The Scottish Parliament should be given new powers over tax and welfare as part of a deal in the wake of the independence referendum, it has been recommended.
The Smith Commission also says the voting age in Scotland should be lowered to 16.
Set up in the wake of the nation’s closely fought independence referendum, the commission says Holyrood should become more accountable and should raise its own money through taxes and a block grant.
Commission chairman Lord Smith of Kelvin told a news conference to announce the recommendations in Edinburgh that the parliament’s power to decide how it is run should be enshrined in law for first time.
He said Holyrood should have responsibility for disability benefits, the ability to create new benefits, full control over unemployment programmes and power over employment tribunals.
Lord Smith said: “Taken together, these new powers will deliver a stronger Parliament, a more accountable Parliament and a more autonomous Parliament.
“The recommendations, agreed between the parties, will result in the biggest transfer of powers to the Parliament since its establishment.”
More follows…
Scotland Must Get Full Tax Powers - Commission
No comments:
Post a Comment