MSPs to probe sustainability of Scotland's finances

A Holyrood committee has launched an inquiry into the sustainability of Scotland’s public finances, and is inviting views from the public.

MSPs on the Finance & Public Administration Committee will examine both the short and longer-term pressures on the Scottish Government’s tax and spending plans in 2024-25 and beyond.

The inquiry’s launch follows the Scottish Government’s forecast announcement that public spending in Scotland is set to outstrip income received by £1bn in 2024-25, rising to £1.9bn in 2027-28.

It will also examine the impact on the budget of longer term fiscal challenges associated with the projections of an ageing and falling population in Scotland.

One aim is to influence the “refresh” of the Government’s multi-year spending plans for resource and capital to 2026-27, to be published alongside the Scottish Budget 2024-25.

MSPs are also seeking to understand how the financial pressures might impact on the delivery of national outcomes and climate change targets, both in the short and longer term, and to identify steps that the Scottish Government could take to alleviate these impacts.

Committee convener Kenneth Gibson MSP commented: “The purpose of this inquiry is to examine how the budget for 2024-25 and beyond will ensure the sustainability of Scotland’s finances in both the short and longer term.

“It is an incredibly important subject matter given the forecast budget pressures and longer term demographic challenges in Scotland.

“We’re keen to hear views from a range of individuals and organisations.”

Find out more here. The deadline for submitting views is 16 August 2023.