Call for views on Scottish Fiscal Commission Bill

A call for views on the proposals to establish the Scottish Fiscal Commission has been issued by Holyrood's Finance Committee.

MSPs are seeking views on the Scottish Fiscal Commission Bill, and on the role, resourcing and independence of the Commission, which will be given the task of examining Scottish Government tax forecasts. Additional functions may follow the passing of the Scotland Bill currently before the Westminster Parliament.

Earlier this year the committee recommended that the draft bill be amended to give the Commission the remit to carry out its own fiscal forecasts, rather than simply assess the reasonableness of Scottish Government forecasts, but that has not been taken up by the Government. The committee is keen to receive views specifically on the role and ability of the Commission to carry out independent scrutiny of the Government’s own forecasts.

Convener Kenneth Gibson MSP commented: “The committee has previously called for the Scottish Fiscal Commission to be empowered to carry out its own forecasts. That function has not been included in the legislation, so we would be interested to hear people’s views on just what the role of the Commission should be. It’s important that evidence on this is considered before the Bill progresses through Parliament.

“Witnesses have previously stressed the need for independence and transparency in the operation of the Commission. We’ve also heard of the need for the Commission to be adequately resourced and we would welcome comment on that point too.”

Click here to view the call for evidence. The deadline for responses is 6 November 2015.