Back to school...now MSPs to be taught 'fiscal literacy' in bid to improve decisions
For those getting into politics, one would think it a basic requirement.
But calls have been made to teach new MSPs about 'fiscal literacy' in a bid to improve decisions around tax and public spending.
The Scottish Parliament's finance committee has released a new report which demands greater transparency from SNP ministers about budgets.
It also calls for action to improve the ability of MSPs to make decisions and scrutinise them.
It comes amid concerns about the damaging impact of the SNP's tax policies on the economy.
The report, published today (FRI), highlighted that some witnesses told the committee that 'fiscal literacy' should be encouraged amongst all MSPs so that there can be a more 'mature' approach.
It said: 'The committee agrees with witnesses that enhancing the fiscal literacy of all MSPs would help to support more effective scrutiny of budgetary matters and potentially encourage a more mature wider debate around the spending and tax decisions taken by Government.
'We therefore intend to write to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to ask that a comprehensive fiscal literacy training programme be put in place through the induction of new MSPs elected at the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, and through continuous development for all members throughout the five-year cycle.'
The committee also concluded that improvements are required in the strategic financial planning by the Scottish Government, and that significant, long-term fiscal pressures in Scotland can no longer be avoided.
Finance committee convenor Kenneth Gibson said: 'We believe the Scottish budget process, and its building blocks, remain fit-for-purpose. However, the way in which it has operated in practice this session has been far from ideal, and improvements are now needed.
'Our recommendations in this report are therefore intended to ensure that the objectives of the budget process - including improved transparency and awareness, responsiveness to emerging fiscal and policy challenges, greater influence and better outcomes - can now be fully met.
'Our view remains that improvements are also required in the Scottish Government's strategic, financial planning. This should be supported by an improved quality of data and key documentation published by the government, within the timescales expected by Parliament.'
Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: 'This damning report from the committee needs to be an urgent wake-up call for SNP ministers.'
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