INDEPENDENCE would lead to a radically simpler and fairer tax system, Nicola Sturgeon said last night as she confirmed the SNP white paper on the effect of a Yes vote would be published in November.

The Deputy First Minister revealed ministers are to publish a series of papers on pensions, economic growth, job creation and the ­shepherding of natural resources.

Speaking ahead of a Holyrood debate on Scotland's Future next Wednesday, which will mark a year to the referendum, she said both sides of the debate now agreed Scotland could afford to leave the UK.

The "second phase" of the Scottish Government's information strategy would focus on why ­Scotland ought to be independent.

She said: "We have already published key pieces of work by the Government and our expert advisers - setting out the way in which Scotland would become independent, the opportunity for a written constitution, the strengths of Scotland's economy, our intention to retain our pound, and the opportunities that independence will bring to improve Scotland's welfare system.

"We will publish our proposals to better protect Scotland's pensioners, capitalise on our economic strengths to create new jobs, boost innovation and exports, and build a more cohesive and equal country. The Fiscal Commission Working Group will set out how a simpler and more efficient tax system can be established, and offer their advice on managing Scotland's public finances and stewarding our vast oil reserves for the benefit of this and future generations."

She said November's White Paper would be "a comprehensive guide" answering all questions. "Just as we will set out the evidence of the gains for people when we have decision-making powers, so too will we set out the real costs of leaving Westminster with economic, tax and social security powers," Sturgeon added.