Scotland’s independent think tank
This article by Alison Payne first appeared in The Times on 18 August 2023 The publication of the latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (Gers) report has been greeted by the now familiar annual argument about what the data means for the constitutional debate. But, important as the headline figures are, there are many other …
Scottish economy shouldn’t be measured by case for independence Read More »
This article by Alison Payne first appeared in The Sunday Times on 27 November 2022 The NHS is in crisis. Each day brings another alarming headline. Audit Scotland has talked of our health service being “unsustainable”, with senior managers reportedly so concerned they discussed the potential of a “two-tier” system where the richest pay. But …
This article by Alison Payne first appeared in The Times on 7 November 2022 ow can we invest in reforming public services while facing budget cuts? The dilemma was clear at Holyrood last week, when John Swinney’s announcement of £615 million in cuts was followed by a debate highlighting the financial uncertainty around the proposed …
The National Care Service may fail as its predecessors did Read More »
This article by Alison Payne first appeared in The Times on 13 October 2022 Who knew a public education campaign on energy use could be so controversial? Not only did Liz Truss apparently attempt to halt plans by the UK government for such a campaign, but the Scottish government has been dragging its heels on …
Education about energy is crucial to achieving net zero Read More »
This article by Alison Payne first appeared in The Herald on 12 October 2022 WHEN we think about reaching net zero, there is a danger that we think only “big polluters” need to change their behaviour. However, that is not the case. Our individual behaviour matters greatly. Private polling conducted for the Scottish Government earlier …
Bring in pay-as-you-go road pricing to aid net zero chase Read More »
This article by Alison Payne first appeared in The Times on 11 February 2022 So-called “sin taxes” are, by design, primarily intended to change behaviour. The revenue generated is of course welcome, but if sin taxes are truly successful they will divert people away from certain activities and, as a result, revenue generated will decline. …
Time to ditch the car sin taxes and pay as you drive Read More »
This article by Alison Payne first appeared in The Times on 14 October 2021. People can often face significant challenges in accessing social care and too often cost is a barrier. While healthcare is largely provided through the NHS in Scotland, is taxpayer-funded and is free at the point of use, social care is not. …
We’re running out of time to overhaul the care system Read More »
This article by Alison Payne first appeared in LGiU on 14 September 2021. The Scottish Government wants to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045. Travel by private car has a huge role to play in realising that goal as demonstrated by the recent Programme for Government which has a target of reducing car use by 20 per …
Could changing the way we tax driving help us achieve net zero? Read More »
This article by Alison Payne first appeared in The Sunday Times on 4 April 2021. The way we charge drivers is bad for the environment, promotes congestion and is unfair on low-mileage motorists and those in more remote areas or with poor access to public transport. Reform Scotland believes that we need to look at …
This article by Alison Payne first appeared in The Times on 19 March 2021. This week Michael Matheson, the transport secretary, announced to MSPs that next year the running of ScotRail would return to public ownership. The issue of whether our railways should be nationalised is an oft-repeated debate in Scotland. However, the situation regarding …
Simply nationalising won’t make trains run on time Read More »