11.04.2014
Scotland’s public finances post-2014 will come under the microscope at the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee when it holds a series of evidence sessions on the subject from this April.
Academics, economists and public finance experts, together with representatives from civic Scotland will be asked for their views on the following four main topics:
- Taxation
- Borrowing
- Public sector debt
- Fiscal rules
The Committee will also hold specific panel discussions on pensions in Scotland post-2014 and the Barnett formula and the size of Scotland’s budget post-referendum.
Finance Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“Our evidence sessions will provide a vital platform for debate and clarity on some of the most important financial issues at the forefront of the Scottish public’s mind. That is why we have invited respected experts in the fields of taxation, debt and pensions to share their views on what Scotland’s public finances will look like after 2014.”
Background
The Finance Committee will hold a series of evidence sessions between April and June this year. A list of witnesses for the first four Finance Committee meetings is below:
30 April 2014
- Dr Angus Armstrong, National Institute of Economic and Social Research
- Jo Armstrong, Centre for Public Policy for the Regions
- Jim and Margaret Cuthbert, independent economists
7 May 2014
- Professor Peter McGregor, Head of Economics at Strathclyde Business School
- Professor Gavin McCrone
- Professor John Kay
14 May 2014
- Dr Matt Qvortrup, Senior Lecturer, Cranfield University
21 May 2014
Panel 1
- Professor Andrew Hughes-Hallett, Fiscal Commission Working Group
- Professor David Simpson
- Professor Jeremy Peat
Panel 2
- Professor Alan Trench, academic and former adviser to the House of Lords Ad Hoc Select Committee on the Barnett Formula
A full list of all witnesses scheduled to give evidence to the Finance Committee can be found on the Committee’s webpages -
Finance Committee