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    This Project is part of the following research programme/s:

    Constitutional Change

    Overview

    The ESRC has appointed seven one year senior fellowships with overall funding of £1.3 million and CPC member,Professor David Bell, has been awarded one of these fellowships to look at the fiscal apsects of constitutional change. The scheme forms part of the programme of work addressing issues around the future of Scotland, the UK and more widely.

    The Fellows are also acting as champions for the social sciences, promoting the importance of social science research in addressing current and future issues in relation to possible Scottish independence.

    For more information on this, see the Centre on Constitutional Change website.

    Publications & Activities

    Bell D, (2014) Chapter 1 - Question 1: What would the outlook for Scotland’s economy be if the vote is Yes/if the vote is No? in Scotland's Decision: 16 Questions to think about for the referendum on 18 September
    Birlinn Limited

    Bell D, Eiser D, (2014) Chapter 14 - Question 14: What would happen to pensions in the event of a Yes or a No vote? in Scotland's Decision: 16 Questions to think about for the referendum on 18 September
    Birlinn Limited

    Bell D, Eiser D, Beckmann K, (2014) Introduction in The Economic Consequences of Scottish Independence
    Helmut Schmidt Universitat, 1-6.

    Bell D, Eiser D, (2014) Pensions in The Economic Consequences of Scottish Independence
    Helmut Schmidt Universitat, 93-100.

    Eiser D, Bell D, (2014) Fiscal Alternatives to Independence in The Economic Consequences of Scottish Independence
    Helmut Schmidt Universitat, 117-127.

    Survey evidence on business and individual attitudes to Constitutional Change
    Future of the UK and Scotland (2014). (Church House Conference Centre, London)
    Authors: Bell D,

    Funding Pensions in Scotland: Would Independence Matter?
    National Institute Economic Review (2014). 227 (1) R21-R31
    Authors: Bell D, Comerford D, Eiser D,

    Survey evidence on business and individual attitudes to Constitutional Change
    What is Scotland saying? - the view from business and the view from the electorate (2014). (Portcullis House, London)
    Authors: Bell D,

    Scotland's Fiscal Future in the UK
    Future of the UK and Scotland (2014).
    Authors: Bell D, Eiser D,

    Scottish Independence: What would it mean for the economy of the North of England?
    Scottish Independence: What would it mean for the economy of the North of England? (2014). (Assembly Rooms, Newcastle)
    Authors: Bell D,

    The Scottish Independence Debate: Evidence from Business
    The Scottish Independence Debate: Evidence from Business - Future of the UK and Scotland Event (2014). (University of Edinburgh Business School)
    Authors: Bell D,

    Funding pensions in Scotland: Would independence matter?
    NIESR - Economics of Scottish Independence (2014). (Royal Society of Edinburgh)
    Authors: Bell D,

    Redistribution and work incentives in an independent Scotland: opportunities and constraints
    European Consortium for Political Research General Conference (2014). (Glasgow)
    Authors: Eiser D, Bell D, Comerford D,

    Inequality in Scotland: trends, drivers and implication for the independence debate
    (2013).
    Authors: Bell D, Eiser D,

    Media

    Scotland: Life After Oil Centre On Constitutional Change website. 2016
    Blog post titled "Scotland: Life After Oil", posted on Centre on Constitutional Changes, written by David Bell.

    The Great Eckscape: Independent Scotland would have been in financial straitjacket thanks to £15billion black hole The Daily Record. 2016
    Online article on the Daily Record, "The Great Eckscape: Independent Scotland would have been in financial straitjacket thanks to £15billion black hole"

    Delaying the real crunch on fiscal framework Centre On Constitutional Change website. 2016
    Blog post titled "Delaying the real crunch on fiscal framework", posted on Centre on Constitutional Change, written by David Bell.

    Delaying the real crunch on fiscal framework The Herald Scotland. 2016
    Web article on The Herald, "Delaying the real crunch on fiscal framework"

    Scottish devolution: a vow fulfilled? Moneyweek website. 2016
    Web article on Moneyweek, "Scottish devolution: a vow fulfilled?"

    Nicola Sturgeon could reject devolution deal over financial agreement The Courier. 2016
    Web article on The Courier, "Nicola Sturgeon could reject devolution deal over financial agreement"

    Scotland Bill: No detriment principle 'is unworkable' BBC News website. 2016
    Web article on BBC news, "Scotland Bill: No detriment principle 'is unworkable'"

    SNP will not sign Scotland Bill without concessions on finances Financial Times. 2016
    Online article on FT.com, "SNP will not sign Scotland Bill without concessions on finances"

    Immigration to Scotland and Brexit Centre On Constitutional Change website. 2015
    Blog titled "Immigration to Scotland and Brexit" written by David Bell posted on Centre on Constitutional Change.

