Scotland Act

(1998)

   Following the successful referendum in September 1997, the Scotland Act became law a year later. Under the terms of the statute, the first Scottish Parliament in 292 years was to assume the responsibilities previously exercised by the Scottish Office. This meant that it had primary legislative powers over nine broad areas, among them: economic development and transport; education and training; health; and law and home affairs. In all, there are 47 devolved issues grouped under these headings, so that the Scottish Parliament and the Executive chosen from it have a wide range of responsibilities. There are, however, a series of ‘reserved matters’ over which power resides in London, for it is considered that they can be more effectively handled on a United Kingdom basis. These include defence and national security, foreign affairs, and major economic policy and fiscal affairs.

   By the Act, the Scottish Parliament was also given a tax-varying power, enabling the Executive to collect additional taxation from the people of Scotland of up to three pence in the pound.

   Further reading: P. Lynch, Scottish Government and Politics, Edinburgh University Press, 2001