Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scotland’s Economy

Wednesday 22 February 2023 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK has faced global economic challenges leading to high inflation and slower growth.
  • The Scottish Government received 41.6 billion this year, the highest in real terms since devolution began.
  • The exemption bar under the UK Internal Market Act 2020 is very high, and no request for an exemption has been made by the Scottish Government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Economy Scotland Local Government
Context

The question arises from the challenging economic conditions facing Scotland, characterized by high inflation and slowing growth.

Question

What assessment his Department has made of the strength of the Scottish economy. Local authorities in Scotland are considering up to 7,000 job losses or hikes in council tax due to cuts in essential services because of the difficult situation imposed by the Scottish Government.

Answer from Alister Jack

Like many countries, the UK has faced global economic challenges leading to high inflation and slower growth. The Government is taking action to protect households and businesses, with a pledge to halve inflation this year, achieve sustainable growth, and start reducing debt.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific assessment of the Scottish economy was not provided in detail.

How: Global Economic Challenges, Pledge To Halve Inflation

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Q2 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Scotland Local Government
Context

Local authorities in Scotland face significant challenges due to the Scottish Government's block grant settlement, leading to potential job cuts and council tax hikes.

Question

Does the Secretary of State think that Scottish people should have to pay more for poor-quality services as local authorities consider up to 7,000 job losses or increases in council tax?

Answer from Alister Jack

The hon. Lady makes a good point. The Scottish Government received £41.6 billion this year—the highest in real terms since devolution began—and the UK Government is working with councils, delivering direct funding to them for projects important to their people.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The issue of higher council taxes and potential job losses was not directly addressed.

How: Real Devolution, Block Grant Settlement

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Q3 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Scotland
Context

The Scottish Government's deposit return scheme is facing significant criticism for delays, inefficiencies, and confusion among businesses and the public.

Question

Does the Minister agree that this process needs urgent reform given the issues raised by businesses and stakeholders, and will he encourage his Cabinet colleagues to learn from the pitfalls of Scotland's current implementation?

Answer from Alister Jack

Yes, I have raised concerns about the scheme with businesses across Scotland. The exemption bar is very high under the UK Internal Market Act 2020, and no request for an exemption has been made by the Scottish Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The need for urgent reform was not directly confirmed.

How: Legitimate Concerns, Ukim

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