    Peter Jones: Celebrate the devolution revolution The Scotsman. 2015
    Web article on The Scotsman, "Peter Jones: Celebrate the devolution revolution"

    A year after Scottish vote, Unionists fear for the future The Belfast Telegraph. 2015
    News article on the Financial Times website, "A year after Scottish vote, Unionists fear for the future"

    Mundell attacks SNP referendum stance BBC News. 2015
    News article on The BBC website, "Mundell attacks SNP referendum stance"

    A year after Scottish vote; Unionists fear for the future Financial Times. 2015
    News article on the Financial Times website, "A year after Scottish vote, Unionists fear for the future"

    Time to move on from independence referendum; Sir Tom Hunter says The Belfast Telegraph. 2015
    News article on The Belfast Telegraph website, "Time to move on from independence referendum, Sir Tom Hunter says"

    Independence referendum: Sir Tom Hunter says it's time for Scotland to move on from historic vote The Daily Record. 2015
    News article on The Daily Record website, "Independence referendum: Sir Tom Hunter says it's time for Scotland to move on from historic vote"

    Mundell attacks SNP referendum stance BBC News website. 2015
    News article on The BBC website, "Mundell attacks SNP referendum stance"

    Time to move on from independence referendum; Sir Tom Hunter says The Express and Star. 2015
    News article on, The Express and Star website, "Time to move on from independence referendum, Sir Tom Hunter says"

    Paying for Powers Centre On Constitutional Change website. 2015
    Blog titled "Paying for Powers" written by David Bell posted on Centre on Constitutional Change.

    Thinktank questions Scottish devolution plans The Scotsman. 2015
    Article on The Scotsman, "Thinktank questions Scottish devolution plans"

    Budgetary Control Centre On Constitutional Change website. 2015
    Blog titled "Budgetary Control" written by David Bell, posted on Centre on Constitutional Change.

    Full Fiscal Autonomy or Supercharged Smith? - Part 1 Centre On Constitutional Change website. 2015
    Blog on website on Centre on Constitutional Change, "Full Fiscal Autonomy or Supercharged Smith? - Part 1" by David Bell

    Focus should now be on how we can go forward The Herald Scotland. 2014
    Article on www.heraldscotland.com titled "Focus should now be on how we can go forward" quotes David Bell

    The Biggest Questions Facing Post-referendum Scotland Knowledge@Wharton website. 2014
    Article on the knowledge@wharton website titled "The Biggest Questions Facing Post-referendum Scotland" quotes David Bell

    Scotland's Decision: Scotland's Fiscal Future Future of uk and scotland website. 2014
    Blog written on www.futureofukandscotland.ac.uk by David Bell titled "Scotland's Decision: Scotland's Fiscal Future"

    Scotland's Decision: Bookies 1; Opinion Polls 0 Future of uk and scotland website. 2014
    Blog written on www.futureofukandscotland.ac.uk by David Bell titled "Scotland's Decision: Bookies 1, Opinion Polls 0"

    Referendum in Scotland; Dissected by Investor New York Times. 2014
    Article on www.nytimes.com titled "Referendum in Scotland, Dissected by Investor" quotes David Bell

    Scotland referendum: Poll puts 'Yes' campaign ahead for the first time Voice of Russia. 2014
    Article on voiceofrussia.com/uk titled "Scotland referendum: Poll puts 'Yes' campaign ahead for the first time" quotes David Bell

    Better Together takeover: Shopping bills will rise if Scots vote for independence The Daily Record. 2014
    Article on www.dailyrecord.co.uk titled "Better Together takeover: Shopping bills will rise if Scots vote for independence" quotes David Bell.

    Scottish independence could threaten free tuition for its students The Guardian. 2014
    Article on www.theguardian.com titled "Scottish independence could threaten free tuition for its students" quotes David Bell

    Scottish Government Adviser Says 'No Incentive' For Westminster Not To Agree To Currency Union Huffington Post. 2014
    Article on Huffington Post titled "Scottish Government Adviser Says 'No Incentive' For Westminster Not To Agree To Currency Union" quotes David Bell

    The Referendum Clyde 2 Radio. 2014
    Audio clip and mention of Professor David Bell who was interviewed on Clyde2 radio about the Scottish Independence Referendum on an article on www.clyde2.com called "The Referendum".

