AS FINANCE ministers from the world’s richest countries arrived in St Andrews for the G20 today, the Scottish Government has still not received an assurance from the UK Government that it will foot the bill for the summit.

Ministers in Edinburgh and London have refused to give an estimate of the costs involved, citing security reasons—however, Scottish ministers are adamant Westminster must meet them in full.

Yesterday, in a Holyrood answer to Central Fife MSP Tricia Marwick, justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said the UK Government has not yet agreed to pick up the tab for the G20.

“The Scottish Government is working closely with relevant police and other public authorities to ensure there is adequate preparation for the event,” he said.

“Information on policing costs is not routinely released ahead of an event such as this because of the potential security implications in doing so.

“Given the nature of the event and the terms of the statement of funding policy between HM Treasury and the devolved administrations, we would expect the UK Government to meet the associated costs, and we have sought their confirmation that this will be the case.”

Last night Mrs Marwick said she would continue to press the Scottish Government to ensure the full cost is met by the Treasury.

“I am glad of the confirmation from the SNP Scottish Government that they will continue to press Westminster to meet the whole of the costs,” she said.

“I am not prepared to accept a situation as we had in 2005 at the G8, where 60% of the costs were met by the Scottish Government.

“I will continue to press the justice secretary and continue to campaign for no cost to the Scottish budget.”