26 September 2008
Members of the Scottish commission on devolution have begun holding a series of meetings across the UK to assess opinion on the powers of the devolved Holyrood Parliament.
The Calman commission 'roadshow' follows the passing of the initial deadline for written submissions. It is part of an 'engagement strategy', which the chair, Sir Kenneth Calman, sees as a vital element of consultation.
'Written evidence isn't enough,' Calman said. 'We need to speak to people, we need to find out what really matters and how the devolution settlement can be adapted to meet those needs.'
The commission, set up by opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament to review how devolution works within the UK framework, will hold its first meeting south of the border in Newcastle on November 19.
The original venue was Berwick-on-Tweed, but the commission said that it had received a number of requests 'for us to engage with England more widely'. As a result, it moved the event to provide a larger meeting place and attract people from a wider area.
A senior commission spokesman told Public Finance that the commission had been 'somewhat taken aback' by the level of interest shown after it had disclosed that it intended to seek views in England.
The issues likely to be of most concern include the impact of the Barnett Formula and the possibility of increased tax powers for the Parliament.
The spokesman said financial accountability had been one of the main issues among the 130 'very detailed and interesting' written submissions received.
He added: 'What comes through very clearly is a real sense of devolution having been a good thing for Scotland. As we approach the tenth anniversary of the Parliament, it appears a positive view is being taken.'
The Scottish National Party government has refused to support the Calman review on the grounds that it is not considering outright independence.
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