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{{Short description|Devolved government of Scotland}} |
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{{About|the contemporary government|the government of Scotland before the Acts of Union|Government in medieval Scotland|and|Government in early modern Scotland}} |
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{{Redirect|Government of Scotland|an overview of the political system of Scotland|Politics of Scotland}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}} |
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{{about||earlier administrations|Government in medieval Scotland|and|Government in early modern Scotland}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}} |
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{{Use British English|date=May 2020}} |
{{Use British English|date=May 2020}} |
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{{Infobox executive government |
{{Infobox executive government |
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| background_color = #0168B3 |
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| government_name = Scottish Government |
| government_name = Scottish Government |
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| nativename = {{ |
| nativename = {{langx|gd|Riaghaltas na h-Alba}}<br />{{langx|sco|Scots Govrenment}} |
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| border = devolved |
| border = devolved |
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| |
| image2 = Scottish Government Logo.svg |
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| image_size2 = 275px |
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| date = {{Start date|1999|07|01|df=y}} |
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| caption2 = Logo of the Scottish Government |
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| date_established = {{Start date|1999|07|01|df=y}} |
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| country = [[Scotland]] |
| country = [[Scotland]] |
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| address = |
| address = [[St Andrew's House]]<br />2 Regent Road<br />Edinburgh<br />EH1 3DG |
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| leader_title = [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]] |
| leader_title = [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]] ([[John Swinney]]) |
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| appointed = First Minister approved by [[Scottish Parliament|Parliament]], ceremonially appointed by the [[British monarchy| |
| appointed = First Minister approved by [[Scottish Parliament|Parliament]], ceremonially appointed by the [[British monarchy|monarch]] |
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| budget = £ |
| budget = £59.7 billion (2024–25)<ref>{{cite web |title=Scottish Budget 2023 to 2024: guide |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-budget-guide/pages/scottish-budget-2023-to-2024-guide/ |website=www.gov.scot |access-date=3 April 2024 |language=en |date=5 March 2024}}</ref> |
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| main_organ = [[ |
| main_organ = [[#Cabinet|Scottish Cabinet]] |
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| ministries = |
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| responsible = [[Scottish Parliament]] |
| responsible = [[Scottish Parliament]] |
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| url = {{ |
| url = {{URL|https://www.gov.scot}} |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Politics of Scotland}} |
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The '''Scottish Government''' ({{lang-gd|Riaghaltas na h-Alba}}; {{lang-sco|Scots Government}}) is the [[Devolution in the United Kingdom|devolved]] government of [[Scotland]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Scottish Parliament 1999-2009: The First Decade |last=Jeffery |first=Charlie |publisher=Luath Press |year=2009 |isbn=1906817219}}</ref> |
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The '''Scottish Government''' ({{langx|gd|Riaghaltas na h-Alba}}, {{IPA-gd|ˈrˠiə.əl̪ˠt̪əs nə ˈhal̪ˠapə|pron}}) is the [[Executive (government)|executive arm]] of the [[Devolution in the United Kingdom|devolved government]] of [[Scotland]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Scottish Parliament 1999-2009: The First Decade |last=Jeffery |first=Charlie |publisher=Luath Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-1906817213}}</ref> It was formed in 1999 as the ''Scottish Executive'' following the [[1997 Scottish devolution referendum|1997 referendum on Scottish devolution]].<ref name="establishment">{{cite web| url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/46/section/44/enacted| title=Scotland Act 1998| publisher=[[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives]]| access-date=23 November 2016| archive-date=28 August 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828061922/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/46/section/44/enacted| url-status=live}}</ref> Its areas for responsibility of decision making and domestic policy in the country include the [[Economy of Scotland|economy]], [[Education in Scotland|education]], [[NHS Scotland|healthcare]], [[Police Scotland|justice]] and [[Scots law|the legal system]], rural affairs, housing, the [[Crown Estate Scotland|crown estate]], the environment, [[Scottish Fire and Rescue Service|the fire service]], equal opportunities, [[Transport in Scotland|the transportation network]], and [[Taxation in Scotland|tax]], amongst others.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Scottish Government |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=21 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2. Ministers and The Government - Scottish Ministerial Code 2023 Edition |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-ministerial-code-2023-edition/pages/3/#:~:text=2.31%20The%20Law%20Officers%20have,legal%20issue%20which%20may%20arise. |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=21 January 2024}}</ref> |
