The Courier & Advertiser (Fife 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”