SNP outlines proposed changes to Scotland Bill

Draft clauses offer a ‘better mix of tools’ for ministers

Changes to the Scotland Bill could give Holyrood ministers a “better mix of tools” to help the economy grow, tackle poverty and create a fairer society, the deputy first minister said.

John Swinney was speaking as the Scottish Government published details of how it believes the legislation – which has been brought forward by David Cameron’s Conservative Government at Westminster – could be improved.

The draft clauses proposed by SNP ministers include giving Holyrood full fiscal autonomy, which would see the Scottish Parliament take responsibility for taxation and key elements of domestic expenditure.

The Scottish Government has also set out what powers it believes should be devolved as a priority, including the ability to set the minimum wage, responsibility for employment policy north of the border and for workingage benefits and benefits related to children.

Mr Cameron has already made “a clear commitment to consider the proposals the Scottish Government put forward”, Mr Swinney said, adding that he expects Scottish Secretary David Mundell to “honour that commitment”.

The Scottish secretary and deputy first minister are due to hold talks on the bill later this week.

Mr Swinney said: “It is essential that in taking forward the Scotland Bill and in considering further powers for Scotland, the UK Government takes account of the views of the public and of civic Scotland.

“In particular there are real and pressing concerns from many groups about the coherence of the measures that the Scotland Bill currently delivers and on the compressed timescale for the passage of the bill.”