The World Bank, stated that:
“Programmes providing health, education infrastructure and other services are important in achieving the common goal of a prosperous, functional and orderly society. These are funded through taxation.”
To analyse tax devolution in the UK, the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee (FPAC), Scottish Futures Forum and the Celtic Academies Alliance (Royal Society of Edinburgh, Learned Society of Wales and Royal Irish Academy) held a joint all-day conference yesterday at the RSE in Edinburgh.
Around 60 academics, commentators and MSPs participated as we enjoyed presentations and workshop participation.
We looked at tax devolution, what has worked well - and not so well - in Scotland and Wales; the possibilities in Northern Ireland and how we can improve devolved taxation and enhance public understanding of it.
Such matters will be taken forward by FPAC in the months and years ahead.
Pictured with me are Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Justine Riccomini, Head of Tax, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, Professor David Bell and Professor David Heald
