An independent review of the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) concluded the SFC “continues to stand out as a strong IFI (independent fiscal institution) internationally, comparing well to its peers …”

However, the OECD report said the commission “will need to broaden and deepen its spending analysis” beyond social security.

“This will enable the SFC to undertake robust independent analysis of spending pressures across the budget and highlight in politically neutral terms some of the different ways in which they might be alleviated,” said the OECD.

The report said “strengthening levels of fiscal literacy among Members of the Scottish Parliament will also enhance the impact of the SFC’s work and help it inform political debate across a broader range of spending areas.”

Key to this will be the SFC “continuing to strengthen its parliamentary engagement – particularly with subject committees.”

Scottish Fiscal Commission chair Graeme Roy said: “I am grateful to the OECD for carrying out this review. It’s vital that we have an independent, external and international perspective on our work and on the fiscal challenges facing Scotland.

“I am delighted by OECD’s assessment of the Fiscal Commission and I look forward to reflecting on their  recommendations with the Scottish Parliament and Government.”