Scots face £3bn tax rise and spending cuts

Sting 'inevitable' as Reeves bids to balance books

- BY HANNAH RODGER Political Editor

SCOTLAND could be facing up to £3billion of tax rises and spending cuts, the Sunday Mail can reveal.

It comes after it emerged last week Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing a £41billion budget black hole.

The problems stem from the UK Government's numerous U-turns on unpopular policies like winter fuel payments and welfare reform, as well as low economic growth and higher borrowing.

Experts have warned whatever Reeves decides to do to balance the Treasury's books, there will be a direct impact on Scotland, either through tax rises or spending cuts.

David Phillips, head of devolved and local government finance at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said Scotland's economy could be impacted by up to £3billion.