Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Autumn Budget: Devolved Administrations

Wednesday 7 October 2020 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with the Scottish Government and Cabinet colleagues cover economic and fiscal matters related to the delay in the autumn Budget 2020.
  • The UK Treasury has guaranteed at least 6.5 billion in additional funding to Scotland to address the financial impact of the delayed budget.
  • The Minister emphasized the importance of prioritizing funding for those most in need during the period, although he also noted the fiscal framework's flexibility for managing funds between years.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Economy Scotland Local Government
Context

The delay in the autumn Budget has caused financial uncertainty for the Scottish Government and local authorities. The previous year's delays led to issues with budget setting.

Question

What discussions has he had with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) Cabinet colleagues on the effect of the delay to the autumn Budget 2020 on the finances of the devolved Administrations?

Answer from Iain Stewart

I have regular discussions with my ministerial colleagues and Scottish Government Ministers on economic and fiscal matters. The Treasury has made an unprecedented up-front guarantee to the devolved Administrations, guaranteeing that Scotland will receive at least £6.5 billion in additional funding this year on top of its Budget 2020 funding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific discussions with Scottish Government and Cabinet colleagues

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Q2 Richard Thomson
Economy Scotland Local Government
Context

Last year's delay to the UK Budget affected local authorities' ability to set their budgets, causing uncertainty. This year's delay has united devolved Finance Ministers in condemnation.

Question

Given this year's delay, would he like to take this opportunity to apologise for the further uncertainty and risk that his Government are about to inflict on local and national Government in Scotland?

Answer from Iain Stewart

First, I repeat the point made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State that we have heard this “cry wolf” story before from the Scottish Government. The fact is there will be plenty of information for setting budgets next month when the Office for Budget Responsibility provides forecasts.

Not addressed: Did not acknowledge or address any need for an apology

How: Cry Wolf

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Q3 Patrick Grady SNP
Scotland
Context

The questioner claims the UK Government's attitude towards devolution shows disrespect. They argue that if they do not trust Scotland with its finances, they should at least provide the necessary information or give full budget-setting powers.

Question

If he does not think people in Scotland should control their finances properly, why will he not give the Scottish Finance Minister the information she needs to set her budget properly? If he will not do that, why not just give her the power to set our budget without any recourse to Westminster?

Answer from Iain Stewart

The Scottish Finance Minister can contact me if she needs further explanation. The fact is that the UK Government has guaranteed an additional £6.5 billion funding this year, which shows support and recognition of Scottish finances.

Not addressed: Did not address providing information or granting budget-setting powers

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Q4 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Economy Scotland
Context

The Scottish Government's budget has been increased by £6.5 billion for addressing the coronavirus situation. However, it was revealed that a significant amount is yet to be allocated.

Question

Does he agree that the Scottish Government should prioritise allocating funding to those most in need during this period?

Answer from Iain Stewart

My hon. Friend makes an important point, but under the fiscal framework agreement, underspends can be transferred between years and there is no indication that funds are not being used properly.

Not addressed: Did not address prioritisation of funding to those most in need

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Q5 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Economy Scotland Local Government
Context

Statistics show high poverty rates in Scotland under both UK Conservative Government and SNP Government. Councils have seen budget cuts, disproportionately affecting local government funding.

Question

Will the Minister press the Chancellor to consider the impact of his economic policies on poverty in Scotland? Also, will he ask Scottish Ministers to stop cutting local government budgets disproportionately?

Answer from Iain Stewart

When we recover from the coronavirus period, we will build back better. I have involved the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland to ensure all parts can flourish once we emerge. However, centralising separatist Government in Scotland is concerned about sucking powers and money from local authorities.

Not addressed: Did not address consideration of policy impacts or stopping disproportionate budget cuts

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Q6 Patricia Gibson SNP
Economy Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The UK Government's decision to end the job retention scheme will result in high unemployment, potentially increasing poverty levels.

Question

What effect does he think ending the job retention scheme will have on poverty levels in North Ayrshire and Arran and across Scotland?

Answer from Iain Stewart

The job retention scheme was a right intervention, but it is now appropriate to move to more targeted measures. The scheme supported tens of thousands of jobs in Scotland and we are putting other policies in place for support moving forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific impact assessment on poverty levels

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