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.
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.