Economic alignment with UK

A key argument for independence is that economic alignment with the UK is no longer applicable. The weaker the alignment with the UK economic model, the greater the opportunity to “do things differently”, but the greater the short-term risk and upheaval.

The Barnett formula

The Barnet formula is used to calculate how much money Scotland receives each year from the UK Treasury. It calculates devolved budgets.   It uses the previous year’s budget and adjusts based on increases or decreases in comparable spending per person in England.  Parts of the resulting sum are with held for non-devolved expenditure.  Other areas of government have only a portion of their expenditure allocated by the formula.

England does not subsidise Scotland

No. When the UK debt repayments are removed from GERS, it shows Scotland has a surplus.  The UK Government has diverted Scotland’s wealth to the UK Treasury to pay off its debts.  Thus it creates 100% of Scotland’s supposed debts and 100% of its phoney deficit. 

How to future-proof Scotland's economy. Open Minds on Independence #15

Rapidly growing new and high-tech industries are also driving Scotland’s economy which is actually more diverse than the rest of the UK.  Three areas are of particular importance: Life sciences, digital industries, and space industry.

Type of Resource
News Media
Date Published
Primary Author or Creator
The National
Additional Author(s) / Creators
Believe in Scotland

New GERS data fundamentally makes the case for Scottish Independence

Latest GERS (UK Government's Expenditure and Revenue Report for Scotland) figures have been released. The author sets out what the figures represent and how they can be misleading in terms of Scotland's capabilities as an independent nation.

Type of Resource
business network website article
Primary Author or Creator
MacIntyre-Kemp, Gordon
Additional Author(s) / Creators
Business for Scotland