Make sure you have the facts when you decide Scotland’s future
Updated 21 August 2014
© Crown copyright 2014
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/make-sure-you-have-the-facts-when-you-decide-scotlands-future/make-sure-you-have-the-facts-when-you-decide-scotlands-future
Here are five ways we’ll benefit by staying in the United Kingdom.
1. Keep the pound.
The pound is one of the strongest and most stable currencies in the world. Staying in the UK is the only way Scotland can keep the strength of the Bank of England and the pound as we have now. Setting up a new currency for an independent Scotland would be costly and risky.
2. More support for public services.
Currently, Scotland benefits from public spending per person that is around 10% higher than the UK average. Taxpayers across the UK help fund the vital public services we need such as health and education. The long-term financial benefit of staying in the UK is worth up to £1,400 a year [footnote 1] to each person in Scotland.
3. One economy, more jobs.
Scotland trades more with the rest of the UK than with the rest of the world combined. Hundreds of thousands of Scottish jobs are connected to trade with the UK. A new international border and a different currency system would make trade harder and cost jobs at a time when the UK economy is recovering.
4. Cheaper bills.
The UK’s financial standing keeps interest rates low. That means cheaper mortgages and loans. Plus our greater size makes household bills cheaper. Staying in the UK would keep future energy bills for Scottish households up to £189 a year lower.[footnote 2]
5. Best of both worlds.
The Scottish Parliament already decides important matters like health and education, and more powers for Scotland are guaranteed. And, as part of the UK family, we benefit by sharing resources and pooling risks. By staying together, we can have more decisions taken here in Scotland backed by the strength, stability and security of the UK.
Independence means Scotland will leave the UK - forever. This is a big decision and every vote counts. Find out more at gov.uk/youdecide2014
This booklet is available in large print, audio and braille. Please write to: Scotland Office, 1 Melville Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 7HW.