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The outlook for the public finances of an independent Scotland is a key battleground in the referendum debate. Why? Because the health of the government’s finances determine how much can be spent on public services like schools, the NHS, and welfare and pensions. It is also key to understanding whether taxes can be cut or need to be increased to avoid the government borrowing unsustainably. So ultimately it affects how much money individuals and families will have in their pockets, and the quality and quantity of public services they can enjoy in the years ahead.
Authors

Associate Director
David is Head of Devolved and Local Government Finance. He also works on tax in developing countries as part of our TaxDev centre.
Book Chapter details
- ISBN
- B00LZ6H1MS
- Publisher
- Birlinn Ltd
Suggested citation
Phillips, D. (2014). 'What would the picture for the Scottish Government’s finances be if Scotland votes yes? What if Scotland votes no?' Edinburgh: Birlinn Ltd
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