Public investment and devolution

This paper looks at an economic issue that is emerging as one of the most important that will face the new Scottish parliament, namely how to deal with public sector investment Investment in capital assets is essential to the wellbeing of the population and the continued growth of the Scottish economy. Hospitals, schools, roads and water all require steady investment if they are to deliver the services that the public expects. Devolution will allow the Scottish parliament to develop its own policy on public investment Hence it is worth setting out the main factors that might influence such a policy. A review is also important at this time because of important changes that are taking place in the way that the UK as a whole deals with public investment.