Scotland

Fact checks of direct relevance and specifically about matters of national importance in Scotland

8 August 2023

Minister’s claim on Aberdeenshire council tax increase missing context

Under Scottish government plans currently under consultation, only properties in Band H in Aberdeenshire would see an increase of £768.12 in council tax.

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Minister’s claim on Aberdeenshire council tax increase missing context
23 February 2023

Daily Express claim on Scotland’s ‘deficit’ needs context

It’s true that Scotland technically has a large budget ‘deficit’, but the level of the deficit is mainly due to decisions made by the UK Government not the Scottish Government.

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Daily Express claim on Scotland’s ‘deficit’ needs context
12 January 2023

Public opinion in Scotland does support EU membership

Alister Jack told the House of Commons that there is “no desire in Scotland” for EU membership. Opinion polls suggest otherwise.

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Public opinion in Scotland does support EU membership
6 January 2023

Westminster does not control the amount Scotland spends on its NHS

Although Scotland receives funds from the UK Government, it can spend them on any devolved services.

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Westminster does not control the amount Scotland spends on its NHS
1 November 2022

UK Government doesn’t retain £50bn of Scottish taxes

Posts on social media overcount and double count Scottish revenues while undercounting Scottish expenditure.

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UK Government doesn’t retain £50bn of Scottish taxes
14 October 2022

Senior SNP politicians mislead on renewable energy generation

Scotland produces about as much renewable electricity as the total amount of electricity it consumes—but it also generates electricity from nuclear power stations and fossil fuels.

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Senior SNP politicians mislead on renewable energy generation
12 October 2022

Claim that Scotland receives no money from England is missing context

The level of public spending is higher than its level of contribution to the UK economy.

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Claim that Scotland receives no money from England is missing context
24 November 2021

Claims about changes to Pfizer vaccine for children miss important details

A misleading article says a Covid-19 vaccine designed for children includes a solution used to stabilise heart attack patients.

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Claims about changes to Pfizer vaccine for children miss important details
15 November 2021

Scotland’s electricity consumption isn’t 100% renewable

Scotland produces renewable electricity equivalent to its annual consumption, but some of this is exported. In 2020, 56% of the electricity consumed in Scotland came from renewable sources.

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Scotland’s electricity consumption isn’t 100% renewable
20 October 2021

England hasn’t ‘kept’ £450 billion of Scottish taxes since 2001

A Facebook post claiming England has kept Scottish taxes ignores the money spent by the UK government for or in Scotland.

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England hasn’t ‘kept’ £450 billion of Scottish taxes since 2001

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