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The Scottish Government consists of the Scottish Ministers, which is used to describe their collective legal functions. The Scottish Government is accountable to the [[Scottish Parliament]], which was also created by the [[Scotland Act 1998]] with the [[First Minister of Scotland|first minister]] appointed by the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|monarch]] following a proposal by the Parliament. The Scottish Parliament can legislate on any matter that is not [[Reserved and excepted matters|reserved]] to the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]. |
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The government is led by the [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]], who selects the cabinet secretaries, who attend cabinet, and ministers with the approval of [[Scottish Parliament|parliament]].<ref name="First Minister">{{cite web| title=The First Minister of Scotland| url=http://www.firstminister.gov.scot| date=8 March 2015| publisher=The Scottish Government| accessdate=8 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="cabinet">{{cite web| title=The Scottish Cabinet| url=http://www.gov.scot/About/14944| date=4 July 2012| publisher=The Scottish Government| accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref> Government ministers all sit in Parliament, and are accountable to it. The government is dependent on Parliament to pass primary legislation. |
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Ministers are appointed by the first minister with the approval of the Scottish Parliament and the monarch from among the members of the Parliament. The Scotland Act 1998 makes provision for ministers and junior ministers, referred to by the current administration as Cabinet secretaries and ministers, in addition to two [[Law officers of the Crown|law officers]]: the [[lord advocate]] and the [[solicitor general for Scotland]]. Collectively the Scottish Ministers and the [[Civil Service (United Kingdom)|Civil Service]] staff that support the Scottish Government are formally referred to as the Scottish Administration. |
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The government was established in 1999 as the '''Scottish Executive''' under the [[Scotland Act 1998]], which created a devolved administration of [[Scotland]] in line with the result of the [[1997 Scottish devolution referendum|1997 referendum on Scottish devolution]].<ref name="establishment">{{cite web| url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/46/section/44/enacted| title=Scotland Act 1998| publisher=[[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives]]| accessdate=23 November 2016}}</ref> Following increasing use of the name "government" in place of "executive" during the first decade of the 21st century, its name was formally changed in law to Scottish Government by the [[Scotland Act 2012]]. |
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==History== |
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==Responsibilities== |
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{{main|1997 Scottish devolution referendum|Scotland Act 1998}} |
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The Scottish Government has power over so-called devolved matters, which are matters not reserved to the [[United Kingdom Parliament]] by Schedule 5 to the [[Scotland Act 1998]], as amended by subsequent revisions to the devolution settlement in the [[Scotland Act 2012]] and [[Scotland Act 2016]]. |
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[[File:Meeting of the Dewar cabinet 1999.jpg|thumb|right|Following the [[Scotland Act 1998]], [[Donald Dewar]] became First Minister and led the first Scottish Government since 1707]] |
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In 1885, many domestic policy functions relating to Scotland were brought into the responsibility of the [[Scottish Office]], a [[Departments of the Government of the United Kingdom|department of the Government of the United Kingdom]] which was headed by a Secretary for Scotland, later the [[Secretary of State for Scotland]]. |
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The original set of devolved matters under the Scotland Act 1998 included:<ref name="Devolved Matters">{{cite web| url= http://www.parliament.scot/visitandlearn/Education/18642.aspx | title= What is Devolution? | publisher=Scottish Parliament| accessdate=29 August 2018}}</ref> |
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*[[NHS Scotland|Healthcare]] |
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*[[Education in Scotland|Education]] |
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*[[Scots Law|Justice]] |
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*Most aspects of [[Transport Scotland|transport]] |
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*[[Scottish Environmental Protection Agency|Environment]] |
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*[[Police Scotland|Policing]] |
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*Rural Affairs |
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*Housing |
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Following the 1997 referendum on devolution, many of the functions of the Secretary of State for Scotland were transferred to the Scottish Ministers, accountable to a devolved Scottish Parliament. |
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Subsequently, the Scotland Acts of 2012 and 2016 transferred powers over:<ref name="Devolved Matters in Scotland">{{cite web| url= https://www.gov.scot/about/what-the-government-does/| title= What the Scottish Government does | publisher=Scottish Government| accessdate=8 August 2019}}</ref> |
