Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Autumn Budget: Discussions with Scottish Government

Wednesday 4 December 2024 · 5 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with the Scottish Government on the autumn Budget 2024 have been held, resetting the relationship and focusing on funding and budget allocations.
  • The UK Government has committed to a 40% rates relief for rural highland and islands businesses in England, and has asked for guarantees from the Scottish Government regarding the distribution of extra Barnett consequentials.
  • The UK Government has provided a historic Budget settlement to Scotland, including more than 4.9 billion in additional funding, aimed at improving public services.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Irene Campbell Lab North Ayrshire and Arran
NHS Education Economy Scotland
Context

Discussions regarding the autumn Budget 2024 between the UK government and the Scottish Government.

Question

What discussions has he had with the Scottish Government on the autumn Budget 2024?

Answer from Ian Murray

We have reset the relationship with the Scottish Government, and I have met the Deputy First Minister numerous times to discuss the autumn Budget and other issues. Scotland was better off to the tune of £4.9 billion in Barnett consequentials alone—money that the SNP voted against but will spend today. I encourage the Scottish Government to use that money to strengthen frontline services, bring down NHS waiting times and lift attainment in our schools.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about discussions was not directly addressed with concrete details of meetings or agreements.

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Q2 Frank McNally Lab Coatbridge and Bellshill
Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The question follows the UK Budget decision to provide a 40% rates relief for RHL businesses in England. There is concern about whether the Scottish Government will pass on the extra Barnett consequentials linked to non-domestic rates.

Question

Following the welcome decision in the Budget to ensure a 40% rates relief for RHL businesses in England, what guarantees has he had from the Scottish Government that the extra Barnett consequentials linked to non-domestic rates will be passed on in today's Scottish Budget? Does he agree that any failure to do so would be deeply damaging to the sector?

Answer from Ian Murray

The UK Budget chose investment over decline, including investment directly in my hon. Friend's constituency as part of the £200 million towns fund, as well as the biggest Budget settlement in the history of devolution. Our hospitality businesses need the rates relief more than ever. The Scottish Government should use their Budget to deliver growth and investment to help our high streets, and passing on the relief should be the bare minimum.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for guarantees was not addressed with concrete assurances or agreements from the Scottish Government.

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Q3 Irene Campbell Lab North Ayrshire and Arran
Scotland
Context

The Scottish Government received a £4.9 billion funding increase, the largest in devolution history. The Labour party delivered additional investment outside of Barnett consequentials.

Question

We have delivered the biggest Budget settlement for the Scottish Government in the history of devolution, with more than £4.9 billion of extra funding that can go towards public services. Does the Secretary of State agree there are no excuses for the SNP to deliver and improve public services?

Answer from Ian Murray

Of course, I could not agree more. It is not just the £4.9 billion but all the other investment that the UK Government made outside the Barnett consequentials. The Labour Government have delivered billions of pounds more for schools and hospitals in Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifically avoided acknowledging SNP's responsibility or delivery timeline with the funding increase.

How: Voting Against Finance Bill, Denying Funding

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Q4 Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Scottish Government's Budget introduces a pension-age winter heating payment for all Scottish pensioners.

Question

I am sure that pensioners in the Secretary of State's constituency are as relieved as those in Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber that the Scottish Government's Budget will introduce a pension-age winter heating payment for all Scottish pensioners. Will he join me in urging the Labour Government here in Westminster to do the right thing by pensioners in England and Wales and give them back their winter fuel allowance as well?

Answer from Ian Murray

What the hon. Gentleman has just proved is that the winter fuel payment in Scotland is actually devolved.

Not addressed: Did not address whether he will urge the Labour Government to reintroduce winter fuel allowances for pensioners in England and Wales.

How: Devolution Of Pensions

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Q5 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Local Government
Context

The UK Government's Budget removed £5 million of regeneration funding for Perth city centre, and the levelling-up fund provided only a small amount.

Question

One of the consequences of the Budget was to remove £5 million of regeneration funding for Perth city centre. We got practically nothing from the levelling-up fund, save for that paltry £5 million, which the Secretary of State is taking away. Just what is it that the UK Government have against the city of Perth?

Answer from Ian Murray

No projects have been cancelled. The Perth deal is under consideration by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Treasury. It has not been cancelled; it has merely been paused.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide reasons for removing funding or explain why only a small amount was provided from the levelling-up fund.

How: Under Consideration, Paused

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