But why does an independent Scotland mean no "bedroom tax"?

It isn't that SNP are cynically confusing independence with the aspirational policies of their particular party, it's that many people fall for it that gets me.

When Salmond says no this, free that, better the other, he also speaks of negotiating terms with The UK. Rather convenient then to say The UK played hardball so we can't afford this that and tue other. And it's all the fault of Westminster, not the err.. Independent Scotland.

In reply to the NHS point earlier, I can confirm that NHS is based on central funding on a per capita basis, adjusted for local need. Scotland has been funded and indeed governed by and for Scotland from the outset. Health legislation is Scottish in origin and whilst the basic concept is similar, the rationale has always been how Scotland has organised it. The money goes straight to Scotland. The Dept of Health only doles it out to England. Wales and NI agree funding via their assemblies, hence having their own health ministers too.

In fact, with rural access to services meaning some NHS services being provided in rural areas where for most of England they would be more centralised, and the high levels of health inequalities and co morbidity in many urban areas, Scotland as a whole receives more NHS funding than England, per person, just. However, Scotland also sees slightly less of that spent on direct clinical costs, having to provide some expensive services to low population numbers.

Put simply, improving NHS services in any part of The UK is not easily delivered by political promise, because nowhere in The UK has all the specialist staff they need, as a combination of poor long term training planning and tightening of immigration and work visas means we are all suffering from staff shortages, especially consultants. Hence politicians can promise seven day hospitals all they wish, and The NHS agrees with the idea for many services, but where you are going to get 40% more specialists from when we can't fill existing posts is beyond me...

A thought. An independent Scotland could have a more relaxed approach to immigration and fill more doctor posts? Lots of ifs there, but they could steal a competitive edge, assuming they could afford it.

Meanwhile, Mrs Musket, a fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh got a letter the other day saying they have opened an office in Birmingham...