Devolved matters relate to the powers that have been passed down from central government to the Scottish Parliament.

After many years and growing pressure the scottish Parliament was set up on the settlement that the Parliament would have:

•The power to Pass legislation

•The power to alter the rate of taxation

•129 elected Members of the Scottish Parliament MSP’s)

•The First Minister

•The Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General (Law officers)

•The Secretary of State for Scotland will remain part of the UK Cabinet

•Scotland will elect MP’s to Westminster

Devolved Matters include:

•Health and social work •Education and training •Local government and housing •Justice and police •Agriculture, forestry and fisheries •The environment •Tourism, sport and heritage •Economic development and internal transport •Reserved Matters include:

•UK Single market •Energy regulation, UK and international transport •Immigration and nationality •Social security •Taxation and economic management •Foreign Affairs (including European Union negotiations) •Defence •National Security •The Constitution

Changes the Scottish Parliament has madeSince 1999, the Scottish Parliament has made a number of changes. It is debateable whether these changes would have been made had there not been a Scottish Parliament.

Free personal care for the elderlyIn 2002 the Scottish Executive took the decision to introduce free personal care for all elderly people in Scotland. This is not available in England.

Limits to the powers of the Scottish ParliamentThe strongly pro-Independence parties, such as the SNP and SSP, try to highlight the limitations of the Parliament. They also campaign against Scottish Labour’s ‘dominance by New Labour in London’.There have been a number of high-profile issues which the Scottish Parliament has been unable to resolve, because the powers to resolve them are reserved by Westminster.

Task

1. In your jotter try to write a sentence or two describing each of the devolved and reseverved matters. With the person sitting next to you try to think of areas where the Scottish Parliament have been working on this issue. E.g. Health, introduction of free healthcare for the elderly

2. The Scottish Parliament has used its devolved powers and passed laws on many areas that have affected the people of Scotland. Find examples of recent laws passed by the Scottish Parliament. You must find at least 5 examples of laws that the parliament has introduced since 2001. For each example mention when the law was passed and the details of the law.

3. You should use the following websites

• Parliament website (www.scottish.parliament.uk)

• BBC news website (www.bbc.co.uk)

4. When you have completed the task try and find 4 examples of bills that are pending. Write down who presented the bill and the brief details of what has been proposed

Extension

5. Try to find information on the following issues when the Scottish Parliament held a debate on reserved matters but could take no action as it was outwith their powers. Use the following list to help your search:

• The Fuel Crisis

• Dungavel

• The war in Iraq

Can you find any other instances when the Scottish Parliament powers were restricted by Westminster?