Policy Area
Constitution
Does the SNP have a mandate for a referendum on Scotland’s future?
The SNP Government was elected on an explicit manifesto pledge that the Scottish Parliament must have the right to deliver an independence referendum after the COVID crisis is over.
Will there be another independence referendum?
We propose that the referendum should be held once the Covid crisis has passed – but in good time to decide that we want to equip our Parliament with the powers it needs to drive our long term recovery.
What are the powers of the Scottish Parliament?
A limited level of further devolution has taken place since 1999, following the Scotland Acts 2012 and 2016. This has given Scotland some limited powers over taxation, social security, elections in Scotland and some employment services.
What powers did the Scotland Act 2016 devolve to the Scottish Parliament?
The Scotland Act 2016 devolves the following powers to the Scottish Parliament: Powers to set rates and thresholds of Income Tax, and devolution of Air Passenger Duty. Some social security powers including disability and carers’ benefits, Winter Fuel Allowance. The power to create new benefits in devolved areas and to top-up reserved benefits. The power…