MSPs on Holyrood’s Finance Committee will be asking “fundamental questions” about the country’s finances in the first parliamentary probe launched since the May election.
The work will see the committee consider the viability of Scottish Government plans to deal with an anticipated £4.7 billion fiscal gap that the country faces by 2029-30.
In addition, MSPs will look at the SNP administration’s approach to taxation and how this fits with wider plans for public finances.
While Holyrood is now in recess the committee has launched a call for views on such issues, which will last till August 14.
Speaking about the inquiry, Finance and Public Administration Committee convener Clare Haughey said: “Our first inquiry of the new parliamentary session involves asking fundamental questions about Scotland’s public finances.”
She said they would consider issues such as “are the government’s tax and spending plans affordable and sustainable?” and “how will ministers bridge the £4.77 billion fiscal gap that’s anticipated by 2029-30?”.
Ms Haughey continued: “We’ll also want to look at how the Scottish Government should use its financial flexibilities -such as borrowing, bonds, the ‘mutual finance model’ and the Scotland reserve – to manage budget pressures.”
She said they were doing this because “our job is to influence the government’s budget preparations and ensure Parliament has transparency on Scotland’s tax and spending plans”.