- How will public finance be organised in an independent Scotland?
Scotland already has most of the public finance administration structure in place. It will need to be expanded to take on the roles currently reserved to Westminster.
- How will Scotland be governed?
The constitution and administrative organisation of the governance of an independent Scotland.
- How will Scotland negotiate independence?
The means and conduct of negotiations with the UK will be of vital importance to Scotland
- How will Scottish independence affect the media?
The media are diverse - print, TV and radio, social media. All may need some regulation. Which elements of these media support independence is of interest.
- How will transport be organised in an independent Scotland?
Public transport in all forms should be controlled by government to provide a public benefit rather than private profit.
- How would Scotland become an Independent nation?
The requirements for being recognised as an independent nation need to be estaablished.
What are costs of independence and the work required to set up new governing systems?
- Is Scotland a nation or a region?
When Scotland became part of the United Kingdom did it stop being a nation?
- Is Scottish independence economically viable?
People want to know if the Scottish economy can support the country after independence
- Is Scottish independence good for England?
Are there benefits for England if Scotland were independent? What are the international implications? What of the rest of the UK?
- What are the advantages of Scottish independence?
People want to know how Scotland could be improved by independence.
- What are the betting odds on Scottish indepencence?
People often consider the betting odds are as good or better than opinion polls in predicting outcomes.
- What are the costs of establishing an independent Scottish Government?
The costs of the adjustments of government operations and international relations are of interest. Can we afford it?
- What constitutes a majority in a Scottish Referendum?
In the light of recent comments by prominent political figures people want to know what will constitute a majority in a future referendum on Scotland's self-determination.
People want to know if Scotland can keep using the pound after independence, or if an independent currency is viable.
- What defence and security forces will Scotland need?
People want to know how the national security and defence of Scotland will be maintained.
- What does GERS have to do with Independence?
People want to know how the annual GERS figures tell us about independence.
- What health services can Scotland provide?
The organisaton and provision of health and care services are important matters for the people of Scotland. The Scottish Government has shown consistent support for the NHS and contributes more per head of population than England and without threats of privatisation
- What is GERS?
People are curious about the annual publication of GERS.
- What is 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 by using the previous year’s budget, then adjusts it based on increases or decreases in comparable spending per person in England. Parts of the resulting sum are with held for non-devolved expenditure, such as foreign affairs, defence, the Treasury and the Cabinet office. Other areas of government such as the Home Office, HMRC have only a portion of their expenditure allocated by the formula.