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The devil in the detail 95

Posted on November 21, 2013 by

We’ve had a closer look at the Institute for Fiscal Studies report from this week.

Basically, the conclusion of the report is that if an independent Scotland continued to do exactly the same things over the next 50 years as the UK does now, it would have to grow its GDP by 1.9% to cover a predicted fiscal gap, while the UK would only have to grow by 0.8% to cover a similar gap. According to the IFS, this 1.9% shortfall would mean a 6% cut in services or a hike of 8% in income tax in an independent Scotland.

However, close reading of the small print in the IFS document highlights facts and forecast figures that appear to contradict the IFS’s argument and instead point to a situation where an independent Scotland would actually be in a similar fiscal position to the UK. Confused? Yes, so were we.

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Category analysis, scottish politics, stats

The ‘No’ future 130

Posted on March 15, 2013 by

The media (and some of the more gullible elements of the blogosphere) recently got itself into a lather about Douglas Alexander’s latest contribution to the independence debate – excellently rebutted by novellist and playwright Alan Bissett – which presented his vision of a post-referendum Scotland that voted No to independence.

nofuture

Here’s an alternative picture. But unlike the typical “Better Together” scare story, these are not fabricated fantasies. Many are happening right now, while others are merely under discussion and in preparation.

This is what you’re voting for if you vote No.

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Category analysis, comment, disturbing, uk politics

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    • Hatey McHateface on The fight about to come: “Too right. I read they have to even import welders these days.” Oct 15, 09:22
    • Hatey McHateface on The fight about to come: “Get a grip, Bob. Free beer would break their own alcohol Minimum Unit Pricing law. Ain’t never gonna happen.” Oct 15, 08:42
    • robertkknight on The fight about to come: “Aye, right… SNP announce new manifesto pledge… “Free Beer Tomorrow”. Fool me once, and all that.” Oct 15, 03:09
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    • Aidan on The fight about to come: “Exactly – a “perfect” government is impossible because people will evaluate a government against different sets of values, interests and…” Oct 14, 19:56
    • SilentMajority on The fight about to come: “‘Groundhog Day’ anyone? “Our money’s all been spent I don’t know if all that’s true ‘Cause you got me and…” Oct 14, 19:08
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    • Ronnie on The fight about to come: “Aye,right.” Oct 14, 15:57

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