Varney review of NI taxation published

The Treasury has today published Sir David Varney’s review of the tax regime in Northern Ireland.

  The Executive, at its last meeting before Christmas tomorrow, will assess
  the impact of the study which was expected to reject a special cut in the
  rate for a region of the United Kingdom.

  And a renewed demand for another face-to-face meeting between First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness with Prime Minister Gordon Brown could be on the cards.

  While widely anticipated, the refusal to accept a lower official Corporation Tax level for the province – a campaign supported by the Belfast Telegraph and small businesses lobby as well as politicians – is a blow to the devolved administration. (Belfast Telegraph)

No doubt that this should be seen in the context of forthcoming debates about more powers for the Scottish Parliament.