Can Scotland Afford Devolution?

Question

"Is the population of Scotland, large enough to support their new taxes, if Westminster cut their funding...surely their tax would become too high."

Answer 1

I've just answered a similar question in detail (look at the last question I answered).

Whilst it's true that Westminster provides *some* funding to Scotland what's largely ignored by the media and conveniently brushed aside by the government is the funding Scotland provides to Westminster. The result is a subsidy paid by Scotland to England of 81.4 billion pounds (this is the governments own figure).

If Scotland become independent and were allowed to claim back the seas (which Westminster claimed upon the discovery of North Sea oil) then Scotland would have over 1.5 trillion dollars of oil reserves - about a million dollars per household. With that sort of money Scotland would be able to do what other similarly rich countries such as the Gulf States have done which is to abolish income tax altogether.

Answer 2

Ever heard of a thing called "The North Sea Oil Fields"? guess where They are to be found. (hint) You fly there from Scotland. All that money would belong to Scotland. It is the only thing that has kept England from going broke for the last 30 years.

Answer 3

How could tax ever be too high in Scotland? They deserve high tax rates, and they need them to pay for their silly Socialist ideas. Unfortunately those who live south of the border have to pay for them.

Besides, if they raise taxes, after devolution, there'll be more of the buggers down here.

Answer 4

It isn't something as a Scot I want - I think we are better off as part of the United Kingdom. I don't see why not though on affordability. We'd have to find a way to make it work.

Answer 5

It was always easier to live as a slave,the master feed you and gave you a place to stay,like leaving the house out on your own,thats why some join and stay in the service.But once you do leave who willingly will accept bondage again.Sadly we must all grow up someday.