Legislation on more powers for Scotland doomed from the outset

SCVO media release 22 January 2015 For immediate release Following the publication of draft legislation on more powers for Scotland, Martin Sime, Chief Executive, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) said: “The piecemeal proposals put forward by the Smith Commission were never going to translate into coherent legislation, so we’re not surprised by today’s disappointing and incoherent offerings which simply will not create an enduring settlement or the fundamental change and greater social justice that so many people in Scotland want. Political fixes are not the way to develop devolution. “The fatal flaw in all of this is the failure to make it a people-led process. To be successful, we need to pursue bottom-up devolution steered by what people in Scotland actually want. “We need to find a way to open up debate to people and communities in Scotland if we’re going to reach a settlement on more powers that will stand the test of time and make a real difference to people’s lives. This is not a good starting point, nor will it endure” ENDS

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. Martin Sime, Chief Executive, SCVO is available for interview and further comment, please call Charlotte McNeill, Press Officer, SCVO on 0779 060 1995