Scottish independence: What the unionists are offering

Scottish independence: What the unionists are offering Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

The three pro-Union parties have all offered different devolution packages to try and convince voters that Scotland can have greater autonomy while remaining part of the United Kingdom.

Here we take a look at what these parties have pledged in the event of a 'No' vote:

  • Scottish Labour

Labour has proposed that Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) could have greater powers to vary income tax rates.

MSPs could vary income tax by 15p and would have the option of reinstating the 50p top rate on high earners. This would go further than the 2012 Scotland Act, due to take effect from 2016, which gives MSPs powers to vary the rate by 10p.

The Scottish Labour devolution commission also said that Holyrood should be given greater control over the £1.7 billion housing benefit budget, allowing it to scrap the so-called 'bedroom tax'.

Sir Menzies Campbell, who leads the Liberal Democrat devolution commission Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire
  • Scottish Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats propose replacing the Act of Union, which binds Scotland to England, with a declaration of federalism.

Its commission would see Holyrood taking on powers to set the rates and bands of taxation, and to spend it.

It would also see the current formula used to work out how much of the UK budget goes to devolved areas being replaced with a "needs-based" one.

Other policy areas such as welfare, defence, foreign affairs and pensions would continue to be managed in Westminster, as well as North Sea oil.

Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
  • Scottish Conservatives

Scotland would be given full income tax powers under Conservative party plans for devolution. Holyrood would also be responsible for 40 percent of the money raised nationally through income tax, and a share of VAT raised in Scotland.

Westminster would retain responsibility to set the personal tax-free allowance.

Some welfare areas, including housing benefits and attendance allowance, would also be devolved.