    Scottish Independence Referendum Clyde 2 Radio. 2014
    Professor David Bell was interviewed on Clyde2 radio about the Scottish Independence Referendum

    'Yes' vote will hit pensions and taxes; says economist The Times. 2014
    Article on www.thetimes.co.uk titled "'Yes' vote will hit pensions and taxes, says economist" quotes David Bell

    Yes or No - Scotland looks set for significant fiscal change Financial Times. 2014
    Article on www.ft.com titled "Yes or No - Scotland looks set for significant fiscal change" mentions David Bell

    Scottish independence growing less likely - research Reuters. 2014
    Article on uk.reuters.com titled "Scottish independence growing less likely - research" quotes David Bell

    Scottish independence referendum debate
    David Bell appeared on BBC Breakfast at the Glasgow Velodrome speaking about the Scottish independence referendum debate (follow up from his appearance on the 2nd June.)

    Scottish independence referendum debate
    David Bell appeared on BBC Breakfast at the Glasgow Velodrome speaking about the Scottish independence referendum debate.

    Scottish independence: Banking on the old and the new BBC News website. 2014
    Article on www.bbc.cu.uk/news titled "Scottish independence: Banking on the old and the new" written by Rebecca Wearn mentions David Bell

    Financial Reflections: Oil forecasting and the referendum debate Future of UK and Scotland website. 2014
    Blog on www.futureukandscotland.ac.uk titled "Financial Reflections: Oil forecasting and the referendum debate" written by David Bell

    Bookies may be best bet to predict Referendum Phys.org website. 2014
    Article on phys.org titled "Bookies may be best bet to predict Referendum" mentions the research of David Bell.

    Study shows risk-takers more likely to vote 'Yes' in referendum Phys.org website. 2014
    Article on phys.org titled "Study shows risk-takers more likely to vote 'Yes' in referendum" discusses the research of David Bell

    Study confirms link between risk-taking and referendum view The Herald Scotland. 2014
    Article on www.heraldscotland.com titled "Study confirms link between risk-taking and referendum view" written by Magnus Gardham discusses research by David Bell.

    Voter attitudes to risk and independence referendum choices
    News/press release on www.futureukandscotland.ac.uk titled "Voter attitudes to risk and independence referendum choices" presents findings from a team including David Bell

    Yes; it's a risk but so is staying in the UK The Herald Scotland. 2014
    Article on www.heraldscotland.com titled "Yes, it's a risk but so is staying in the UK" written by Harry Reid discusses research by David Bell

    The odds are on gamblers opting for an independent Scotland The Herald Scotland. 2014
    Article on www.heraldscotland.com titled "The odds are on gamblers opting for an independent Scotland" written by Magnus Gardham discusses research by David Bell

    Ageing population will cause economic burden for Scotland The Herald Scotland. 2014
    News article on www.heraldscotland.com titled "Ageing population will cause economic burden for Scotland" discusses research on Scottish independence and the ILC-UK event in which David Bell is presenting.

    State Pensions and Independence: Assessing the views of the Scottish; UK Governments
    Blog on the www.futureukandscotland.ac.uk titled "State Pensions and Independence: Assessing the views of the Scottish, UK Governments" is written by David Bell

    Devolution Commission: Policies in Practice
    Blog on the www.futureukandscotland.ac.uk titled "Devolution Commission: Policies in Practice" is written by David Bell

    Osborne has squandered his last chance to sway referendum voters in Scotland The Conversation. 2014
    Article titled "Osborne has squandered his last chance to sway referendum voters in Scotland" posted on The Conversation, written by David Bell.

    Scotland's Economic Future Post 2014: Dollarization and Oil Fund
    Blog on the www.futureukandscotland.ac.uk titled "Scotland's Economic Future Post 2014: Dollarization and Oil Fund" is written by David Bell

    Scottish independence: New claim on currency union The Scotsman. 2014
    Article on www.scotsman.com titled "Scottish independence: New claim on currency union" quotes David Bell.

    Scottish independence
    David Bell discussing his research on migration and Scottish independence on Radio 5 Live with Shelagh Forgarty, broadcast in between 12 and 2pm on 17th February 2014.

