PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Inflation: Scotland (9 March 2017)

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect on (a) living standards and (b) household incomes in Scotland of the revised inflation forecasts in the Office for Budget Responsibility's Economic and Fiscal Outlook published alongside Spring Budget 2017.

Asked by:
Ian Murray (Labour)

The OBR forecast that the sterling depreciation would put upward pressure on inflation. But, Scotland is facing this inflationary challenge from a position of strength. Median weekly household income is higher in Scotland than the UK average. Since 2010, productivity in Scotland has risen the second fastest of all the UK nations and regions - and boosting productivity is crucial for creating a sustained rise in living standards.

The Government is continuing to take action to support living standards. This includes increasing the National Living Wage, raising the personal allowance and freezing fuel duty.

Answered by:
Jane Ellison (Conservative)
14 March 2017