WILLIE Rennie, the Scottish Lib Dem leader, has called on the Scottish Government to embark on its own programme of devolution by handing powers to local authorities.

He said councils should have legal guarantees that local taxes must be spent where they were raised.

Speaking during an election campaign tour of the Borders, he said: "There is a strong desire to see the principle of devolution extended further, with the transfer of powers from Holyrood to local communities.

"The Scottish Government must commit to a twinned track approach to decentralisation across Scotland.

"Failure to transfer powers across Scotland at the same time as they are being transferred to Scotland will be a profound breach of the Smith Agreement by the SNP."

Labour have also called for councils to be handed more powers.

SNP MSP Joan McAlpine last week warned such a move would "bring down" Holyrood, though ministers confirmed their support for councils.

Mr Rennie spoke out as Nicola Sturgeon welcomed a deal to let 16- and 17-year-olds vote in next year's Scottish Parliament elections.

But the First Minister said the agreement between the UK and Scottish governments showed other powers could be transferred to Holyrood immediately.

The SNP have called for a number of new powers, which the parties agreed to devolve as part of the Smith Commission process, to be transferred before UK legislation is passed.

They include control over Air Passenger Duty, the tax on flights, and the Work Programme, the DWP's employability initiative.

Ms Sturgeon yesterday welcomed an announcement by Alistair Carmichael, the Secretary of State or Scotland, that Holyrood will gain powers over elections in March.

The timing means MSPs can legislate to let 16- and 17-year-olds vote in next year's Scottish Parliament poll.

She said: "I stressed the need for rapid action on this front when I met David Cameron in London before Christmas - and I am delighted we now have a deal."

"This deal, which is being delivered to a tight timetable, shows just what is possible when there is political will on both sides - and underlines the need for swift action on other elements of the Smith Commission proposals."

Confirming the transfer of powers, Mr Carmichael said: "Today marks the next phase in our commitment to people in Scotland and the start of a landmark week for the future of our country."

The UK Government is due to unveil a new Scotland Bill on Thursday incorporating powers agreed under the Smith process.

There is growing speculation at Westminster that David Cameron will make his first visit to Scotland this year to launch the new bill in Edinburgh.

All the main UK parties have agreed to complete the legislation irrespective of who wins the General Election in May.

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