Opposition party claims that Scots would move to England because of the SNP's budget are exposed as new analysis conducted by the SNP has revealed that people choosing to live in Scotland are significantly better off than those living in England.
Findings show that average house prices in England are £306,000 compared to £191,000 in Scotland. This would result in yearly mortgage repayment up to £22,392 compared to £13,980 in Scotland - a difference of £8,412.
For London, where Labour has claimed people would move, would see an even worse outcome. The average house price in London is now at £516,000 which would result in a yearly mortgage repayment of over £37,764 - a staggering £23,784 difference.
Plus purchasing a property in England would also incur significant stamp duty charges of an average of £2,800 for England and £13,300 in London.
Choosing to live in Scotland also ensures:
- Free prescriptions – the average Scot receives 19 prescriptions per year, saving £183.35.
- Lower council tax – the average Band D rate in Scotland is £648 lower than England.
- Free tuition – a saving of over £9,000 for each year of study.
- Access to the baby box – providing essential items for the first six months of a child’s life.
- Free personal and nursing care for everyone who needs it.
- Free bus travel for over 2 million people in Scotland.
- Support from Social Security Scotland – ensuring 1.2 million people get the assistance they need, including 7 benefits unique to Scotland such as the Scottish Child Payment.
Households in Scotland are Better Off
Despite significant financial pressures caused by Westminster economic chaos and cuts, the SNP Government is continuing to do everything possible to make Scotland a fairer, equal and more prosperous country to live in
Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:
“Whilst Westminster parties encourage people in Scotland to move to England, these figures lay bare exactly how beneficial it is to live, work and raise a family in Scotland.
“With lower mortgage prices and the SNP Government’s council tax freeze, being a homeowner in Scotland is significantly more financially rewarding than in England – with household budgets potentially thousands of pounds better off.
“Free tuition and prescriptions, access to the baby box and support from Social Security Scotland are just some of the ways we are ensuring that everyone in Scotland, including those living in Renfrewshire, has access to the education, healthcare and support they require without financial barriers.
“Despite significant financial pressures caused by Westminster economic chaos and cuts, the SNP Government is continuing to do everything possible to make Scotland a fairer, equal and more prosperous country to live in.”