Poll shows majority of Scottish voters not motivated by money

 

 

By COLIN ROBERTSON (OR)

 

Claims by both campaigns that Scottish citizens will benefit by roughly £1,000 per year will have little effect on the independence referendum, according to a poll conducted by Fife Newsroom.

The poll - which was carried out in Glasgow last week - asked: ‘Would an extra £1,000 per year be enough for you to rethink how you will vote in the independence referendum?’ and saw an overwhelming majority - 75% of voters who took part - say it wouldn’t have any effect on the way they will vote in September.
 

The news comes on the back of divergent accounts of what the costs and benefits of independence will be to Scottish citizens, with each campaign saying that the average Scottish citizen will see  roughly a £1,000 swing annually as a result of the outcome.

 

The Scottish government has said that each person in Scotland will be £1,000 better off per year in the event of a vote for independence. They continue to make the case that an independent Scotland would be one of the wealthiest countries in the world after putting out a new paper on public finances, titled ‘Outlook for Scotland’s Public Finances and the Opportunities of Independence’ which says that the Scottish economy could see a £5bn boost by 2030.

 

SNP leader, and Scottish first minister, Alex Salmond said:

 

"We put forward the benefit over a period of 15 years. We calculate that as each individual in Scotland being £1,000 better off - that's a £5bn bonus, or a family £2,000 better off a year."

 

However, UK ministers have produced an analysis, titled ‘Scotland analysis: Fiscal policy and sustainability’, which says that Scottish citizens will see a benefit of £1,400 a year, should they vote to remain as part of the union.

 

Danny Alexander chief secretary to the Treasury, and the highest ranking MP in Westminster to have a vote in the referendum, called the Scottish government’s report “bogus” and said:

 

"Today we have shown that, by staying together, Scotland's future will be safer, with stronger finances and a more progressive society. Because, as a United Kingdom we can pool resources and share risks. It means a UK dividend of £1,400 a year for every man, woman and child in Scotland.”

 

Polls have tightened in recent weeks, with there now being only a 7% difference between both campaigns, with no at 46% and yes at 39%, and 15% of voters still undecided.