Summary

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  • Deputy First Minister John Swinney gave evidence to the Devolution Committee on the fiscal framework negotiations

  • The first minister gave a statement on the fiscal framework negotiations and returned to announce a deal had finally been struck

  • The Devolution Committee gathered again to hear from Scottish Secretary David Mundell on the fiscal framework deal

  1. Background: Fiscal framework progresspublished at 08:29 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February 2016

    A deal on the financial arrangements that will underpin Scotland's new devolution powers "seems within reach", a UK government minister said last night.

    Scotland Office minister Lord Dunlop was speaking as the House of Lords debated the Scotland Bill.

    Finance Secretary John SwinneyImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Finance Secretary John Swinney has been in London for talks on the fiscal framework

    Last Friday it emerged the UK and Scottish governments have made "some progress" in talks to establish a fiscal framework for new devolved powers, but were yet to finalise a deal.

    Finance Secretary John Swinney and his Treasury counterpart Greg Hands met for talks for the tenth time in London.

    Mr Hands has come under criticism from the Finance Committee for declining an invitation to appear before it tomorrow.

  2. Background: Time is running out warns committeepublished at 08:22 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February 2016

    The Devolution Committee has warned that time is running out if MSPs are to have sufficient time to scrutinise the details of any agreement before the Scottish Parliament is dissolved ahead of the election on 5 May.

    Writing in The National newspaper on Monday, external, committee convener Bruce Crawford said he expected both Mr Swinney and Mr Mundell to deliver "nothing less than a full and detailed explanation of their respective positions and where they go from here" when they appear before him.

    flagsImage source, bbc

    He added: "Any further delay beyond Tuesday will have a substantial impact on the Scottish Parliament's ability to scrutinise the detail of any agreement."

    Mr Swinney met Treasury officials in London on Friday, with talks between the two governments continuing over the weekend.

  3. Background: No fiscal framework dealpublished at 08:06 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February 2016

    John Swinney and David Mundell will be questioned by MSPs over their inability to agree a deal on Scotland's new fiscal framework.

    Holyrood's Devolution Committee will speak to Mr Swinney, the Scottish government's finance secretary from 08:30.

    Mr Mundell, the UK government's Scottish secretary, will appear before the same committee at 18:45.

    Mr Swinney and Mr Mundell will appear separately before the devolution committeeImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Mr Swinney and Mr Mundell will appear separately before the devolution committee

    The two governments have been locked in talks for weeks.

    The discussions have centred on the how the block-grant that Holyrood receives should be adjusted when new tax powers are devolved under the Scotland Bill.

    Any deal must meet the principle of "no detriment" - the idea that neither the UK or Scottish governments should lose out financially simply as a result of the decision to devolve.

  4. Welcome to Holyrood Livepublished at 08:01 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February 2016

    Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live's coverage of the Scottish Parliament on 23 February 2016.

    It's an early start for us this morning as the Devolution Committee takes evidence from Finance Secretary John Swinney on the fiscal framework negotiations, from 8.30am.

    John Swinney, money and George OsborneImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    John Swinney is leading the negotiations on the fiscal framework for the Scottish government and last week George Osborne intervened

    Scottish Secretary David Mundell will give evidence from 6.45pm.