Final agreement on further powers for the Scottish Parliament

27 Nov 2014 11:00 AM

Lord Smith of Kelvin today unveiled the report of the Smith Commission at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The report was published ahead of the deadline of 30 November. 

The Heads of Agreement on powers to strengthen the Scottish Parliament within the UK were drawn up by the nominees to the Commission from the five political parties represented at Holyrood. 

The recommendations include:-

• The Parliament will be given the power to set income tax rates and bands on earned income and will retain all of the income tax raised in Scotland. A share of VAT will be assigned to the Parliament and Air Passenger Duty will be fully devolved.
• The Parliament will be made permanent in UK legislation and given powers over how it is elected and run including the power to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote.
• The Parliament will be given powers to create new benefits in devolved areas and make discretionary payments in any area of welfare. Also a range of other benefits that support older people, carers, disabled people and those who are ill will be fully devolved.

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