Taxation
Answer:
Scotland already has systems for collecting tax and paying welfare benefits. These will need to be expanded to deal with the data transferred from UK administrations. Pensions will continue to be paid from government revenue. The details will be worked out in the independence negotiations.
Full answer here: Taxation and welfare payment
Answer:
GERS has less importance than some believe. The figures are estimates with a number of contested assumptions.
Full answer here: The Accounting Trick that Hides Scotland’s Wealth
Update: what big policy challenges face Scotland’s next first minister?
Author / Creator: Stuart Mcintyre
Media type: Article
Date published:
Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s first minister has recently stepped down. His successor, John Swinney, faces a number of economic challenges related to growth, an ageing population, regional inequality and the transition to net zero.
Scottish economy expected to improve after slow growth in 2023
Author / Creator: Mairi Spowage
Media type: Article
Date published:
The economists are forecasting growth of 0.6% in 2024, 1.1% in 2025 and 1.2% in 2026. Whilst these forecasts are slightly weaker than previous forecasts, it still points to improving conditions in the economy over the course of this year.
Careful What you Wish for? Risk and Reward with Scottish Tax Devolution
Author / Creator: Stuart Mcintyre
Media type: Article
Date published:
Debates on fiscal devolution typically focus upon the rewards, but as the case of Scottish tax devolution shows, the risks are real and require careful management. Politicians on all sides need to be careful what they wish for.
The Case for Taxation
Author / Creator: The Jimmy Reid Foundation
Media type: Briefing
Date published:
The progressive case for taxation is grounded in principles of fairness, social justice, economic stability, and democratic governance. By taxing higher incomes at a higher rate, society can more effectively address income inequality, promote economic growth, and invest in public services that benefit everyone.
How we forecast devolved taxes
Author / Creator: Scottish Fiscal Commission
Media type: Report
Date published: 2021
This report sets the approach to forecasting fully devolved taxes: Non-Domestic Rates, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and Scottish Landfill Tax. It also sets out how illustrative forecasts for Air Passenger Duty and Aggregates Levy are produced.
Here’s how Humza Yousaf can deliver a fairer, greener Scotland
Author / Creator: Adam Ramsay
Media type: Opinion
Date published: 2023
"After 16 years in power, the SNP is stagnating. With these 16 policies, the new first minister can change that"
Oil company profits double but are they taxed appropriately?
Author / Creator: Ross Mcalinden
Media type: Article
Date published: 2023
"Oil company profits double but are they taxed appropriately?"
How might an independent Scotland build fiscal capacity?
Author / Creator: Tim Besley
Media type: Article
Date published: 2022
Developing a sense of common purpose is critical for nation-building
How might an independent Scotland manage public debt?
Author / Creator: JAGJIT CHADHA
Media type: Article
Date published: 2022
How public debt is managed is a critical question for any national government acting on behalf of its current and future citizens. It is of particular importance to a newly independent country
Taxes don’t pay for services – so what are they for?
Author / Creator: Jim Byrne
Media type: Article
Date published: 2023
Austerity is unnecessary with independent taxation powers
The Costs of Dependency: the Tax Gap
Author / Creator: The Bottom Line
Media type: Article
Date published: 2022
The growing economic gap between the UK and other advanced economies means that there is also a tax gap, making it challenging to fund good public services
Scottish Social Attitudes survey 2021/22: attitudes data
Author / Creator: Alex Scholes
Media type: Report
Date published:
This survey report focuses on attitudes to government, the economy and public services.
How governments create money
Author / Creator: Richard Murphy
Media type: Video
Date published: 2021
Governments create money through the power of taxation.
Scotland's Oil
Author / Creator: John Jappy
Media type: Video
Date published: 2014
Revelation of the amount of oil revenue taken by the UK Government
Scots remain confused over who sets tax rates
Author / Creator: Terry Murden
Media type: Article
Date published: April 6, 2021
Scots continue to be unclear about who is responsible for taxation north of the border.
How smarter taxation would help build a fairer Scotland
Author / Creator: Believe in Scotland
Media type: Article
Date published: 2021
It is evident that there is a desire for change to the current UK taxation system. This emphasises the need for the powers to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish government’s proposed changes to create a fairer taxation system, particularly the concept of incentivising corporate tax is welcomed.
The Impact of Scottish Independence on Tax, Pensions, and Financial Services
Author / Creator: Clifford Chance
Media type: Assessment report
Date published: August 2021
The most likely overall outcome for taxation is that rUK would treat Scottish individuals and companies in the same way as it treats any other country's individuals and companies (and vice versa). Scotland will need to establish its own financial regulator and resolution authority and make arrangements for continuing the licences and supervision of Scottish firms. Arrangements for pension investments and payments will be required.
Tax Policy for an Independent Scotland
Author / Creator: Richard Murphy
Media type: Policy Paper
Date published: 2020
The current UK tax system is not fit for purpose in Scotland. It is vital that during the transition period new systems for managing tax in Scotland be put in place. Taxes will need to be placed on a variety of sources and some of these will need extensive consideration. The tax and benefit systems must be integrated.