Nicola Sturgeon has to resign – SNP accused of ‘secrecy' over spending £...

Scottish Government spokesperson said : “Every penny the Scottish Government has received to support its COVID-19 response has either been spent or allocated.

“We endeavour to be fully transparent and the Finance Secretary detailed to Parliament where the additional £1.15billion in consequentials, which were confirmed too late to be utilised in the last financial year, are being spent.

“This includes extending rates relief for retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation businesses for the whole of 2021/22.

“We are pleased Audit Scotland recognises the challenge the Scottish Government faces in managing its budget without clarity on how much funding it will receive.

“Despite repeated requests, the UK Government has so far refused to guarantee the level of COVID-19-related Barnett consequentials this year, despite doing so in 2020/21.

“We continue to press for this certainty, along with the additional fiscal flexibilities which would enable us to drive Scotland’s pandemic recovery more effectively.”