‘Union dividend’ worth £1,640 to each Scot in 2015’

Scotland in Union hired finance consultants Europe Economics to examine the fiscal position of the country based on the latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) figures, which were released last week.

It found that public expenditure was 14 per cent higher than the rest of the UK – or £1,530 for every individual north of the Border.

But this rises by another £110 because of lower council tax and business rates – made affordable through remaining in the UK – taking the total to £8.8billion.

When higher public spending and lower taxes were taken together, the analysis said the total value was £8.8bn, or £1,640 per person.

A spokesman for the SNP said that taking one year’s financial figures in isolation was not credible.

He added: “In 2008-09 the UK’s deficit was twice Scotland’s, while Scotland has paid more tax per head than the rest of the UK for all but one of the last 36 years.”

However, Scotland in Union said the findings showed “the enormous financial benefits” of remaining in the UK.

Director Alastair Cameron said: “The ‘Union dividend’ is a return on our long contribution to the success of the UK and all that we have achieved together over generations of shared history, culture and endeavour.

“This is an exciting time for Scottish politics with more powers being devolved to the Scottish Parliament and a dynamic debate about how we use them to improve lives.”

Europe Economics also found capital investment was 34 per cent higher than the rest of the UK and current spending 12 per cent higher.

Scotland was able to spend 188 per cent more on economic development, 126 per cent more on housing, 11 per cent more on education and training, and five per cent more on health.

Combined council tax and non-domestic rates have fallen since devolution compared to the rest of the UK from £252 per head higher to £118 per head lower, economists said.

Last week’s GERS report revealed Scotland’s deficit is now one of the highest in the developed world.

Scots also generated less tax revenue than the UK average for the first time in 35 years. But next year’s figures are likely to be worse because of the North Sea oil crisis.