Audit Scotland Warns of Unsustainable Budget Practices in Scotland

The watchdog calls for fundamental reforms as short-term fixes and lack of transparency threaten public services.

Audit Scotland's report highlights the Scottish Government's reliance on one-off revenues and short-term measures to balance the budget, raising concerns over long-term sustainability.
The use of £460 million from ScotWind revenues for public sector pay awards is criticized as unsustainable, with those funds originally intended for climate change initiatives.
Public sector pay deals and welfare spending have significantly increased fiscal pressures, with a £1.9 billion budget gap forecast by 2027-28.
The watchdog calls for greater transparency and leadership, urging the government to outline clear reform plans with milestones and measurable impacts on public services.
Opposition parties have condemned the SNP's financial management, citing a lack of strategic planning and leadership ahead of the December 4 budget announcement.