MSPs launch inquiry into COVID impact on budget

An inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on the Scottish Government’s Budget for 2021-22 has been launched by Holyrood’s Finance & Constitution Committee.

In a call for evidence the committee welcomes views on what the Government’s priorities should be in next year’s budget, and what adjustments are needed to the fiscal framework in response to the economic and fiscal impact of the coronavirus. 

It also asks:

• how the next budget should address the unprecedented levels of uncertainty and volatility in the public finances; 
• what changes to the budget process may be required to ensure sufficient transparency and ministerial accountability in a rapidly changing fiscal environment;
• what risks arise from COVID-19 having a differential impact in Scotland, both on the economy and the impact on public expenditure including devolved social security benefits, relative to the rest of the UK; 
• what are the implications for the Scottish Government’s taxation policy, and what changes should be considered;
• whether there are additional budget risks arising from the end of the transitional period following Brexit. 

Click here to view the call for evidence. The deadline for responses is 7 August 2020.