John Swinney wants green light for £300m spend

FINANCE secretary John Swinney has written to the Chancellor, George Osborne, urging him to fund more than 30 “shovel-ready” projects worth £300 million.

Mr Swinney also said that he will use today’s joint exchequer committee meeting to press the Treasury to ensure new financial powers for Scotland are delivered efficiently, effectively and in the interests of the people of Scotland.

The committee, chaired by Mr Swinney, will also be attended by cabinet secretary for government strategy Bruce Crawford, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander, exchequer secretary David Gauke and Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore.

The meeting is expected to focus on implementation of the financial provisions of the Scotland Act.