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*[[Taxation in Scotland|Some taxation powers]] – Full control of [[Income tax in Scotland|Income Tax]] on income earned through employment, [[Land and Buildings Transaction Tax]], [[Scottish Landfill Tax|Landfill Tax]] |
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*[[Drunk driving law by country|Drink driving limits]] |
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*[[Elections in Scotland|Scottish Parliament & local authority elections]] |
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*Some [[Social Security Scotland|social Security powers]] |
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*[[Crown Estate Scotland|Crown Estate of Scotland]] |
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The [[List of Scottish governments|first Scottish Executive]] was formed by First Minister [[Donald Dewar]] as a coalition between the [[Scottish Labour Party]] and the [[Scottish Liberal Democrats]]. During this period, ministerial appointees were divided into ministers and deputy ministers. The Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition continued under subsequent First Ministers [[Henry McLeish]] and [[Jack McConnell]]. Following the [[2007 Scottish Parliament election]], [[Alex Salmond]] headed a [[Scottish National Party]] administration until his resignation in 2014 and the appointment of his former Deputy First Minister [[Nicola Sturgeon]]. |
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The most prominent reserved matters that remain under the control of the [[United Kingdom Government]] and [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]] are:<ref name="Reserved Matters">{{cite web| url= https://www.gov.uk/guidance/devolution-settlement-scotland | title= Devolution settlement: Scotland | publisher=UK Government| accessdate=29 August 2018}}</ref> |
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*[[Immigration in the United Kingdom|Immigration]] & [[British nationality law|Nationality]] |
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*The Constitution – [[Acts of Union 1707|Acts of Union]], [[British Monarchy|The Crown]], [[Scotland Act 1998|Devolution Settlement]] |
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*[[Foreign relations of the United Kingdom|Foreign Policy]] |
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*[[National security|National Security]] and [[British Armed Forces|Defence]] |
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*[[Economic policy]] |
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*[[Department for International Trade|Trade]] and [[industry]] |
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*[[Energy in the United Kingdom|Energy]] |
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*Most aspects of [[Welfare state in the United Kingdom|welfare]] |
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*[[Quarantine]] |
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*[[Civil Service (United Kingdom)|Civil Service]] |
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*[[Consumer rights]] |
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*[[International Development]] |
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*[[Copyright law of the United Kingdom|Copyright]] |
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*[[British Telecom|Telecommunications]] & [[Royal Mail|Postal services]] |
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*[[BBC|Broadcasting]] |
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*[[Taxation in the United Kingdom|Reserved taxes]] |
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*[[Pound Sterling|Currency]] |
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*[[Pensions in the United Kingdom|Pensions]] |
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Since 2007, the Scottish Executive has used the name Scottish Government. The change of name was later recognised in United Kingdom legislation by the [[Scotland Act 2012]]. In 2001, former First Minister Henry McLeish had proposed such a change, but experienced some opposition.<ref name="britten">{{cite news| last=Britten| first=Nick| title=Fury at bid to rename Scottish Executive| work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]| date=10 January 2001| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1314138/Fury-at-bid-to-rename-Scottish-Executive.html| access-date=23 October 2013| quote=Henry McLeish, the First Minister, threatened to set himself on a collision course with [[Tony Blair]] by wanting to rename the Executive the Scottish Government. The proposal caused an immediate split in Labour ranks and left McLeish facing allegations of arrogance and over-ambition. [[Scotland Office]] minister [[Brian Wilson (Labour politician)|Brian Wilson]] said that the First Minister should think carefully about using the term "government". He said: "Maybe they should take time to look at how other countries with two tiers of government handle this. Nobody in Germany has any difficulty distinguishing between the government and the devolved administrations."| archive-date=18 May 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518195254/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1314138/Fury-at-bid-to-rename-Scottish-Executive.html| url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The members of the government have substantial influence over [[List of Acts of the Scottish Parliament from 1999|legislation]] in Scotland, putting forward the majority of bills that are successful in becoming Acts of the Scottish Parliament.<ref name="works">{{cite web| title=How the Scottish Parliament Works| url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/9981.aspx| publisher=gov.scot| accessdate=23 October 2013| url-status=dead| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014213042/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/9981.aspx| archivedate=14 October 2013| df=dmy-all}}</ref> |
