Scottish labour outlines plans for greater devolution on Income Tax and Housing Benefit

Ahead of Scottish Labour conference on Friday – and the independence referendum which takes place in precisely six months – Johann Lamont has unveiled the findings of the party’s “Devolution Commission” today. The headline policies are devolution of Income Tax and Housing Benefit.

Under the plans Holyrood would be given new rights to set variable rates of income tax – including setting a new higher rate for the wealthiest of at least 50p. Such a change would bring an extra £100 million into Scottish government coffers. Announcing the changes, Lamont said:

“This brings to an end two years of work where we have engaged widely with business, trade unions, academics and constitutional experts. We believe our proposals set out the most comprehensive package of devolution while also allowing Scotland the security and certainty of the United Kingdom.

“I believe that by strengthening the Scottish Parliament, we can strengthen Scottish politics.”

You can read the whole report here.