The way the devolved institutions are financed in the UK is neither fair nor equitable, and is no longer appropriate for devolution, according to a report published today (Thursday) by ippr north



The report shows that the distribution of spending through Barnett does not correspond to need. In 2007/08 the spending disparities between the nations of the UK were:

• Northern Ireland received £5,684 per head: 21 per cent above the UK average spend per head and £1,161 more per head than that spent in England
• Scotland received £5,676 per head: 21 per cent above the UK average and £1,153 more per head than that spent in England
• Wales received £5,050 per head: 8 per cent above the UK average and £527 more per head than that spent in England
• England received £4,523 per head: 3 per cent below the UK average.

ippr - Institute for Public Policy Research

It seems that all the traditional labour voting areas are getting special treatment. Its time to scrap the barnett formula and this god awful labour party for promoting divide and rule politics and breaking up the union.