There was a suggestion that we might have been exaggerating the impact of the SNP's Full Fiscal Autonomy, or 'Responsibility' as it has now been rebranded.
We originally said the gap caused by the collapsing oil price was £6bn. However, the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies said it was actually £7.6bn.
First the SNP hinted that they might want a transitional period. Then their leader said in a televised debate she would vote for it this year. Now, their manifesto says it "would take a number of years". This makes Kenny Dalglish look decisive, or more accurately, they are just making it up as they go along.
In the referendum campaign they said that independence was achievable by 2016 - so why is something short of that going to take longer?
So, would a transitional period make any difference? Back to the IFS who say:
"the gap between Scotland’s deficit and that of the UK as a whole would, if anything, grow somewhat larger in the years ahead, reaching £9.7bn in 2019–20 (equivalent to £8.9 billion in today’s prices)."
We originally said the gap caused by the collapsing oil price was £6bn. However, the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies said it was actually £7.6bn.
First the SNP hinted that they might want a transitional period. Then their leader said in a televised debate she would vote for it this year. Now, their manifesto says it "would take a number of years". This makes Kenny Dalglish look decisive, or more accurately, they are just making it up as they go along.
In the referendum campaign they said that independence was achievable by 2016 - so why is something short of that going to take longer?
So, would a transitional period make any difference? Back to the IFS who say:
"the gap between Scotland’s deficit and that of the UK as a whole would, if anything, grow somewhat larger in the years ahead, reaching £9.7bn in 2019–20 (equivalent to £8.9 billion in today’s prices)."
But of course Labour are just 'Red Tories' campaigning for 'austerity lite'. What we need are lots of SNP MPs to keep them on the right track to end austerity.
Again the IFS have added up the numbers and found:
"There is a considerable disconnect between [the SNP’s] rhetoric and their stated plans for total spending, which imply a lower level of spending by 2019–20 than Labour’s plans."
As this chart shows.
Again the IFS have added up the numbers and found:
"There is a considerable disconnect between [the SNP’s] rhetoric and their stated plans for total spending, which imply a lower level of spending by 2019–20 than Labour’s plans."
As this chart shows.
Not for the first time the SNP's rhetoric fails to match their actual plans. When the people who can add up do the sums - it turns out to be Labour who will provide the resources to fund Scotland's vital public services.