Call for Evidence
Terms of Reference
This submission form is not currently public. Please only use this form if invited to do so by the committee, otherwise your submission might not be considered.
The Committee would like to hear your views. We welcome written submissions from anyone with answers to any or all of the questions set out in the following Terms of Reference:
1. How effective is the Barnett formula in calculating the amount of money made available to Scotland for providing essential public services?
- What was the original design intention behind the Barnett Formula, and to what extent has it fulfilled this purpose?
- What potential reforms to the Barnett formula could improve its effectiveness?
- How transparent is the UK Government’s decision making regarding the application of the Barnett Formula?
- What impact could putting the Barnett formula on a statutory footing, or otherwise formalising it, have on its effectiveness?
2. Following its review in 2023, to what extent does the current Fiscal Framework effectively govern the mechanisms for Block Grant Adjustments and fiscal flexibilities of the Scottish Government?
- To what extent could changes to Scottish Government borrowing powers enable more effective fiscal management, and mitigate against the impact of inflation and economic shocks in Scotland?
- Does the current methodology for calculating Block Grant Adjustments effectively reflect the associated transfer of tax revenues or welfare spending?
3. Within the existing devolution settlement, what steps could the UK Government take to offer Scotland more financial certainty?
- Is there an appropriate level of coordination between the UK and Scottish Governments regarding in-year fiscal changes?
- To what extent can HM Treasury’s decisions regarding the block grant be challenged by the Scottish Government?
4. Are there any comparative perspectives that should be considered when assessing the effectiveness of fiscal devolution in Scotland?
- What learnings can be drawn from Wales and Northern Ireland’s funding settlement arrangements?
- Are there any learnings from international perspectives that should be considered?
The Committee values diversity and seeks to ensure this where possible. We encourage members of underrepresented groups to submit written evidence.
Deadline for submissions
The Committee calls for evidence to be submitted by 5 January 2025.