Letter: Scotland for ever
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: In the run-up to the Scottish Parliament elections next May, the UK Treasury is trying to demonstrate that Scotland receives a fiscal subsidy from England; the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) vehemently denies this.
The Treasury's latest document "Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland" suggests that against the background of more or less identical GDP per head in Scotland as compared to England, public spending in Scotland is some 1.6 higher than in England. The SNP disputes these public spending figures.
But what does the comparative position look like with regard to frontline public services, such as health and education? My firm's calculations, based on recent figures from the relevant government departments, suggest that Scotland may be enjoying significantly better public services than in England. For example, average class sizes in England are some 1/5 higher than in Scotland, whilst hospital waiting lists in England (proportionate to population) are around 50 per cent higher than in Scotland.
Protagonists for the Scottish Parliament elections may want to ponder the above figures. Meanwhile, Westminster Conservatives (who poured money into Scotland for 18 years to achieve well-funded public services) may wonder why they got so little electoral reward in Scotland in May 1997. The Government may care to note the warning.
M G FITZPATRICK
Head of Economics
Chantrey Vellacott DFK
London E14
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments