SCOTLAND’S notional deficit has increased but higher spending north of the border is not delivering results, Scottish Labour warned today.

The latest government expenditure and revenue Scotland figures show that despite higher levels of taxation, Scotland’s notional deficit has grown from £18 billion in 2022-23 to £22.68bn in 2023-24, or from 8.4 per cent of GDP to 10.4 per cent.

Dismissing the deficit, SNP Finance Secretary Shona Robison said it was “not a reflection on the finances or policies of the Scottish government — it is a reflection of UK government choices.”

She said: “As an independent nation, we would have the powers to make different choices.”

Scottish Labour’s finance spokesman Michale Marra, however, said the figures evidenced the benefits of union.

He said: “Being part of the UK is worth £2,417 per head in extra public spending. 

“Despite that, Scots will be right to question why they aren’t seeing better public services as a result of this extra public spending. 

“On attainment in our schools and waiting times in our hospitals people deserve so much better. 

“It is time for SNP to move beyond the division and focus on delivery.”