That, pictured above, is what the Scottish government wants you to remember about the latest GERS (Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland) figures released today. It’s not, at least according to these calculations, an untruth. Per capita revenues from Scotland are indeed higher than per capita revenues for the UK as a whole once – importantly – a geographical share of North Sea revenues are assigned to Scotland. Hurrah! Winning!
Except, of course, these are Revenue and Expenditure figures. And the latter confirm that, once again, per capita spending in Scotland is significantly higher than in the UK as a whole. Some £1,200 per head higher.
1200 is a larger number than 400.
As always, it is useful, even necessary, to note there are some good reasons why spending is often higher in Scotland than elsewhere. It costs more, per capita, to provide health, education, transport and other services in less densely populated areas. Equally, Scottish water costs are counted as public expenditure in Scotland but not in England.
Nevertheless, these figures are chiels that cannot ding.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in