Government’s Legislative Programme (Scotland) 2016-17

Thursday 19th May 2016 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)]

Following the passage of the Scotland Act 2016, the Scottish Parliament is now poised to become one of the most powerful devolved Parliaments in the world. Ensuring the smooth transfer of those new powers will be a major priority for the UK Government over the next parliamentary Session and beyond.

A total of 13 of the 21 new Government Bills for this Session of Parliament contain provisions that apply in Scotland, either in full or in part. Elements of others may extend later depending on discussion with the Scottish Government.

The Government’s legislative programme has three clear aims: to deliver security for working people across our country, to increase the life chances for the most disadvantaged, and to strengthen our national security. Some of the Bills announced yesterday apply across the UK, while others cover areas where responsibility is devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

UK legislation on the digital economy will enable the building of world-class digital infrastructure including fast broadband and mobile networks, as well as helping to support new digital industries.

A new Lifetime Savings Bill will create a new help to save scheme to support those on the lowest incomes to save and also a new lifetime ISA, providing savers with a bonus on savings that can be used for a first home, or retirement, or both.

A Better Markets Bill will give UK consumers more power and choice, open up markets and make economic regulators work better. We will also take forward further reforms in a Pensions Bill that will provide greater protections for people in master trusts and remove barriers for consumers who want to access their pension savings flexibly.

This statement provides a summary of the new Government legislation for 2016-17 and its application to Scotland. It does not include draft Bills.

In line with the Sewel convention, the Government will continue to work constructively with the Scottish Government to secure legislative consent motions where appropriate.

The Bills listed in section 1 will apply to Scotland, either in full or in part. Section 2 details Bills that will not apply in Scotland, though some elements could be extended later following discussion with the Scottish Government.

Section 1: Legislation applying to the United Kingdom, including Scotland (either in full or in part);

Better Markets Bill

Criminal Finances Bill

Lifetime Savings Bill

Modern Transport Bill

Overseas Electors Bill

Pensions Bill

Small Charitable Donations Bill

Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) Bill

Digital Economy Bill

Wales Bill (as a constitutional bill this extends to the UK, but policy will impact on Wales)

Higher Education and Research Bill

Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Bill of Rights

Section 2: Legislation that will not apply in Scotland, though some elements could be extended following discussion with the Scottish Government.

Counter-Extremism and Safeguarding Bill

NHS (Overseas Visitors Charging) Bill

National Citizen Service Bill

Bus Services Bill

Children & Social Work Bill

Education for All Bill

Local Growth and Jobs Bill

Prison and Courts Reform Bill

[HCWS4]