The Barnett funding formula for allocating public spending among the nations of the United Kingdom will remain because its continuance ‘trumps all other considerations', Coalition devolution troubleshooter William Hague has claimed.

Former Foreign Secretary Mr Hague, who will not contest his seat in May's general election, made the claim at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on reform, decentralisation and devolution, which was hosted by the Local Government Association at Smith Square yesterday.

Mr Hague, who as leader of the House of Commons was appointed to head up the Cabinet commission looking into devolved powers for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, said the pledge made by the three main party leaders on the eve of last year's hotly contested Scottish referendum took precedence.

‘Such a clear commitment trumps all other considerations,' Mr Hague said. 

He added the greater devolution of revenue raising powers would render the controversial population based funding formula devised in 1978 as a political expedient, which benefits people in Scotland by more than £1,600 a year.

Mr Hague confirmed the timetable outlined by the Smith Commission to publish draft clauses before Burns Night, which takes place this Sunday, would be honoured – adding the Cabinet had this week reaffirmed its commitment to implementation.