Union demands more power for Parliament

Published on Sunday 2 December 2007 01:14

TRADE union leaders yesterday called for greater financial powers for Holyrood.

Members of Unison's Scottish Council considered the issue when they met in Glasgow.

The meeting, made up of delegates from across Scotland, backed an increase in powers for the Scottish Parliament.

The public services union discussed the issue in response to the Scottish Government's 'national conversation' on independence.

Unison wants powers in areas including equal opportunities, energy and broadcasting to be given to Holyrood.

Its leaders also believe there is potential for some devolution on immigration and public-sector pensions, in addition to extending powers over public borrowing and tax-raising.

As well as calling for the Scottish Parliament to have more responsibility, the union urged other organisations who support the idea to join together and build a campaign for change.

Unison's Scottish convener, Mike Kirby, said that members had believed for some time that the Scottish Parliament needed further devolution from Westminster.

He said: "With the increase in the level of debate on this issue, we think that now is the time to begin to build a broad consensus of people and groups across Scottish society with similar aims.

"Devolution means that we should look at the powers of Holyrood from time to time.

"After two full terms of the Scottish Parliament, this seems like a good opportunity to do so, and we will be discussing with our branches and members what they consider could usefully be decided both in Edinburgh and more locally."