Scottish budget postponed until after Christmas
18 November 2019
Finance secretary, Derek Mackay has confirmed that the Scottish budget that was scheduled for 12 December 2019 will be delayed until after Christmas due to the impending general election.
Speaking to the Finance and Consultation committee, Mackay stated, “The Scottish Budget should be published after the UK Budget, a view the Finance Committee have indicated they share. Without a UK budget, we would not know the final details of any Barnett consequential from UK spending or the impact of UK tax decisions. It would also be better to consider any new UK Government tax policy announcements and the OBR’s new tax, social security and economic forecasts before a new Scottish Budget is brought forward. For these reasons, I have proposed that the Scottish Budget is not published until after Christmas, and I will work with the Committee to agree on a new Budget date as soon as possible. A post-Christmas Scottish Budget will mean a shortened overall timescale in which to deliver and approve the Budget, and this will require flexibility on the part of the Parliament, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fiscal Commission.”
News of the postponement follows the fact that the budget that was originally scheduled for 6 November did not go ahead prior to the election that will be held in December. It is highly unlikely that a budget will be held this year, and it will most likely take place in 2020. The CIPP will report on the budget as soon as the details are released.
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