Scots back ‘Devo Plus’ in new poll

HOLYROOD should be given more powers short of independence, according to a new poll.

The poll found that the most popular option is unlikely to be on the ballot paper in the referendum in autumn 2014, which is expected to offer a straight Yes or No to independence.

Known by supporters as Devo Plus – not to be confused with the slightly stronger Devo Max – the proposal is designed to make Holyrood and Westminster accountable for what they spend in Scotland.

It would see the transfer to Edinburgh of income and corporation tax, among other levies, as well as assigning a geographic share of Scotland’s oil revenue.

The poll of 1,003 people showed 41% prefer Devo Plus, with the status quo on 29% and independence on 27%.

It also showed 61% think the Scottish Government should be raising most of the money available to the Scottish Parliament.

Ben Thomson, chairman of Reform Scotland, the group behind the proposal, said: “This poll is further proof of what we have suspected for some time. The current debate on Scotland’s constitutional future is not adequately serving the people of Scotland because it is largely ignoring their preferred way forward.”

A spokesman for Bruce Crawford, the Scottish Government’s parliamentary business secretary, said: “The Scottish Government recognise that there is support in Scotland – from individuals and organisations such as the STUC – for a more-powers option in the referendum.

“It is important that this issue and all the other aspects of the consultation are given proper consideration.”