The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
The report in brief
• Independence modelled on increasing “population, participation and productivity”
• A GDP increase from 1.1% in 2017 to 2.5% within a decade, then 3.5%
• Such levels would increase annual tax take by £9bn, with a £4,100 per person boost to economy
• Scotland to use sterling for a “possibly extended transition period” and a Scottish currency only pursued if six tests are met
• Borrowing to be kept low to ensure credibility and public debt no more than 50%of GDP
• Aim to save £1bn from UK spending programmes from comprehensive spending review, not including defence
• Spending increases less than GDP growth in real terms to bring deficit below 3%
• £5bn “annual solidarity payment” to be paid to rest of UK to cover share of debt
• Income tax relief for skilled workers to make Scotland most welcoming country in world for immigrants
• Corporation tax will not be increased above UK level, but no low tax economy
• £90m per year for five years set-up costs including central bank, intelligence agency, defence force
• North Sea revenues assumed to be zero, with Fund for Future Generations
• Securing frictionless borders with rUK and EU a “top strategic priority”
• Doubling exports to 40% of GDP a “reasonable target”