Scrutiny Of Smith Proposals

It's claimed the Smith proposals will not deliver the promise of a 'powerhouse' parliament.

MSPs will discuss today what more they believe Holyrood needs to make it succeed. Last week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with Prime Minister David Cameron to ask for control over the minimum wage, employment law and social security. 

The UK Government has repeatedly stated that its draft clauses on further powers will make the Scottish Parliament one of the most powerful devolved Parliaments in the world. However, the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party Devolution Committee report claims the document fails in some critical areas.
 
SNP MSP Rob Gibson, who sits on the Devolution Committee, said: “Last week’s talks between the UK Government and the Scottish Government were positive and productive. But while the Smith Commission proposals are a starting point, it is clear people across Scotland would like to see a stronger package of powers delivered, enabling the Scottish Parliament to end austerity and create jobs.
 
“The report from the Scottish Parliament’s Devolution Committee clearly highlights the fact that the Smith Commission as it currently stands will not deliver the powerhouse Parliament we were promised.
 
“Under the proposals as they stand, Scotland would have less responsibility over raising our own tax revenues than countries including the Canadian provinces and Quebec.
 
“The STUC has joined with the Scottish Government to endorse the call for the devolution of the minimum wage, employment law and social security – this shows an emerging consensus is building in Scotland behind the delivery of these powers.
 
“Scotland expects a strong package of powers to be delivered. The Prime Minister and his government must work with the Scottish Government to deliver them.”