MPs told part of Smith Agreement missing from Scotland Bill

The proposals were drawn up during the cross-party Smith Commission talks but the principle that discretionary additional benefits must provide extra income is missing while the idea of “no detriment” to both governments is also missing.

Stewart Hosie MP (pictured) said: “It is now increasingly clear that the Scotland Bill does not deliver the Smith Agreement in full.

“The analysis of the Bill by the House of Commons Library should act as a wake up call to the UK government.

“The Conservative Party signed up to the Smith Commission deal and they must not now renege on their commitments.

“The Scottish government has already highlighted shortcomings in the bill, as has the cross-party Scottish Parliament Devolution Committee.

“But the UK government, once again, is not listening.”

A Scotland Office spokesman said: “The Scotland Bill delivers the Smith Agreement in full. It is inaccurate to claim otherwise.”