Scotland's block grant to be lowest since devolution, SNP MP claims

An SNP MP has accused the UK Government of leaving Scotland short-changed after analysis revealed the block grant will be the lowest since devolution.

Pete Wishart, the party's longest-serving MP, has said the Scottish Government's funding from Westminster would exacerbate the cost crisis facing households.

His comments come ahead of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's spring Budget on Wednesday.

Short-changed

Mr Wishart said: "Scotland is routinely treated with contempt by Westminster, and here we have even more proof that we are being short-changed and side-lined.

"Scotland's economy has taken a sharp hit from a combination of Westminster's Brexit and Tory economic mismanagement - neither of which we voted for.

"Tory cuts are already causing hardship for people in Scotland - to the point the SNP Scottish Government has had to step in and spend billions to limit the damage being done to households. This cut to our block grant will make things worse.

Analysis from the House of Commons Library suggests that Scotland's block grant will consist of just 3.5% of UK Government spending in 2023/24 and 2024/25, according to the Autumn Statement plans.

The research suggests it will be the first time the figure has dropped so low since the devolution settlement began.

Record funding for Scotland

The UK Government said Scotland receives about 25% more funding per person than equivalent spending in other parts of the UK.

A Treasury spokesman said: "The Scottish Government is currently receiving a record £41 billion per year funding settlement from the UK Government - the largest in the history of devolution and one that was further topped up by decisions taken at autumn statement.

"Health is the Scottish Government's devolved responsibility - one it is well-funded to meet and deliver on for the people of Scotland."

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