THE SNP has stepped up its campaign to win devo max if it holds the balance of power after the general election.

 

Linda Fabiani, one of the SNP MSPs who helped negotiate a cross-party deal on further devolution last year, dismissed the package of powers as a "bare minimum".

She highlighted a poll last month showing a majority of Scots wanted devo max, or Holyrood control over all policy areas apart from defence, foreign affairs and the currency.

Ms Fabiani spoke out after a number of charities and other bodies also criticised the package of powers agreed following the Smith Commission.

Giving evidence to Holyrood's devolution committee, the STUC and charities Poverty Alliance, Inclusion Scotland and One Parent Families Scotland all said a wider range of powers should be devolved.

Ms Fabiani, who represented the SNP in Smith Commission talks along with Deputy First Minister John Swinney, said: "This evidence from organisations from across Civic Scotland shows just how far short the Smith Commission plans fall.

"People in Scotland want - and were promised - extensive new powers and instead the Westminster parties have offered the bare minimum.

"While the powers set out in the Smith Commission are welcome, it's clear that we need to go much further to meet the aspirations of Civic Scotland and of the Scottish people as a whole."

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed the SNP will demand devo max as its price for propping up a minority Labour government if her party holds the balance of power after the election.

Ms Fabiani also welcomed a joint letter signed by the heads of more than 50 charities and 'civic Scotland' bodies calling for the UK Government's universal credit to be postponed in Scotland until welfare powers agreed under the Smith process are devolved to Holyrood.