However, the amount of money awarded for day-to-day spending drew a furious response from the Scottish National party. It said Scotland had been shortchanged by an increase in funding for public sector pay, health budgets, policing and schools that came to a relatively meagre £347m over the next three years in cash terms. Derek Mackay, the Scottish finance secretary, said Scotland had been “shortchanged” by the budget. Scotland already spends £1,437 more per head on public services than the UK average overall, and had a deficit more than three times higher than the UK average last year. “That extra funding also means that SNP ministers must look again at their reckless plans to raise income tax in Scotland,” said Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Tory leader.

Source: The Guardian November 22, 2017 19:55 UTC