We can best champion the consumer, SNP tells London

THE Scottish Government has put proposals to Westminster for consumer issues to be devolved to Holyrood.

In a letter to the Westminster government addressed to consumer minister Edward Davey, energy, enterprise and tourism minister Fergus Ewing claimed the wider landscape within which consumer advice, advocacy and trading standards operate in Scotland is already largely devolved, including local government, the courts and the legal system.

The move has been backed by Consumer Focus Scotland, which has warned that once the Consumer Focus organisations are wound down, as planned as part of the UK-wide public sector cuts, there will be no separate voice for consumers north of the Border.

Consumer policy, advocacy, education, information and advice are already devolved in Northern Ireland, which Mr Ewing said could be used as a model for Scotland.

“That arrangement has not undermined competition policy within the UK, trade and investment, or the interests of businesses or consumers,” he wrote.

It is believed that an alternative structure could see a separate advocacy body set up to work alongside Citizens Advice Scotland.

Mr Ewing added: “While I do not expect an immediate commitment from the UK government on such a proposal, I strongly favour asking our officials to work together to examine the detail of devolving relevant additional powers.”

Mr Ewing pointed to the Calman Commission report, which states that government responsibilities should be exercised at the level of government closest to the people, “unless there are good reasons not to”.

Susan McPhee, head of policy for Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “The important thing here is that the people of Scotland get the best possible consumer advocacy service.

“The Citizens Advice network is uniquely placed to deliver a first-rate service – both in terms of advice provision and research. We already do this, and we are keen to continue that role – whatever the political structures are.”

But opposition politicians claimed that the SNP should not ask for additional powers.

“Rushing through additional powers at the tail end of the Scotland bill process would be reckless,” said Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “In addition, we believe the UK government should devolve both delivery responsibility and powers on consumer matters to Scotland, as this would ensure the delivery of an efficient and effective structural model that delivers for Scotland’s consumers.”