AN “important milestone” is reached on Monday in strengthening Holywood, David Mundell has insisted, as the first law-making powers under the 2016 Scotland Act come into force, including those on abortion, speed limits, parking, gaming machines and railway policing.
The key powers on income tax and welfare will not become operational until April 2017.
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“The Scotland Act 2016 delivers the Smith Commission in full and makes the Scottish Parliament one of the most powerful devolved administrations in the world,” declared the Scottish Secretary.
“This is an important milestone in delivering these new powers and gives the Scottish Parliament the ability to legislate in a number of important areas. Significant powers over tax and welfare will follow.
“Crucially, these powers will be transferred while maintaining the benefits of a single labour market, pensions and the sharing of risk that comes with Scotland’s position in our United Kingdom,” explained Mr Mundell.
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He stressed how Scotland had two governments, each with different but complementary responsibilities.
“I have made clear that I want to work closely with the Scottish Government’s new ministerial team to work together in the national interest for the benefit of people in Scotland,” added the Secretary of State, who last week said he wanted to “reset” relations with Holyrood following the Scottish parliamentary elections, urging Edinburgh to work with London for the “common good” of Scotland.
The transfer of new powers on Monday means the Scottish Parliament will become responsible for legislation on:
*abortion;
*consumer advocacy and advice;
*equal opportunities – for example, deciding whether Scotland’s public sector boards should be required to be gender balanced;
*gaming machines – specifically controls on fixed odds betting terminals in licenced high street bookmakers;
*parking – preventing inconsiderate parking, for example on pavements;
*policing of railways;
*speed limits and
*traffic signs.
Also, a number of bodies, including the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets [Ofgem] and the Office of Communications [Ofcom] will have to provide their annual reports to Scottish ministers to lay before the Scottish Parliament and will be obliged to appear before the Scottish Parliament if it requests it.
In addition, Scottish ministers will be able to: make appointments to MG Alba – appointments become the responsibility solely of Scottish Government ministers; decide whether or not public sector operators can bid for new Scottish rail franchises; make referals to the Competition and Markets Authority and start the public sector duty regarding socio-economic inequalities.
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Moreover, the Sewel convention, whereby Westminster cannot legislate on devolved issues without the consent of Holyrood, is placed on a statutory footing.
Extra new powers, including those on tax, welfare, Air Passenger Duty, and the licensing of onshore oil and gas extraction will be implemented at later dates.
For income tax rates and thresholds this will be April 2017 and for Air Passenger Duty it will be April 2018.
The UK and Scottish governments are currently working together on the transfer of welfare powers, which will be overseen by the Joint Ministerial Working Group on Welfare.
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