Chamber and committees

Review of the Fiscal Framework

Letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy

Kate Forbes MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy
Scottish Government

Dear Cabinet Secretary,

Thank you for meeting with me on 29 September to discuss the review of the Fiscal Framework along with the Convener and the Deputy Convener of the Finance and Public Administration Committee.

At its meeting on 7 October, the Social Justice and Social Security Committee agreed to write to you about progress with the review of the Fiscal Framework, which importantly underpins the further powers over tax and social security devolved through the Scotland Act 2016.

The Committee noted the first review should begin this year and that an independent report is needed by the end of 2021. Given the timescales involved, the Committee would find it helpful to have an update on the progress being made with commissioning the independent report and whether agreement has been reached on the scope of the review. Your views would also be welcome on whether the timescale for review is likely to be met.

I would also like to make you aware that the Committee agreed to write to the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt Hon Simon Clarke MP, in similar terms. In addition, the Committee is seeking assurances that the recommendations made in the joint letter of 28 October 2020 will inform the review of the Fiscal Framework.

I understand the Convener of the Finance and Public Administration Committee has also written to you about these matters.

Yours sincerely

Neil Gray MSP

Convener
Social Justice and Social Security Committee