Common Questions

What has the Fraser of Allander Institute said about the Scottish election manifestos?

It has assessed Conservative and Reform UK spending pledges alongside the IFS, supporting findings that several plans lack credible funding. In April 2026 it separately confirmed Reform UK's Scottish income tax cut is unaffordable.Source: IFS/FAI election briefings 2026

Who are the Fraser of Allander Institute?

An independent economic research centre at the University of Strathclyde, founded in 1975 and focused on the Scottish economy and devolved public finances.Source: FAI website

Is the Fraser of Allander Institute independent of the Scottish Government?

Yes. It receives no core Scottish Government funding and operates within Strathclyde Business School.Source: FAI about page

Background

The Fraser of Allander Institute has emerged as a central reference point in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, with its analysis of party manifesto costings helping set the terms of fiscal debate. Alongside the Institute for Fiscal Studies, it is one of the key bodies stress-testing Scottish Conservative and Reform UK spending pledges against Scotland's devolved budget constraints. In April 2026 the IFS published a cross-party summary finding no Scottish party has a credible fiscal plan; FAI separately confirmed that Reform UK's Scottish income tax cut is unaffordable.

Founded in 1975 at the University of Strathclyde, the institute conducts independent research into the Scottish economy, labour markets, and public finances. Its quarterly Scottish economy reports are read by the Scottish Government, Holyrood committees, and business bodies. It sits within Strathclyde Business School and receives no Scottish Government core funding, preserving its independence.

The institute occupies a distinct role from London-based think tanks: it focuses specifically on Scotland's devolved fiscal framework, block grant mechanics, and the Scotland-specific effects of UK-wide economic policy. In election periods its modelling carries particular weight because few organisations have comparable depth on Holyrood's spending powers.