Episode Details

Director Mairi Spowage and Deputy Director João Sousa join FAI economist Hannah Randolph to discuss GERS statistics for 2023-24, including the net fiscal balance, details of changes in revenues and spending, how Scotland compares to other UK nations and regions, and what it all means for the independence debate. 

GERS 2023-24 can be found on the Scottish Government website at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/government-expenditure-revenue-scotland-gers-2023-24/

Participants 

Dr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde

 Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde

 Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde

Time stamps

(0:20) What is GERS and what do the statistics show this year?

(3:40) Why are there versions with and without North Sea revenues?

(8:55) How do these figures compare to previous years?

(10:45) How do these figures compare across UK regions and nations?

(15:20) More on revenue and spending - income tax, pension, social protection, and locally administered taxes

(23:55) What implications does GERS have for the independence debate?