Scotland’s political parties accused of ‘lack of realism’ over manifesto plans

A ‘common shortcoming’ between Scotland’s political parties is the ‘lack of realism’ about the fiscal challenges the next Scottish Government will face, David Phillips of the Institute for Fiscal Studies said (Jane Barlow/PA) -

Scotland’s political parties have been accused of a “lack of realism” over how commitments made to voters ahead of next week’s election will be funded – with a new report claiming all the major parties do not appreciate “just how tough the fiscal challenges” will be for the next government.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said that a slowdown in cash from the UK Government, combined with growing demands – and costs – for health and social care and devolved Scottish benefits, together with a “hangover from some bad budgeting habits” by the last Scottish government means whoever is in charge after May 7 will find their budget “under significant pressure”.