Today’s HMRC figures show that devolved Scottish tax revenues were nearly £1 billion less than expected in 2017/18, however this was offset by a rise in the block grant of over £700 million.
Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said:
“As part of the UK, we pool and share resources.
“That means when Scottish taxes bring in less revenue than expected, a catastrophic financial crisis in our schools or hospitals can be avoided as a result of increased funding from our UK Treasury.
“If Scotland left the UK we would be leaving this safety net, which is just one reason why we are stronger together as part of the UK.
“The SNP wants to recklessly gamble with people’s livelihoods, but these figures show why Nicola Sturgeon should drop the threat of a divisive second independence referendum and focus on using her existing powers to grow Scotland’s economy.”