Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Government Spending Public Services 2023-09-13

2023-09-13

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Mary Glindon Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
▸ Context
The question addresses the adequacy of Government spending levels in Scotland for delivering public services.
What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the levels of Government spending in Scotland to deliver public services?
John Lamont
The United Kingdom Government are providing a record settlement of £41 billion per year—the largest since devolution. In fact, the UK Government are providing the Scottish Government with over 20% more funding per person than the equivalent UK Government spending in England. With the generous fiscal framework agreement, the Scottish Government have the certainty and flexibility to manage their budget and deliver high-quality public services across Scotland.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Mary Glindon Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
▸ Context
The question refers to the recent Scottish Government's programme for government, suggesting it is not focused on key issues like NHS, schools, economy, and transport.
The recent programme for government launched by the Scottish First Minister only revealed a tired Government too distracted by internal squabbling to achieve anything for the people of Scotland. Does the Minister agree that the Scottish people deserve a change of Government in Scotland and Westminster, with a Labour Government focused on tackling the cost of living and improving living standards for the whole of the UK?
John Lamont
The SNP's programme for government was a complete and utter missed opportunity: rather than focusing on Scotland's NHS and schools, and our economy and transport links, the SNP is too busy planning independence rallies. Scotland does need change, and I am confident that, in the next general election, we will see that change in the election of even more Scottish Conservative and Unionist MPs.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The minister did not directly address whether a change of government was needed to tackle economic issues but instead focused on criticising SNP's programme for government.
Attacking The Opposition Changing Subject
Response accuracy