Lord Smith of Kelvin’s Commission on the Devolution of Further Powers to the Scottish Parliament
Following the referendum vote on 18 September 2014, Prime Minister David Cameron announced that Lord Smith of Kelvin had agreed to oversee the process to take forward the devolution commitments on further powers for the Scottish Parliament.
The Smith Commission, is currently consulting a range of individuals and organisations to assist with the drafting of a Bill which aims to start this process of further devolution to the Scottish Parliament.
The process will be informed by a Command Paper, to be published by 31 October and will result in the publication of draft clauses by 25 January. The recommendations will deliver more financial, welfare and taxation powers, strengthening the Scottish Parliament within the United Kingdom.
We have a chance to shape this vision and create the conditions that will enable Scotland to flourish. We would like to see a better future for everyone in the long run. That means a society where:
- inequalities and poverty are abolished
- people are at the heart of decisions that affect their lives
- structures are focused on improving people’s lives, and
- people can realise their potential and contribute fully to society.
VHS have submitted a response to the Smith Commission, which outlines the importance of tackling inequalities and focusing on improving conditions for people in Scotland. You can access this response here: VHS Response – Lord Smith of Kelvin’s Commission on the Devolution of Further Powers to the Scottish Parliament
UPDATE: More than 14,000 people and 250 organisations submitted a response to the Smith Commission. The Commission website has now been updated with a list of submissions from various organisations and their reference which you can use to check their individuals submissions. Click here for more information or to view a submission.
