News & Events

  • Changes to Non-Domestic Rates to raise revenue

    The Scottish Fiscal Commission has today published updated forecasts of income from Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) reflecting the changes introduced through the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill.


  • OECD publishes independent review of the Scottish Fiscal Commission

    An independent report on the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC), Scotland’s official economic forecaster, was published today by the Organisation for Economic Co?operation and Development (OECD). The OECD reported: “The SFC has quickly developed a reputation for delivering independent and credible forecasts”. The OECD reflected that the SFC’s independence was underpinned by strong enabling legislation and…


  • Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2019

    The Scottish Fiscal Commission has today published its Annual Report and Accounts for the 2018-19 fiscal year. This sets out our annual accounts, and evaluates our performance over 2018-19.


  • Budget forecasts benefit from new data

    The Scottish Fiscal Commission has today published its evaluation of the accuracy of its forecasts which are used to set the Scottish Budget. Devolved taxes and social security benefits make up a higher proportion of the Scottish Budget than ever before, so the accuracy of those forecasts matters. The Commission’s annual Forecast Evaluation Report shows…


  • Scottish Fiscal Commission highlights increasing risks for the Scottish Budget

    The Scottish Government will need to manage volatility in its Budget as the devolution of tax and spending powers becomes fully operational, according to the Scottish Fiscal Commission. The Commission published its official five-year economic, tax and social security forecasts today (30 May). From next year the UK Treasury’s funding of the Scottish Budget will begin…


  • Scottish Fiscal Commission highlights increasing risks for the Scottish Budget

    The Scottish Government will need to manage volatility in its Budget as the devolution of tax and spending powers becomes fully operational, according to the Scottish Fiscal Commission. The Commission published its official five-year economic, tax and social security forecasts today (30 May). From next year the UK Treasury’s funding of the Scottish Budget will begin…


  • OECD to lead first review of the Scottish Fiscal Commission

    International experts will undertake an independent review of the Scottish Fiscal Commission this summer. This review is a legal requirement for the Commission and is in line with internationally-agreed best practice for independent fiscal institutions. The review will be led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In addition to OECD staff, the…


  • Improved outlook for Scotland’s economy but long-term prospects remain subdued

    The economic outlook for Scotland in 2018 and 2019 has improved, according to the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s official economic forecasts, published today. The Commission forecasts economic growth of 1.4 percent in 2018 and 1.2 percent in 2019, reflecting stronger recent economic performance, a more positive prospect for earnings over the next few years and the…


  • New Commissioners appointed to the Scottish Fiscal Commission

    9 October 2018 The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work, Mr MacKay, today announced the appointment of Professor David Ulph and Professor Francis Breedon as Members of the Scottish Fiscal Commission. Dame Susan Rice, chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission said: ‘David Ulph and Francis Breedon are both notable economists whose strengths complement…


  • Expenditure forecast on first part of Scotland’s new Best Start Grant

    The first of three benefits to be offered to parents under Scotland’s new Best Start Grant will cost £5.6 million in 2019-20, says the Scottish Fiscal Commission. This is an increase of £3.1 million over the forecast expenditure on the UK benefit it replaces – the Sure Start Maternity Grant.  The Commission estimates that 13,000…