All comments to the Commission had to be submitted by 5pm on 31 October 2014.
The Smith Commission reported that they have received over 14,000 emails and letters from the general public and over 250 submissions from institutions.
Lord Smith said:
“When I accepted the invitation to lead the Commission I was determined to make sure that the public and Scotland’s civic institutions would have the chance to have their say. I believe we have undertaken a broad ranging programme which has been as extensive as it was possible to achieve in the time available.
“I have been delighted by the response and want to thank the many individuals and organisations who worked hard to make substantial and thoughtful submissions.
“The political parties will have the chance to reflect on these submissions before any decisions are made. They will be given full access to all submissions and we will shortly hold a dedicated session of all-party talks to discuss them.”
The engagement process has had three components:
- Submissions from members of the public.
Over 14,000 emails and letters were received from the public. The Secretariat will publish a breakdown of the key themes emerging from the submissions. - Submissions from institutions.
Over 250 submissions have been received from a broad range of institutions. Many have already published their submissions and the Commission will publish them all on its website early next week. - A programme of visits where Lord Smith listened to discussions organised by a wide range of groups.
Since his appointment Lord Smith has undertaken visits across Scotland to listen to the views of a broad range of groups. Meetings were held in and around Inverness, the Borders, Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow.A dedicated session of cross-party talks will be held to consider and discuss the views submitted by the public and institutions.
All five major political parties in Scotland made submissions which you can read in full here.
The Scottish Law Commission sent a letter to The Smith Commission on devolution asking that the commission changes the Scotland Act 1998 so that some cross border anomalies are reduced. The letter submitted makes the point that not for profit associations or charities are covered by UK or Scottish legislation, leading to confusion depending on the way the association is constituted. They urge action on the law for non-profit associations as ut wicked be beneficial for civil as well as economic life.
This is the letter which has been signed by the Chairman of the Scottish Law Commission, Lord Cullen.
Click to access Submission_to_The_Smith_Commission.pdf
More information on the work of the Smith Commission is on their website.
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