Tax powers up to 10p in the £

Friday 30th April was a special day in Scotland.  Yet, the day went by and no-one noticed.  A consultation organised by the Scottish Government was closed.  It took a back seat.  The General Election simply overshadowed it.  So what is the Scottish Government trying to do?  Would you believe it, is seeking views on the draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill!  This sets out proposals for an advisory referendum on extending the powers of the Parliament's powers.

So what more do they want?  The suggested ballot paper below reveals all.

Example voting paper

The Commission on Scottish Devolution (the “Calman Commission”) recommended in its report of 15^th june 2009 that the Scottish Parliament should have the following additional finacial powers and responsibilities—

• Responsibility for setting a Scottish rate of Income Tax which could vary by up to 10p in the pound from the rate of the United Kingdom
• Power to set the rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax and other minor taxes, and to introduce new taxes in Scotland with the agreement of the United Kingdom Parliament, and
• Limited powers to borrow money

Proposal 1 – Increased financial powers and responsibilities for Scotland

The Scottish Parliament should have its financial powers and responsibilities extended as recommended by the Commission on Scottish Devolution.

Do you agree with the proposal?

Cleverly there is a second question.  It asks whether the Scottish Parliament should also have its powers extended to enable independence to be achieved.

We would suggest that because of the General Election the Scottish Government should extend the consultation for a further 28 days.

Article by Charles Litster