Scotland’s block grant to be ‘lowest since devolution’, SNP MP claims

An SNP MP has accused the UK Government of leaving Scotland short-changed after analysis revealed the block grant will be the lowest since devolution.

Pete Wishart, the party’s longest-serving MP, has said the Scottish Government’s funding from Westminster would exacerbate the cost crisis facing households.

His comments come ahead of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s spring Budget on Wednesday.

Analysis from the House of Commons Library suggests that Scotland’s block grant will consist of just 3.5% of UK Government spending in 2023/24 and 2024/25, according to the Autumn Statement plans.

The research suggests it will be the first time the figure has dropped so low since the devolution settlement began.

The previous low of 3.6% was issued in 2014/15 and for three consecutive years from 2016/17.

Meanwhile, ahead of the Budget, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn urged the Chancellor to boost NHS spending by £15 billion to create an additional £1.2 billion for Scottish health spending through Barnett consequentials.

Mr Wishart said: “Scotland is routinely treated with contempt by Westminster, and here we have even more proof that we are being short-changed and side-lined.