PROPOSALS to give Scotland “more powers to create and protect jobs, lift people out of poverty and create a fairer society” have been published.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has written to Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell to outline priority areas for further devolution to the Scottish Parliament through the Scotland Bill.
This includes transferring responsibility for corporation tax, capital gains tax, the minimum wage and National Insurance.
It would also mean more Scottish powers around employment policy and law, including the transfer of employment support programmes, Jobcentre Plus and laws on trades unions and health and safety.
It would also encompass changes to working age benefits and benefits relating to children equal opportunities and equality legislation.
Mr Swinney said: “As a minimum, the Scotland Bill must deliver the spirit and letter of the Smith Agreement in full and we will continue to hold the UK Government account to ensure that happens.
“However, we have always said that the recommendations did not go far enough and fall short of a coherent package of powers to help us grow the economy and lift people out of poverty.
“The Scottish Government believes we should move towards Full Fiscal Autonomy as the best route to fulfil Scotland’s potential.
The proposals we are publishing today show how we could do that, and set out a range of other priorities, short of full fiscal autonomy, that would make a real difference to Scotland’s economy and people.
“Control of business taxes and the minimum wage would boost economic growth by allowing us to provide targeted business incentives in line with Scotland’s competitive strengths and performance.
These measures could boost entrepreneurship, encourage innovation and improve productivity, while tackling in-work poverty and investing in skills.”
