LOCAL MP Cathy Jamieson has welcomed the publication of draft clauses setting out the new powers to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

The clauses, which are included in a UK Government Command Paper, were shared with Scottish Government officials prior to publication and are based on the recommendations of the cross-party Smith Commission, published last November.

Among the new powers to be transferred to Scotland is the power to set new rates and bands of income tax; the power to create new benefits; the power to create new jobs through the Work Programme; and new borrowing powers for capital investment. Ms Jamieson said: “This landmark agreement will afford the Scottish Parliament significant new powers which it can use to create a more equal and productive Scotland. "Under the terms of this agreement, the Scottish Government will raise far more of the money it spends, with new powers to vary income tax rates and bands and to borrow additional funds for capital investment. It will also be able to create new jobs through the devolution of the Work Programme, and new welfare benefits not currently available elsewhere in the UK.

"I think this represents a good deal for the people of Scotland. But I want to go further."

She added: "A Scottish Labour Government will continue the devolution process by transferring job creation powers to local authorities, enabling councils to tailor jobs and training opportunities to suit local needs. We would also freeze fracking in Scotland and ban the spread of addictive Fixed Odds Betting Terminals.

"And we would pursue alternative ownership models for Scotland’s rail network, such as not-for-profit or public ownership. We all want to see better, cheaper public transport; the Smith Agreement means we can have a ScotRail that is serving commuters, not shareholders.”