The publication of the Scotland Bill highlights the weakness of its proposals, and contrasts with the bolder measures proposed by Scottish Lib Dem leader Tavish Scott in his evidence to the Calman Commission – including transferring responsibility for corporation tax. 

The SNP’s Campaign Director Angus Robertson said that the Lib Dems and Labour have become the willing supporters of a Tory tax trap for Scotland, leaving the SNP as the only party proposing measures which are better and more ambitious for Scotland.

Tavish’s failures include:

• Failing to have a significant number of taxes devolved as proposed by him in his submission to the Commission – including ALL income tax powers, corporation tax & fuel duty; and

• Then after the 2010 election suggesting the original Calman proposals could see more tax powers devolved (Calman Plus) but then letting their Scottish Secretary publish a bill with less tax powers (Calman Minus)

Commenting Mr Robertson said:

“Tavish Scot’s own submission to the Calman Commission underlines the extent of the Westminster retreat from what the Scotland Bill could and should have been.  The fact that the Lib Dems, Labour and the Tories are all joined at the hip in support of a measure which is far too modest means that everyone in Scotland who wants something better and more ambitious will be galvanised next May TO support the SNP’s platform of real powers for Scotland.

“The Lib Dems’ proposed taxation powers – including transferring corporation tax to the Scottish Parliament – and the offer of Calman Plus all turned to dust.  It is no wonder their poll ratings have hit a twenty year low.

“Just as we have seen with the LibDems ridiculous and indefensible u-turn on tuition fees, we have seen the same thing happen with the Scotland Bill.  Talk of standing their ground and being principled has just melted away as they embrace power with a Tory government Scotland rejected.  And Labour have blundered badly by signing up to a puny proposal which is way behind the ambitions of the people of Scotland.

“Only the SNP stand for something better – to ensure that our Parliament has the powers to make Scotland better.”

Notes:

1. A list of the tax powers Tavish Scott suggested that could be fully devolved to Scotland is at the link below.

Only stamp duty and landfill tax will be devolved. There is a partial devolution of power over the basic rate of income tax but no where near the full devolution of income tax as suggested below.

Tavish Scott's submission

Scottish taxes: devolved with all revenues accruing directly to the Scottish Parliament:

• income tax;

• corporation tax;

• fuel duty and vehicle excise duty;

• tobacco and alcohol duties;

• betting and gaming duties;

• air passenger duty;

• insurance premium tax;

• climate change levy and landfill tax;

• inheritance tax; and

• stamp duties on property.

2. Link to a news item where Tavish Scott and the LibDems were saying that the original Calman proposals could be extended with further tax powers:

3. Link to a news item showing how the Lib Dem option for federal UK is ruled out by Calman:

4. Link to a news item where the Liberal Democrats said they opposed any powers being returned to Westminster – yet the Scotland Bill will do exactly that:

5. A list of the powers the Steel Commission suggested should be devolved or considered:

None of these have been acted upon.

* Extending ‘Devolved’ Powers

Electoral System...the Commission believes that decisions about the voting system for the Scottish Parliament can and should be taken by the Scottish Parliament alone.

The Operation of the Scottish Parliament...the Parliament is approaching its seventh year and is now more than competent to consider its own destiny. On considerations of both principle and convenience...such powers should be devolved.

Transport Powers...there are few good reasons for most of the remaining transport powers to remain reserved to Westminster.

Medical Contracts...In view of the fact that almost all aspects of health are devolved, there appears to be no overwhelming reason why medical contracts should remain reserved.

Energy Policy...The Commission believes that there should be further devolution of energy powers to the Scottish Government. Decisions on nuclear power policy in Scotland, for example

Civil Service...The Commission believes that there should be a separate Scottish Civil Service

* Areas for Further Discussion

Betting and Gaming...The Commission believes that there is a strong argument for devolving betting and gaming powers to the Scottish Government.

Public and Bank Holidays...There is an argument for devolving all relevant powers in this regard.

Marine Policy...This could be done within an overall policy framework agreed with the UK Government but which sees the Scottish Government gain significant powers.

Broadcasting...there should be much greater accountability to the Scottish Parliament and regular reporting from the BBC. This should include a formal role for the Scottish Parliament in the charter renewal process.

Regulatory Powers...consideration should be given to increasing the role of the Scottish Government both in setting policy, and in terms of the reporting structure for regulatory bodies.

Competition and Mergers...[a] second Convention should reconsider this to see whether it should also be included as one of the areas for formalised partnership working.

Employment Law ...[a] second Convention should consider the extent to which the Scottish Government should have a say in the development of employment law as it impacts on businesses in Scotland.