Labour's proposals for more devolution

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 22:04

Income tax

Income tax paid by Scots shared between UK and Scottish governments, reducing Scottish block grant by 4 billion. Holyrood could decide what rate of income tax (above or below UK rate of 10p) it wished to impose to make up the rest of the budget.

Borrowing powers

New capital borrowing power to enable Scottish ministers to borrow from the National Loans Fund. SNP says this is short of full borrowing powers, because UK government has said it must be self-financing, with repayments being met by Scottish tax rises.

Airguns

White paper recommends devolution of power to regulate airguns. SNP wants this done as soon as possible so it can bring forward a ban on airguns. UK government has said there must be a legal definition of airguns before this can be done.

Drink-drive law

The white paper recommends the devolution of legal drink-drive limit. The SNP wants this done quickly so its can produce stricter legislation in Scotland than elsewhere in UK and implement its policy to reduce the limit from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml of blood.

Speed limits

Setting of speed limits should also be devolved, the white paper says. Again, the SNP wants this done more or less immediately. In the long run, devolution of that legislation could eventually see the speed limit in Scotland at a lower level than in England.

Miscellaneous

Suggested role for Scottish ministers in appointing Scots member of BBC Trust.

Appointment of Crown Estate commissioner would be made in consultation with Scottish ministers.

Possible devolution of Scottish elections.