    Scotland's Top Ten Battlegrounds BBC2. 2014
    David Bell is featured on the BBC 2 programme "Scotland's Top Ten Battlegrounds" (episode 3)

    Separate Scotland 'could delay pension age rise by 12 years' The Times. 2014
    Article on www.thetimes.co.uk titled "Separate Scotland 'could delay pension age rise by 12 years'" discusses research by David Bell

    Yes vote 'could delay retirement age rise' Press and Journal. 2014
    Article on www.pressandjournal.co.uk titled "Yes vote 'could delay retirement age rise'" discusses research by David Bell

    Separate Scotland 'could delay pension age rise by 12 years' The Times. 2014
    Article on www.thetimes.co.uk titled "Separate Scotland 'could delay pension age rise by 12 years'" discusses research by David Bell

    Self-rule 'will affect pensions'
    Article on www.thecourier.co.uk titled "Self-rule 'will affect pensions'" discusses a research paper by David Bell, David Comerford and David Eiser.

    Debt - the first move Future of UK and Scotland website. 2014
    Blog written by David Bell on www.futureukandscotland.ac.uk titled "Debt - the first move"

    Scottish spending watchdog 'must be independent' The Scotsman. 2013
    Article on www.scotsman.com titled "Scottish spending watchdog 'must be independent'" quotes David Bell

    Analysis: The Economy of Scottish Independence The Scotsman. 2013
    Article on www.scotsman.com titled "Analysis: The Economy of Scottish Independence" written by Angus Armstrong, Monique Ebell and David Bell.

    What would be the debt burden of an independent Scotland? STV News website. 2013
    Article on http://news.st.tv/scotland titled "What would be the debt burden of an independent Scotland?" mentions David Bell

    Economist says 2014 is worst possible time for referendum The Herald Scotland. 2013
    Article on www.heraldscotland.com titled "Economist says 2014 is worst possible time for referendum" quotes David Bell

    Agenda: Why equality must be at the core of our shared economic future The Herald Scotland. 2013
    Article on www.heraldscotland.com titled "Agenda: Why equality must be at the core of our shared economic future" discusses research by David Bell and David Eiser

    Analysis: Unpalatable warning should be considered The Scotsman. 2013
    Article on www.scotsman.com titled "Analysis: Unpalatable warning should be considered" written by David Bell.

    INSIDE TRACK: Our nearest neighbours are also hit by inequality The Herald Scotland. 2013
    Article on www.heraldscotland.com titled "INSIDE TRACK: Our nearest neighbours are also hit by inequality" mentions the work of David Bell

    Scotland's richest get richer as wage gap widens The Scotsman. 2013
    Article on www.scotsman.com titled "Scotland's richest get richer as wage gap widens" discusses a report written by David Bell and David Eiser

    Income of Scotland's top earners 'rose faster than other workers' STV News website. 2013
    Article on news.stv.tv website titled "Income of Scotland's top earners 'rose faster than other workers'" discusses a report written by David Bell and David Eiser

    Scotland's Top Earners' Wages Growing Faster than the Rest International Business Times. 2013
    Article on www.ibtimes.co.uk titled "Scotland's Top Earners' Wages Growing Faster than the Rest" discusses a report written by David Bell and David Eiser

    Salaries soar for top earners The Herald Scotland. 2013
    Article on www.heraldscotland.com titled "Salaries soar for top earners" mentions the work of David Bell

    Top earners' wages growing faster than for rest in Scotland ESRC website. 2013
    Press release on www.esrc.ac.uk titled "Top earners' wages growing faster than for rest in Scotland" discusses a report written by David Bell and David Eiser.

    Income of Scotland's top earners 'increasing faster' than other workers BBC News website. 2013
    Article on www.bbc.co.uk/news titled "Income of Scotland's top earners 'increasing faster' than other workers" mentions the work of David Bell

    Key Messages from the International Conference on the Economics of Constitutional Change Future of UK and Scotland website. 2013
    Blog on www.futureukandscotland.ac.uk titled "Key Messages from the International Conference on the Economics of Constitutional Change" written by David Eiser, mentions a paper written by David Bell (et al).

    Scotland - One in Ten Underemployed Staffing Industry website. 2013
    Article on www.staffingindustry.com titled "Scotland - One in Ten Underemployed".

    A New Underemployment Index for Scotland Future of UK and Scotland website. 2013
    Blog posted on the Future of The UK and Scotland website written by David Bell, titled "A New Underemployment Index for Scotland"

    Good Morning Scotland Good Morning Soctland, BBC Radio Scotland. 2013
    Radio discussion on Good Morning Scotland (BBC Radio Scotland) with Isabel Fraser.

