Today the Scottish Government published its Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland – or ‘Gers’ for short for the year 2024-25.

Figures show the overall revenue in Scotland reached £91,4 billion – the highest on record – reflecting the strength of the Scottish Economy even under Westminster’s constraints. Onshore revenue rose by £2.1 billion to £87.3 billion, driven by strong income tax growth, showing the resilience of Scotland’s economy.

What is GERS?

The GERS report estimates how much money is spent for Scotland’s benefit by the Scottish Government and the public sector – but it also includes how much is spent on “Scotland’s behalf” by the UK Government, including things like Trident.

GERS provides a snapshot of Scotland’s public finances in its current position as part of the UK, but it doesn’t provide the full picture, nor does it tell us about the finances of an independent Scotland – where decisions would be made in Scotland, for Scotland.

Health and education spending per person is higher in Scotland than in the UK as a whole

GERS shows that public spending per head in Scotland is £2,669 higher than the UK average with more invested in health, education and devolved Social Security. This shows that the SNP is delivering the best deal for taxpayers anywhere in the UK.

The extra investment funds policies only available in Scotland like free university tuition, no prescription charges, and the Scottish Child Payment.

The figures show Scotland’s revenue is enough to cover all devolved spending as well as all spending on pensions and other social protection.

The UK’s Brexit continues to damage the Scottish Economy

Brexit continues to damage Scotland’s economy. The progress being made by the Scottish Government is being undermined by the UK Labour government’s damaging economic choices which threaten jobs, investment and living standards.

The powers to grow Scotland’s economy are kept in Westminster’s hands

Around 30% of Scotland’s total revenue now comes from devolved taxes, proof we already run major parts of our economy successfully.

But 70% of the economic levers are still in Westminster’s hands, meaning the big decision on energy, migration and more taxes are made in London.

On top of that, the notional net fiscal balance – including a geographical share of North Sea revenue was -£26.5 billion, or -11.7% of GDP, compared to -9.7% last year. This includes spending on Westminster priorities Scotland doesn’t need nor want – like Trident and the £8.5 billion on UK debt interest from decisions made in London.

GERS demonstrates the need for Scottish Independence

Scotland is rich the talent of our people and natural resources. However, as part of the UK, Scotland doesn’t have the economic leavers to maximise growth in our economy and invest according to our own priorities.

GERS figures include spending on Scotland’s behalf, but the government of an independent Scotland would have completely different priorities.

Scotland’s ability to grow our population and our tax base is also held back by the UK’s damaging migration policy – which both Labour and the Tories support.

In an independent Scotland, the Scottish Government would gain the powers to deliver policies tailored to Scotland’s circumstances, enabling us to grow the economy while building a fairer society.