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Scotland Bill Committee publishes radical plans

The Scottish Parliament should have the power to decide its own rate of income tax, raise up to £5 billion to fund major infrastructure projects by borrowing or issuing bonds and introduce new taxes, according to a report published by the Scotland Bill Committee.

The Committee Convenor Wendy Alexander said that the Scotland Bill represented the most significant transfer of financial powers to Scotland from London since the creation of the United Kingdom. The 239-page report suggests a series of amendments to improve the legislation.

Wendy Alexander MSP, convener of the Scotland Bill Committee, said:

“This report is about delivering a much stronger financial settlement for Scotland and the next phase of devolution.

“I am proud of the work that my Committee has done to improve the Scotland Bill. What we are now recommending is ‘Calman plus’.

“Our report recommends a series of amendments that would give the Scottish Parliament new powers to raise up to £5 billion for major infrastructure projects by borrowing or issuing bonds - double the amount proposed by the UK Government.

“I believe that these powers could help the next Scottish Government pay for the new Forth Road Bridge or fund a major housing programme.

“The Committee also makes a series of recommendations to strengthen the powers of the Scottish Parliament over a whole range of areas including Council Tax Benefit, the Crown Estate and Gaelic Broadcasting.

“It is more than ten years since the Scottish Parliament was created. We are now taking the next steps on a journey with new financial powers and responsibilities, which will provide ministers with the tools to invest in our future and make life better for people in Scotland.”

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