Scotland’s public spending deficit hits record of nearly £2,200 a head

Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, front left, joins other MSPs in leaving the chamber of the Scottish parliament before the summer recess. Photograph: Ken Jack/Getty Images

Scotland’s public spending deficit has hit a record of nearly £2,200 a head, despite a massive increase in tax revenues driven by the global surge in oil prices.

The annual public spending estimates, which cover all the taxes and spending by the devolved and UK governments in Scotland, found Scotland raised £73.8bn in taxes last year, including income from North Sea oil, and spent £97.5bn.