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Professor Mike Danson, Professor of Enterprise Policy at the University's School of Management and Languages, has joined a 'tri-partite' group undertaking a fundamental review of Holyrood's budget process to take account of Scotland's new fiscal powers.
With new taxes and responsibilities, austerity cuts and the uncertainties of Brexit, it is vital that the process of preparing and agreeing the budget is effective and appropriate.
The review group, involving the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government and external public finance experts and academics, will examine what changes are required to the Scottish Parliament's budget process to ensure there is proper oversight and scrutiny of Scotland's new tax and spending powers.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution Derek McKay said, “I am very supportive of the establishment of the review group which will bring together representatives from the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Government and a panel of external experts to ensure there is meaningful scrutiny of the budget and an opportunity for Parliamentary engagement in the process.
“Scotland's budget process needs to evolve to take account of the complexities and opportunities associated with the Scottish Parliament's new powers. It is important to ensure that we develop a process that balances the time required for proportionate and effective Parliamentary scrutiny with the need to ensure that the information being scrutinised is as accurate as possible and based on the most up to date forecast information.”
Professor Danson has conducted previous research in economic and policy development, and undertaken commissioned advice to the Scottish and UK Parliaments, European Commission and the OECD. He said, "Scotland is about to have the highest level of devolved financial powers in the world so, with new taxes and responsibilities, austerity cuts and the uncertainties of Brexit, it is vital that the process of preparing and agreeing the budget is effective and appropriate. To be asked to be part of this budget process review group is a great honour and responsibility, and I was delighted to accept the invitation."