Opportunity to be bold with the proposed new powers
Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian and a member of Holyrood's Devolution Committee, tonight welcomed the parliamentary backing given to the Scotland Bill.
MSPs voted in favour of a Legislative Consent Motion to allow the Bill to continue through Westminster.
Alison said:
"This is a significant moment for Scotland, and while the package of devolved powers isn't everything we wanted, it will allow us to take more responsibility and take a different approach from Westminster.
"By gaining control over rates and bands of income tax we will have the opportunity to develop a fairer system to help fund vital public services. By gaining control over some Crown Estate assets - but sadly not Fort Kinnaird in my region - we have a chance to empower local communities.
"It is important that Holyrood takes the opportunity to be bold with the proposed new powers and deliver Scottish solutions to the challenges we face."