Blethering Skite

Disabled and chronically ill Scots are worried about the effect the Westminster government’s cuts to welfare are going to have on them. And the uncertainty Scots face is a direct result of devolution.

The detailed costs have not been finalised yet but economists say it is likely to mean a cut of £1 billion from Scotland’s block grant. That is because Scotland gets a population share of what England decides to spend.

Under devolution, Scotland gets powers on paper in areas like welfare. But in reality, the Scottish government doesn’t control the levers of power. Holyrood is often held accountable for things they can’t control.

If Scotland were independent and in control of tax, spending and borrowing it would be able to make and stick to policies in line with what its people vote for.

But as it is, whatever Westminster decides automatically impacts the money Holyrood has to spend. Devolution is becoming an impossible position.