The Scottish Government has today announced the provisional out-turn spending figures for 2007-08, which show the lowest underspend since devolution.

Making a statement to Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney reported that just £42m of the planned budget of £27.4bn was not spent.

Commenting on the figures, Mr Swinney said: "This is good news for Scotland, with record sums spent delivering high-quality public services for households across our country in 2007-08.

"And it means that a record low amount is being added to the Scottish Government's End Year Flexibility balance, held by HM Treasury, where under current rules it would be locked away, unable to be used by the Scottish Government until 2011-12.


"Instead, through effective management of our budget, we have been able to accelerate spending in some areas so that Scottish taxpayers' money is working for the benefit of our communities this year and into the future."

Swinney noted the example the additional £100m provided to Scotland's colleges and universities, allowing them to fast-track capital investments - money that was made available last year that will free up spending this year and in years to come.

"This successful approach contrasts with the comparable levels of underspend reported at this time over the last four years - figures which ranged from £135m to £623m.

"I am determined to deliver best value and maximum return for the people of Scotland from the money we receive and I am delighted that in 2007-08 we were able to achieve this," Mr Swinney said.

The provisional outturn for 2007-08 indicates a Departmental Expenditure Limit underspend of £42m. This is less than 0.2% of the DEL budget and is the lowest ever recorded by the Scottish Government.

(GK/JM)