Over the last few weeks the Scottish Government have revealed steps in their plan to start loosening restrictions at a slower pace than the UK Government. While the SNP insist that this is what is best for Scotland, one is inclined to wonder how this is all being financed.
Simply put, Scotland relies on the funding that it gets from the UK Government through the Barnett Formula. Currently, the Scottish Government is able to distribute grants and other funding due to the money that they are receiving from Westminster, and the job retention scheme which is allowing companies and organisation across Scotland to furlough their staff is funded by the UK Government.
So, while the Scottish Government has decided to deviate from the four-nation approach that was established by the Prime Minister, they have decided that they are capable of funding a slower return to work, and in some cases, this seems unnecessary. Take, for example, the construction industry that was able to return – with safe measures in place – in England weeks before it has been allowed in Scotland.
I am deeply concerned that, by choosing to deviate at this point, Nicola Sturgeon and the rest of the Scottish Government are not only putting unnecessary strain on the Scottish economy, but that they are spending money that they do not have.
