The terms of reference for the Smith Commission are to convene cross-party talks and facilitate an inclusive engagement process across Scotland to produce, by 30 November 2014, Heads of Agreement with recommendations for further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament. This process will be informed by a Command Paper, to be published by 31 October and will result in the publication of draft clauses by 25 January. The recommendations will deliver more financial, welfare and taxation powers, strengthening the Scottish Parliament within the United Kingdom.
Interested parties have until 31 October to submit views, and UNISON Scotland will do this directly and through the STUC.
In February 2013, UNISON Scotland had adopted Fairer Scotland and Devolution, our contribution to the debate on how devolution settlement can be strengthened.
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/scotlandsfuture/FairerScotlandDevoPaperFeb2013.pdf
It is evident that the grounds of the debate have altered since that time and it would be appropriate to review that statement.
In the absence of a meeting of the Scottish Council before the submission date of 31 October, the Scottish Committee Policy seminar will meet on 23 -24 October and will consider submissions from branches.
Any comments should reach me by 5.00pm on Monday 20 October, 2014, at m.kirby@unison.co.uk
Mike J Kirby
Scottish Secretary
UNISON
Has anyone heard of the Equalities Act? The Smith Commission is made up of a vast majority of men, when the population of Scotland is 52% women to 48% men. Please get this issue redressed!
ReplyDelete