US EditionScottish Public Spending Deficit Grows as Oil Revenue Drops Again
North Sea oil and gas revenues fell by £0.8 billion, while public spending rose 5.5%, pushing Scotland’s budget deficit to £26.5 billion in 2024-25, officials said.
- The most recent figures from Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland show that Scotland’s public sector deficit has increased to £26.5 billion for 2024-25, amounting to 11.7% of the nation’s GDP.
- This worsening deficit reflects a fall in North Sea oil revenue to £4.1 billion, down from £4.9 billion the previous year, despite a 1.5% growth in Scottish revenue overall.
- Total public spending in Scotland increased to £117.6 billion, driven mainly by a £6.1 billion rise in health and social protection measures, with spending per person estimated at £21,192.
- Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison emphasized that the statistics are based on Scotland’s status within the UK and do not represent an independent Scotland’s finances. She also noted that Scotland enjoys higher revenue per capita than most other UK regions.
- The report implies continued fiscal challenges for Scotland under UK devolution, while supporters of independence argue it limits the country’s ability to make different economic choices.
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Evening Standard+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Scotland’s deficit grew by £5.1bn, Government estimate shows
The report said ‘public finances in Scotland weakening, as expenditure grew faster than revenue’.
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left5Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Left
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
56% Left
L 56%
C 22%
R 22%
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