Barnett formula's effects will become stark, experts warn

摘要

The continuation of the Barnett funding formula, which benefits people in Scotland by more than £1,600 a year at the expense of their English counterparts, will become more apparent over time, finance experts have warned. During the referendum campaign, the leaders of the three main UK parties pledged extensive new fiscal powers and freedoms for Scotland were it to remain a member of the United Kingdom. More controversially, a commitment was also made to maintain the Barnett funding formula for allocating public spending across the constituent nations of the UK - a division of expenditure that ensures Scottish residents receive on average £1,623 a year per head more on public services than their English counterparts.