Ross Laird: Debate on the controversial Scotland Bill is beginning

Published on Thursday 9 December 2010 22:13

ST ANDREW'S Day marked the publication of the long-awaited Scotland Bill, but why is such a bill needed? Undoubtedly the Scottish Parliament has achieved much, with landmark legislation passed, including the Climate Change Act and the Smoking Health and Social Care Act. Despite this, it lacks real teeth.

The melting pot of debate once envisioned for Holyrood has stagnated and if the parliament is to remain relevant, it must be seen in the eyes of voters as the primary decision-making body for Scotland. To do this, it needs extra accountability and tax-raising powers.

As the economic situation in Scotland has deteriorated, giving Scotland greater financial powers has been proposed as the Scottish solution.

Business leaders have openly criticised the Calman recommendations on fiscal responsibility, saying that they are outdated and will cost Scotland millions.

Given the recent debacle over the Scottish Variable Rate, new financial powers will be the main test for the Scottish Parliament. Scottish Secretary Michael Moore has already said the majority of the measures will not become workable in practice until 2015 and therefore not usable in the next parliament.

However, starting with The Scotsman Conference next Tuesday, the political debate has begun.

The unity of the Unionist parties will ensure the bill's steady progress through Westminster, though the SNP is committed to bringing forward amendments. There are also calls for the Scottish Parliament to debate the contents of the bill and a special Scotland Bill committee is in the pipeline.

The bill marks another step along the devolution road at a time when Scotland's economic fortunes are down, but there is much politicking to be done before we see new tax powers for the Scottish Parliament. Whether it will deliver the accountability and economic and social powers required to bolster the nation, remains to be seen.

• Ross Laird is director of Grayling (Scotland), sponsor of The Taxing Question: What Fiscal Powers Does Scotland Need? www.scotsmanconferences.com.