REFORM SCOTLAND CALLS FOR OBR TO “THROW SOME LIGHT ON SCOTLAND’S ACCOUNTS” TO INFORM REFERENDUM CHOICE
REFORM SCOTLAND CALLS FOR OBR TO “THROW SOME LIGHT ON SCOTLAND’S ACCOUNTS” TO INFORM REFERENDUM CHOICE
Reform Scotland, the independent, non-party think tank behind Devo Plus, has called on the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to provide forecasts for all taxes raised in Scotland.
While welcoming the OBR’s commitment to provide forecasts of taxes matching the powers devolved by the Scotland Bill (income tax, landfill tax, and stamp duty land tax), Reform Scotland’s response to the UK Government’s consultation on the referendum said that more needed to be done in order to ensure that Scots could make an informed choice at the ballot box.
Commenting, Reform Scotland Director Geoff Mawdsley said:
“We are coming to the time of year where arguments begin over how much money is raised in Scotland through various taxes, with rival economists offering their own version of the facts and a disparity between Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland (GERS) and the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA).
“There are too many questions and unknowns, and the independent OBR could provide an invaluable service to Scotland by helping to paint a more accurate picture. We’re calling on the OBR to provide the figures for all taxes raised in Scotland.
“Scots are about to be asked whether they want their country to become independent. It is a big decision, and it is in everyone’s interest for the OBR to throw some light on Scotland’s accounts.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Reform Scotland is an independent, non-party think tank that aims to set out a better way to deliver increased economic prosperity and more effective public services based on the traditional Scottish principles of limited government, diversity and personal responsibility. Further information is available at www.reformscotland.com.
- Reform Scotland’s report “On The Pill: Coronavirus and Contraception”, can be read here.
- All four opposition parties tweeted their support for our proposal:
- Miles Briggs MSP, Conservative: “This suggestion put forward by @reformscotland calling on @scotgov to include access to the birth control pill in the recently extended Minor Ailment Service seems sensible and will help take pressure off GP surgeries”
- Monica Lennon MSP, Labour: “A welcome briefing on coronavirus and contraception from @reformscotland calling on @scotgov to include access to the birth control pill in the recently extended Minor Ailment Service. Will @scotgov support this @JoeFitzSNP @jeaneF1MSP”
- Alison Johnstone MSP, Greens: “I very much support @reformscotland call for free access to contraceptive pill during COVID-19 crisis. Enabling prescription direct from pharmacists at this time ensures that cost isn’t a barrier for any woman. Our local pharmacists are well placed to offer guidance and advice”
- Alex Cole Hamilton MSP, Liberal Democrat: “This is a really important suggestion (finger down emoji)”
- Media: Message Matters (Andy Maciver, andy@messagematters.co.uk, 07855 261 244)