Autumn Budget Devolved Administrations 2020-10-07
2020-10-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific discussions with Scottish Government and Cabinet colleagues
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not acknowledge or address any need for an apology
Cry Wolf
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address providing information or granting budget-setting powers
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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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.
Does he agree that the Scottish Government should prioritise allocating funding to those most in need during this period?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address prioritisation of funding to those most in need
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address consideration of policy impacts or stopping disproportionate budget cuts
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK Government's decision to end the job retention scheme will result in high unemployment, potentially increasing poverty levels.
What effect does he think ending the job retention scheme will have on poverty levels in North Ayrshire and Arran and across Scotland?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific impact assessment on poverty levels
Response accuracy