Westminster’s ‘fallen short’ on Scotland Bill

MUCH anticipated plans for more powers for Scotland following the referendum fall short of what was promised, according to the Scottish government.

The UK government published the Scotland Bill, which David Cameron said would meet the Smith Commission recommendations in full, but which deputy first minister, John Swinney, said represents “a broken promise”.

The Bill includes enabling the Scottish parliament to set the thresholds and rates of income tax in Scotland and keep all the money raised in Scotland.

It will give the Scottish parliament half of VAT revenue raised in Scotland.

The Scottish parliament would get around £2.5billion worth of new welfare powers.

Mr Swinney said there are several areas where it fails to deliver.

He said there are restrictions on who carer’s benefit can be paid to and no power to create new benefits in specific areas.

Mr Swinney said: “Less than a fortnight ago, the prime minister came to Edinburgh and pledged to the people of Scotland to deliver the Smith Agreement in full. Today, it’s plain to see that prom- ise has been broken.

“Delivering the Smith Commission’s recommendations was the minimum the UK government had to deliver.”

The UK government said it had met the Smith proposals.

David Mundell, Scottish secretary, said: “The government has moved quickly to deliver on our commitment to make Holyrood one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world.”