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At the same time that the Scottish Government began to use its new name, a new emblem was adopted. It replaced the use of a version of the [[Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom#Scotland|Royal Arms]] with the [[Flag of Scotland]].<ref name="aib">{{cite web| url=http://www.aib.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Resource/Doc/4/0001039.pdf| title=Annual Report and Accounts: 2009–10| publisher=[[Accountant in Bankruptcy]]| date=4 August 2010| page=61| access-date=23 October 2013| archive-date=11 August 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811090255/http://www.aib.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Resource/Doc/4/0001039.pdf| url-status=live}}</ref> |
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== Cabinet Secretaries, Junior Ministers & Law Officers == |
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{{clear}} |
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{{about|the current Scottish Government|previous ones|List of Scottish Governments}} |
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{{Redirect|Scottish ministers|the pre-1999 use of the term|Scottish Office}} |
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==Functions== |
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The government is led by the [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]]. The [[Scottish Parliament]] nominates one of its members to be appointed as First Minister by the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|Head of State]].<ref name="Fasjj32">{{cite web | url=https://firstminister.gov.scot/about/appointment-role/ | title=Appointment and Role | publisher=Office of the First Minister of Scotland | work=firstminister.gov.scot | date=5 February 2015 | accessdate=22 January 2016}}</ref> He or she is assisted by various Cabinet Secretaries with individual [[Ministry (government department)|portfolios]], who are appointed by the First Minister with the approval of Parliament. Junior Ministers are similarly appointed to assist Cabinet Secretaries in their work. The Scottish Law officers, the [[Lord Advocate]] and [[Solicitor General for Scotland|Solicitor General]], can be appointed without being a Member of the Scottish Parliament, however, they are subject to Parliament's approval and scrutiny. Law Officers are also appointed by the head of state on the recommendation of the First Minister.<ref name="Fasjj32" /> Collectively, The First Minister, Cabinet Secretaries, Junior Ministers and the Law Officers are known as the "Scottish Ministers". |
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===Parliament=== |
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The Scottish Government uses a government structure that has a dual executive structure of a Cabinet that invokes collective decision-making, as well as non-cabinet members as Junior Ministers. The title ''Cabinet Secretary'' means a member of the Government who partakes in Cabinet, whereas Junior Ministers assist Cabinet Secretaries but are not part of the Scottish Cabinet. The Cabinet Secretaries and Junior Ministers are:<ref name="fm">{{cite press release| url=http://www.gov.scot/News/Releases/2007/05/16161147| title=FM nominates his cabinet| publisher=The Scottish Government| accessdate=22 October 2013| date=16 May 2007}}</ref><ref name="changes">{{cite press release| url=http://www.gov.scot/News/Releases/2009/02/10103636| title=Changes to Scottish Government| date=10 February 2009| publisher=The Scottish Government| accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref><ref name="brown">{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-11978544| title=Keith Brown named new Scottish transport minister|publisher=BBC News | date=12 December 2010| accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref> |
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{{main|Scottish Parliament}} |
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[[File:The Queen at the Scottish Parliament (15242836608).jpg|thumb|right|Bills introduced by the Scottish Government are debated in the Scottish Parliament, and must receive a majority in favour of a bill becoming law]] |
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The Scottish Government is separate from the [[Scottish Parliament]], with the parliament being made of 129 [[Members of the Scottish Parliament]] elected by the electorate of Scotland during Scottish Parliamentary elections. The Scottish Parliament acts as the law making body for devolved matters which fall under the responsibility of the Scottish Government. The work of the Scottish Government, including proposed legislation, policies and activities, is scrutinised by parliament through a variety of different measures such as parliamentary debates, [[Committees of the Scottish Parliament|parliament committees]] and parliamentary questions to the appropriate Cabinet Secretary or government minister.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does">{{cite web |title=What the Scottish Government does |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/what-the-government-does/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=21 January 2024}}</ref> |
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=== National Performance Framework === |
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[[File:North side of Charlotte Square - NT2473 - geograph 3150908.jpg|thumb|350px|Bute House, the official residence of the [[First Minister of Scotland]].]] |
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[[File:Scottish_Cabinet,_2018.jpg|thumb|right|350px|First Minister Sturgeon's reshuffled cabinet at [[Bute House]], 2018.]] |
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[[File:The Scottish Government.JPG|thumb|350px|Victoria Quay, a Scottish Government building in [[Leith]], [[Edinburgh]].]] |
