Figures published today show that Scotland’s ‘Union dividend’ grew to the highest sum on record in 2021-22.
The figure, which combines the value of Scotland’s higher spending and lower revenue compared to the UK as a whole, reached £12billion last year – £2,184 per person.
The annual GERS report revealed Scotland’s total notional deficit to be £23.7billion in 2021-22.
Scotland’s deficit is now 12.3% of its total revenue, more than twice that of the UK as a whole.
Central Scotland MSP, Graham Simpson said: “These new figures underline the huge benefits we all gain from being part of a strong United Kingdom.
“Every single person in Scotland is £2,184 better off because we are part of the United Kingdom.
“The strength and stability of the Union helped us to weather the pandemic, saving thousands of jobs, livelihoods and businesses that would otherwise have been lost – but we are not out of the woods.
“As we head into a global cost-of-living crisis, it is more important than ever that both of Scotland’s governments are 100% focused on our recovery.
“Scotland is £12billion better off as part of the United Kingdom. Instead of using time and resources to divide us, SNP should take these figures as a wake-up call and start working with the UK Government to deliver for the real priorities of Scotland.
“These figures demonstrate clearly that pushing for another referendum is the wrong priority when we need the whole United Kingdom working together to get through the current economic crisis. They are a devastating blow to Nicola Sturgeon's indyref2 bid."
