Another turn in fiscal autonomy debate

A THINK-TANK has added its name to the list of economists claiming there is no proven link between full financial autonomy for Scotland and increased economic growth.

The Centre for Public Policy for Regions (CPPR) today says that fiscal autonomy "will never be a magic bullet" for the economy, and that ministers in Edinburgh have many of the levers they need to boost growth.

Six leading economists, writing in The Scotsman on Monday, described claims that financial devolution to Holyrood would increase GDP were "not proven".

The CPPR concluded that, at best, the jury is out and, at worst, there is no link at all between independence and growth.