Scottish 'yes' vote: will my TV licence fee change, can I still play the lottery?

I am over 75 – will I still get a free TV licence?

The Scottish government has promised that residents over the age of 75 will continue to receive their TV licence for free.

- The legal way to avoid paying the TV licence fee

I live in England - will I get free education in Scotland like other EU students?

Scotland’s education system has always been detached from the rest of Britain. Scottish students receiving free university tuition. This will remain in place if Scotland votes for independence.

Currently students from European Union countries do not pay tuition in Scotland, but English, Welsh and Northern Irish students do.

Under an independent Scotland this could change as the rest of Britain will expect to be treated the same as other EU member states.

The Scottish government believes it can still charge British students, arguing fees are justifiable on the basis of Scotland’s shared border. This is the main defence it will use to fight any challenge from the European Commission.

As things stands British students will be able to argue their case for free tuition, but it could take years for a decision to be made through the courts.

I live in England – can I still take out a loan from the UK Government and study in Scotland?

This is unclear. Under the current rules those who want to study abroad, for example in Dublin, cannot get a loan.

Time will tell whether Scotland, who has several thousand English students studying at its four universities, will be granted an exemption.

But if Scotland is given special dispensation it could potentially open a can of worms as English students may ask for grants to be handed out for other countries.

Can I still play the lottery?

In the event of independence those who reside in Scotland will still be able to play National Lottery games.

Camelot has the licence in place until 2023 and a rival game will not be launched, the Scottish government has said.

But a potential sting in the tail is that Scottish charities could miss out on Lottery funding. Only one percent of Lottery funding has been given to programmes outside the UK over the past decade. If this remains the case good causes in Scotland could receive less money.

Will I still get my winter fuel allowance?

It is good news for Scottish pensioners as not only will the winter fuel allowance remain in place, but it will also increase in line with inflation for the first time since it was introduced.

The allowance, which is currently £200, has remained static since 2011, but the Scottish government has pledged to help reduce heating costs further.

Will I still get free prescriptions?

Scotland has offered free prescriptions and free eye tests since 2011. These will remain in place if Scotland votes for independence.

Will the NHS remain in an independent Scotland?

Yes. The Scottish government says a Yes vote will not affect the current cross-border arrangements with health services in the rest of the UK.

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