Finance secretary asks chancellor for assurances over tax plans

Scotland's finance secretary has asked for a meeting and assurances from the chancellor over speculation she will raise income tax in her Budget.

Such a move, which Rachel Reeves refused to rule out last week, would lead to an automatic deduction from Scotland's funding from the Treasury.

Shona Robison said Labour should ditch "outdated" fiscal rules which include making sure day-to-day spending is funded by tax revenues.

The Treasury said it would not comment on speculation but claimed its previous "record settlement" for Scotland meant it receives 20% more funding per head of population than the rest of the UK.