    Business Attitudes to the Independence Debate The Economics of Constitutional Change website. 2013
    Web blog on "The Economics of Constitutional Change" website, titled "Business Attitudes to the Independence Debate" written by David Bell

    Scottish Chambers of Commerce release findings of Members Edinburch Chamber website. 2013
    Article on www.edinburghchamber.co.uk titled "Scottish Chambers of Commerce release findings of Members' Survey of Referendum Information Needs"

    Salmond's problematic pronouncements on tuition fees Holyrood magazine. 2013
    Article on www.holyrood.com titled "Salmond's problematic pronouncements on tuition fees"

    Gavin McCrone backs new North Sea oil fund; but warns of perils The Guardian. 2013
    Blog on www.theguardian.com titled "Gavin McCrone backs new North Sea oil fund, but warns of perils"

    Scottish Chambers of Commerce running referendum survey The Edinburgh Reporter. 2013
    Article on www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk titled "Scottish Chambers of Commerce running referendum survey"

    Scottish Independence: Business views assessed The Scotsman. 2013
    Online article on www.scotsman.com website, "Scottish Independence: Business views assessed"

    David Bell's speech at Scotsman Conference 4th June 2013 The Economics of Constitutional Change website. 2013
    Web blog on "The Economics of Constitutional Change" website, titled "David Bell's speech at Scotsman Conference 4th June 2013" written by David Bell

    Comment: Currency question key to referendum The Scotsman. 2013
    Online article on www.scotsman.com website, "Comment: Currency question key to referendum" written by Angus Armstrong and David Bell

    Local government and regeneration committee Youtube. 2013
    Video on Youtube of Local Government and Regeneration Committee, including dicussions from Professor David Bell

    Irish Land Annuities and Debt Default The Economics of Constitutional Change website. 2013
    Web blog on "The Economics of Constitutional Change" website, titled "Irish Land Annuities and Debt Default" written by David Bell

    The Higher Education Fees Dilemma The Economics of Constitutional Change website. 2013
    Web blog on "The Economics of Constitutional Change" website, titled "The Higher Education Fees Dilemma" written by David Bell

    State of independence could prove costly; Scots warned Times Higher Education. 2013
    Article on www.timeshighereducation.co.uk titled "State of independence could prove costly, Scots warned"

    Referendum on Separation for Scotland Parliament TV. 2013
    David Bell took part in the Referendum on Separation for Scotland at the Houses of Parliament in London. This was aired on Parliament TV.

    The Economics of Constitutional Change The Economics of Constitutional Change website. 2013
    Web blog on "The Economics of Constitutional Change" website, titled "Costs of State Pensions in Scotland" written by David Bell

    Taxes must rise to pay for elderly Scots' care The Express. 2013
    Article on www.express.co.uk titled "Taxes must rise to pay for elderly Scots' care"

    Welfare bill after independence The Scottish Times. 2013
    Article on www.scottishtimes.com titled "Welfare bill after independence"

    Independent Scotland 'may need tax increases to pay for welfare' The Telegraph. 2013
    Article on www.telegraph.co.uk titled "Independent Scotland 'may need tax increases to pay for welfare'"

    Welfare bill would bring tax hike after UK split The Scotsman. 2013
    Article on www.scotsman.com titled "Welfare bill would bring tax hike after UK split"

    David Bell: Busting the benefit budget The Scotsman. 2013
    Online article on www.scotsman.com website, "David Bell: Busting the benefit budget" auoting the research of David Bell

    ESRC scheme to provide evidence and analyse over Scottish Independence Politics.co.uk website. 2012
    Article on www.politics.co.uk titled "ESRC scheme to provide evidence and analyse over Scottish Independence"

    David Bell: Cost of tackling pensions crisis will worsen if we ignore it The Scotsman. 2012
    Article on www.scotsman.com titled "David Bell: Cost of tackling pensions crisis will worsen if we ignore it"

    David Bell: Sterling idea to keep pound The Scotsman. 2012
    Article on www.scotsman.com titled "David Bell: Sterling idea to keep pound"

    Scottish Independence
    David Bell discussed Scottish Independence on the Drive programme on Radio 5 Live.

    Scottish Independence
    David Bell discussed Scottish Independence on the PM programme on Radio 4.

    FactCheck: Who loses if Scotland goes it alone? Channel 4 News website. 2011
    Blog on Channel 4 website titled "FactCheck: Who loses if Scotland goes it alone?"

    David Bell and David Ulph: Would greater fiscal autonomy make Scotland richer? The Scotsman. 2011
    Article on www.scotsman.com titled "David Bell and David Ulph: Would greater fiscal autonomy make Scotland richer?"

    Row heats up over SNP claims fiscal autonomy will drive growth The Scotsman. 2011
    Article on www.scotsman.com titled "Row heats up over SNP claims fiscal autonomy will drive growth"