David Cameron held the Chequers meeting as an attempt to forge a way forward on English home rule

Downing Street risked Scottish anger last night by reassuring Tory MPs that public funds given to Scotland would decrease over time.

The three party leaders vowed to retain the Barnett formula as part of efforts to persuade Scottish voters to remain in the Union. However, since last week’s vote, Tory MPs have voiced anger at the funding model, which grants £1,600 a head more in public money to Scotland than England.

A source at No 10 said that Westminster would keep to its promise to retain the formula, but added that it would reduce as Scotland gained more fiscal powers under devolution.

“It’s not a change to the Barnett formula per se,” said the source. “But the more control a devolved administration has over its