SMITH COMMISSION MUSTN'T BECOME ANOTHER POLITICAL STITCH-UP

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has made an interim contribution to the Smith Commission, asking for a guarantee that people in Scotland will be given a real say in the devolution of more powers to Scotland. Martin Sime, Chief Executive, SCVO said: “We have submitted an interim paper to the Smith Commission to make sure that the views of charities and the people we support aren’t overshadowed by the political parties’. “We want to ensure that no decisions are made, no parameters agreed and no options ruled out before a full range of views are on the table. “Our message to Lord Smith is simple: a top-down deal on more powers for Scotland just won’t work, particularly if it’s based around existing fixed positions of our political parties. “This can’t be allowed to turn into yet another stitch-up. People won’t stand for that anymore.” ENDS Notes to editors:

1. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is the national body representing the interests of charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises.  The Scottish third sector turns over £4.9 billion a year and employs 138,000 people in over 45,000 organisations.
2. To arrange further comment, please call Charlotte McNeill, Press Officer, SCVO on 0779 060 1995