Scottish Elections 2026 - Tax, Spending and the Economy

On May 7^th, voters will decide who controls devolved taxes, spending and public policy for next five years. The visions set out by the different parties differ in significant ways. But all will need to confront fiscal reality and a set of challenges for public services, the tax and benefit system, and the wider Scottish economy.

At this joint Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and University of Aberdeen event, leading experts on these issues will set out the current fiscal and public policy context, and analyse the proposals for the next five years put forward by Scotland’s political parties.

• David Phillips, head of devolved and local government finance at the IFS will first provide an overview of Scottish Government funding, public service spending and performance, and tax and benefit policy. He will then analyse the tax and spending proposals of the different parties – the similarities, the differences, and their consistency with the financial situation facing the next government.
• Keith Bender, Jaffrey Chair of Political Economy at Aberdeen University will discuss the challenges and opportunities for the economy and labour market from the transition from oil and gas to renewable energy.
• Judith Sijstermans, lecturer in politics at Aberdeen University will discuss how the different parties policies and messages are framed, and how this relates to the groups of voters they are targeting.

The evening will be chaired by Magnus Llewellin, Director of Policy and Membership, Prosper Scotland. 

Following David’s presentation and opening remarks from Keith and Judith, you will be able to ask your questions – on the current policy context, on the parties plans, and on future challenges and opportunities for the next government.

This event is for any students, staff, local residents and other stakeholders interested in the fiscal and public policy context of the Scottish parliamentary elections.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance via link below. 

We will try to accommodate people who arrive that have not registered but space may not be available.