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Difficulty: MediumDevolved Powers in Scotland

While the UK Parliament at Westminster retains control over reserved matters, the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood has the power to pass its own laws in devolved areas. Which of these is a devolved responsibility of the Scottish Parliament?

  1. Setting the Scottish Rate of Income TaxAnswer
  2. B
    Foreign policy and international relations
  3. C
    Constitutional matters
  4. D
    Trade and economic policy

Answer

The correct answer is the power to set the Scottish Rate of Income Tax, as this is a specific devolved financial authority of the Scottish Parliament.
The Scottish Parliament has the authority to legislate on 'devolved' matters, which include specific domestic issues and certain financial powers, such as setting the Scottish Rate of Income Tax for residents of Scotland.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legislative body mentioned in the question.
The Scottish Parliament (Holyrood).
The question asks specifically about the powers devolved to Scotland.
2
Distinguish between devolved and reserved powers.
Reserved powers (like defense and foreign policy) stay with Westminster; devolved powers (like health and certain taxes) go to Holyrood.
This distinction is central to the UK's system of devolution.
3
Determine which of the given options falls under the 'devolved' category for Scotland.
Setting the Scottish Rate of Income Tax is a devolved power.
According to the Official Life in the UK Handbook, the Scottish Parliament has the authority to set this tax rate.

Key Concept

Devolved vs. Reserved Powers in Scotland
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Devolved Powers in Scotland

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