Power Transfer : A zero sum game ?

[rob murray]

Leading entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter has said it is time for Scotland to "move on" from last year's referendum.
The Sports Division founder said politicians must respect the result of the vote as he called on party rivals to unite and "focus upon building a more prosperous, productive and fairer Scotland where opportunity prevails for all".

Sir Tom made the comments as The Hunter Foundation published a new report by Prof David Bell of Stirling University looking at changes to devolution in the wake of the 18 September ballot.
Prof Bell's report warned that "overall the transfer of the new powers will be at best a zero sum game".
He said there was "every likelihood" the Scottish government would "have more control over Scottish affairs but less money than under previous fiscal settlements to invest" unless it uses its new tax-raising powers.
The Scottish government will be able to raise £17.7bn of its annual budget of about £30bn, the report said.

While new powers over income tax in the Scotland Bill have the "greatest potential" for increasing revenues, the report argued hikes in this are "highly unpopular in the UK", pointing out that recent chancellors have used "stealth taxes" to boost their spending power.
"Though there maybe no reason in principle why Scotland should not increase income tax rates, Scottish governments may not wish to put their popularity at risk by doing so," the report said.

SOurce BBC Scotland

[cptdodger]

"Though there maybe no reason in principle why Scotland should not increase income tax rates, Scottish governments may not wish to put their popularity at risk by doing so," the report said. SOurce BBC Scotland

And that, is the crux of the matter, increase taxes and no 2nd Referendum, they will be gone by 2020.