
2 Events
Activity timeline 7 events
17 Oct
2025
Report published
16 Jul
2025
Report published
9 Jul
2025
Formal meeting (private meeting) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
5 Feb
2025
Correspondence
29 Jan
2025
Oral evidence
29 Jan
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
22 Jan
2025
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 1 session
29 Jan 2025
View on parliament.uk
Claire Murdoch · NHS England David Phillips · Institute for Fiscal Studies Dr João Sousa · Fraser of Allander Institute
Title HC No. Published Items Response
1st report – The financing of the Scottish Government HC 456 16 Jul 2025 19 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
1 result
Clear
12 Recommendation Accepted in Part
1st report – The financing of the …
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 … Read more
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
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Government Response AI assessment · 19 of 7 classified
Accepted 6
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 4
Deferred 6
Not Addressed 2
Total 7 recs + 12 conclusions
Correspondence 2 letters
5 Feb 2025 Correspondence from David Phillips, Associate Director, Institute for Fiscal Studies, regarding the financing of the Scottish Government, dated 30 January 2025
Parliament page
22 Jan 2025 Correspondence from Shona Robison MSP, Scottish Government, regarding the financing of the Scottish Government inquiry, dated 16 January 2025
Parliament page