Holyrood handed new powers

Holyrood has received its first new powers through the Scotland Act 2016, with MSPs now able to legislate on abortion law, equal opportunities and gaming machines.

Welfare and tax powers which are being devolved as part of the package of new responsibilities promised to Scots during the independence referendum will be transferred at a later date.

Scotland's Constitution Secretary Derek Mackay said the Scottish Government would use what is the most significant transfer of powers since the start of devolution in 1999 to promote equality.  

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The minister went onto state that the powers over equal opportunities would be used to improve female representation on public bodies.

Mackay said: “The Scotland Act sees the most substantial change to the powers of the Parliament since devolution.

“From today, the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government have new powers over many areas, notably in equality, consumer advocacy and transport. Reflecting our priorities, we are already working to use these powers as quickly as possible, to tackle inequality and create a fairer, more prosperous country.

“That includes our plans to promote equality by legislating for gender balance on the boards of public bodies.

“Our consumer and competition strategy will take account of Scotland’s geographic, social and economic circumstances. We will use the newly devolved consumer powers to develop a robust system which protects and empowers consumers and supports businesses which are innovative, efficient and fair. And we will also remove employment tribunals fees that act as a barrier to justice.

“On transport, we’ll allow public sector operators to bid for future rail franchises and integrate the British Transport Police into Police Scotland, while retaining the specialisms that are highly valued by the rail industry and passengers. And we will look to attract more international flights to Scotland, boosting investment and jobs, by reforming Air Passenger Duty, which under the UK Government is one of the highest taxes of its kind in the world."