Professor Mairi Spowage, the Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde, has been appointed to two advisory bodies.
The advisory roles for the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and the Tax Advisory Group will see Professor Spowage play a pivotal role in shaping economic policies and fiscal strategies of both the national and devolved administrations.
As the Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, Scotland’s leading economic research institute, Professor Spowage will bring her extensive skills in economic analysis, policy formulation, and insights to both groups and contribute to national economic discussions.
The OBR was established in 2010 to provide independent and credible economic and fiscal forecasts of the UK’s public finances. It also evaluates the Government’s performance against its fiscal targets, assesses the long-term sustainability of public finances and scrutinises the Government’s costing of individual tax and welfare spending measures at each Budget.
The advisory panel of leading economic and fiscal experts helps to develop and scrutinise its work programme and forecasting methods. Members of the advisory panel are not involved in the production of the OBR’s official economic and fiscal forecasts, do not have access to them prior to publication, and are not assumed to have endorsed their contents.
Identify opportunities
The Scottish Government’s new Tax Advisory Group, convened by Deputy First Minister Shona Robison, was established as part of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, to discuss the tax system as a whole and identify opportunities for broader public engagement.
The Group will benefit from Professor Spowage's comprehensive understanding of economics and her ability to communicate intricate economic concepts. Positions are unpaid and members attend the group in a personal capacity rather than as representatives of their respective organisations.
Professor Spowage said: "I am delighted to being joining these groups, both of which will play crucial roles in shaping economic policies that impact our society at large. I am committed to contributing my expertise and working collaboratively with fellow experts to ensure that our economic strategies are well-informed, balanced, and aligned with the needs of our communities."
Professor Spowage's appointment to these prestigious positions exemplifies her dedication to advancing economic discourse and fostering evidence-based decision-making. Her extensive experience, coupled with her academic acumen, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the economic landscape of Scotland and beyond.
Established in 1975, the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde has played a pivotal role in shaping Scottish public life thanks its focus on the Scottish economy.