Let’s just cut to the chase. When the biggest talking point in Scottish politics is happening ten thousand miles away in a jungle with Ant, Dec and a tank full of fish guts, you get the sense that we’re perhaps not living through a truly vintage era.
There where murmurs from various quarters when the news was leaked that Kez would be joining the ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ cast, first from her own party and then from various other voices concerned that the former Scottish Labour leader might end up talking Scotland down (under) by playing a game not-too-subtly named ‘Sickola Sturgeon’ by producers at ITV.
Should she be suspended for taking paid work in Oz, or worse still for overshadowing the announcement of Richard Leonard as Scottish Labour’s new leader? Or will she manage to convert legions of young viewers (and maybe even the cast of Made in Chelsea!) to ‘Labour values’ between bush tucker trials and helpings of kangaroo flavoured snacks?
This saga will run and run, at least till she’s voted out or crowned Queen of the Jungle and we all move on.
Away from the malarial fever dream on ITV we had the cold shower of another UK Budget and the ensuing debate over whether Scotland had won or lost from the Chancellor’s settlement.
Leaving aside those terrifyingly scaled down growth predictions and productivity figures, the Scottish Conservatives found plenty to smile about with the long-called for agreement by the Treasury to refund VAT receipts for Scottish police and fire services to the tune of £30m a year. David Mundell looked pleased indeed that his new Scots Tory MP pals at Westminster, combined with his old mate Ruth up at Holyrood, now seemed to have the necessary clout with Downing Street.
Elsewhere, there was also much crowing from the blue benches about additional £2bn (over three years) for Scotland in the form of Barnett ‘consequentials’. We’ll know more about how this money will be used when Derek Mackay delivers his Scottish Budget in December, just as we’ll also find out about the differences that Scottish taxpayers and house buyers will face in comparison with the rest of the UK.
The Chancellor’s decision to abolish stamp duty in England for first time buyers purchasing properties valued at £300k presents a direct challenge to the Scottish Government. With Scotland’s stamp duty equivalent LBTT already facing criticism in some quarters for entry tier thresholds set too low, we may see some moves to make the system more competitive next month – especially within the context of much anticipated changes to the amount Scots will be asked to pay in income tax.
So the big question for the month ahead is whether tax changes in Scotland will encourage or discourage a competitive landscape for consumers and businesses. Mr Mackay and his team will be aiming for a finely calibrated budget offering that avoids anxious squeals of “I’m a higher rate taxpayer….get me out of here.”