McArthur comments on GERS figures

Responding to new figures showing Scotland spent £25.3 billion more than it raised in tax last year, according to the latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) figures, with total public spending per person in Scotland of £22,281, which is £2,720 higher than the UK average of £19,561, Scottish Liberal Democrat finance spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

"What these figures show is that Scots are better off from being part of a strong United Kingdom.

"Access to funding puts us in a better place than we'd otherwise be but that doesn't mean success is guaranteed.

"Now we need a government that is locked in on the key issues like fixing the NHS, mending Scotland’s creaking infrastructure and growing the economy. If that relentless focus can be accomplished there is no reason why Scotland cannot flourish.

"We also need an acknowledgment that within Scotland a one size fits all economic model is not working. Public sector reform will mean looking at whether Scotland's own economic governance is fit for purpose and how we can use the revenues available to the Scottish Government to help every corner of our country to thrive."