Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Block Grant

Wednesday 8 January 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers and officials discuss the block grant regularly with the Scottish Government.
  • Scotland received an additional 1.2 billion for economic growth and public service investment.
  • The Chancellor provided block grant estimates to the Scottish Government last December.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mel Stride Con Newark
Scotland
Context

Mel Stride inquired about recent discussions the UK government had with the Scottish Government regarding the block grant.

Question

What recent discussions have ministers and officials had with the Scottish Government concerning the block grant?

Answer from Douglas Ross

Ministers and officials regularly discuss various issues including the block grant with the Scottish Government. The latest spending round provided an extra £1.2 billion to Scotland for economic growth and public service investment, marking the biggest settlement in a decade.

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Q2 Mel Stride Con Newark
Scotland
Context

Following up on the block grant, Mel Stride sought reassurance that Scotland will receive fair funding through the Barnett formula at upcoming Budgets.

Question

Will assurances be given regarding Scotland's fair share of funding via the Barnett formula in future budgets? Additionally, are commitments made by the previous government on city and regional deals going to be honoured?

Answer from Douglas Ross

Scotland will receive its fair share through the block grant and Barnett formula. Regarding city and growth deals, £1.4 billion is being invested across Scotland; a deal in every part of the country includes one for Moray worth £32.5 million, matched by the Scottish Government.

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Q3 Mhairi Black SNP Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Economy Scotland Local Government
Context

Mhairi Black questioned why the UK government has delayed its Budget announcement, complicating Scottish Government and council budgeting.

Question

Has Secretary of State discussed with Cabinet regarding the UK delaying its Budget announcement until 11 March? What explanation was given?

Answer from Douglas Ross

The Chancellor has stated there is nothing preventing the Scottish Government from setting their budget before UK's. Block grant estimates based on December OBR forecasts were shared last year, aiding preparations.

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Q4 Tony Lloyd Lab Manchester Central
Scotland
Context

Tony Lloyd requested certainty about the timing of providing the block grant to Scotland, affecting budgeting.

Question

When will the Scottish Government be given assurance about the block grant amount so they can begin planning their future?

Answer from Douglas Ross

Some certainty was provided by Chancellor yesterday, allowing the Scottish Parliament to set a budget before UK's. Block grant estimates were shared last December with the Scottish Government.

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