The Independent Expert Group that advises the Commission on financial accountability has published two substantial new reports - one on whether the Scottish Government should have borrowing powers, and the other on natural resource taxation.

The papers were first published on 5 June by Heriot Watt University. Professor Anton Muscatelli, chair of the Group, is also Principal and Vice Chancellor at Heriot Watt.

Press releases about the two reports are published on the Heriot Watt website.

The reports are also now available on the Commission's own website, on the Papers page.

The first paper is entitled "Should Scottish Ministers be able to borrow?" and considers the case for borrowing powers by reference to international comparisons.

The second paper is entitled "Natural Resource Taxation and Scottish Devolution" and considers the options for either assigning or devolving a share of North Sea oil and gas revenues to the Scottish Parliament.

The IEG has worked closely with the Commission since last summer. These papers, which originated from requests by the Commission for specific guidance on the topics they cover, reflect particular elements of this work that has been underway for the past 6 months. The papers have already been seen by the Commission and have helped to inform its Final Report, which is due for publication on 15 June.