The Scottish Property Federation has called the Smith commission’s recommendations for devolution a “game-changer”.
The commission report, published today, will form the basis of legislation concerning Scottish devolution. It recommends a range of powers be handed over to the Scottish government including setting income tax rates and retaining the revenue raised.
Scottish Property Federation director David Melhuish said: “It is in many ways a game-changer for the parliament in relation to its decision making powers and we welcome the proposal to enhance parliamentary oversight and scrutiny as its fiscal power grows.”
It has also been recommended that responsibility for managing Scottish Crown Estate assets be handed over to the Scottish parliament. A Crown Estate spokesman said: “We will help inform how this recommendation can work in practice as it moves through to legislation. The outcome of the Smith commission recognises a clear issue of principle in Scotland regarding direct control of the activities and assets for which the Crown Estate is responsible.”