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{{anchor|npf}}The Scottish Government produces a National Performance Framework (NPF) which sets out the government's priorities, objectives and overall vision for the country following election. First introduced in 2007, this framework acts a means to measure the performance of the government in eleven national outcome areas which include health, poverty, environment and education. It creates a pledge and commitment on the aspirations and aims that government wishes to create within the country, and serves as a means for the government to highlight national priorities and provides an opportunity for the government to evaluate its progress towards achieving the objectives as set out in the National Performance Framework.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/> Each of the National Outcomes is measured by a number of indicators and associated data sets.<ref>UWS-Oxfam Partnership, [http://uwsoxfampartnership.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/NPF-Report.pdf Towards a Scotland that cares: A new National Outcome on care for the National Performance Framework], published November 2021, accessed 20 February 2023</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
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! colspan= 3 | Cabinet Secretaries<ref name="New Cabinet appointed">{{Cite web|url=https://news.gov.scot/news/new-cabinet-appointed|title=New Cabinet appointed|website=Scottish Government News|language=en|access-date=2018-06-27}}</ref> |
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|- |
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! Portfolio |
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! Minister |
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!! class="unsortable" | Image |
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Similarly, the Programme for Government is published annually by the incumbent Scottish Government, and it highlights the government's policies, proposed actions and legislation that the government will seek to implement in the forthcoming year.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/> |
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|'''[[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]]''' |
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| data-sort-value="Sturgeon" | {{small|[[Privy Council of the United Kingdom|The Right Hon.]]}}<br />[[Nicola Sturgeon]] {{small|[[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]]}} |
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|[[File:Nicola Sturgeon election infobox 3.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|'''[[Deputy First Minister of Scotland|Deputy First Minister]]''' <br/> ''[[Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills]]'' |
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| data-sort-value="Swinney" | [[John Swinney]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:John Swinney, Deputy First Minister.png|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Cabinet Secretary for Justice]] |
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| data-sort-value="Yousaf" | [[Humza Yousaf]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:HumzaYousafMSP20110507.JPG|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport]] |
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| data-sort-value="Freeman" | [[Jeane Freeman]] {{small|[[Officer of the Order of the British Empire|OBE]] MSP}} |
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|[[File:JeaneFreemanMSP.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Cabinet Secretary for Finance]] |
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| data-sort-value="Forbes" | [[Kate Forbes]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:KateForbesMSP-May2016.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform]] |
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| data-sort-value="Cunningham" |[[Roseanna Cunningham]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham.png|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism]] |
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| data-sort-value="Ewing" |[[Fergus Ewing]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing.png|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs]] |
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| data-sort-value="Russell" | [[Michael Russell (politician)|Michael Russell]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:Michael_Russell,_Cabinet_Secretary_for_Education_%26_Lifelong_Learning_(2).jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government]] |
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| data-sort-value="Campbell" | [[Aileen Campbell]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:Aileen Campbell.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture]] |
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| data-sort-value="Hyslop" |[[Fiona Hyslop]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop.png|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity]] |
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| data-sort-value="Matheson" |[[Michael Matheson (politician)|Michael Matheson]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Michael Matheson.png|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People]] |
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| data-sort-value="Somerville" | [[Shirley-Anne Somerville]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Shirley Anne Sommerville.png|85px]] |
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|- |
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|} |
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===Legislation=== |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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[[File:Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme stakeholder meeting.jpg|thumb|right|Proposed government legislation and government conduct can be scrutinised by parliamentary committees]] |
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|- |
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! colspan= 3 | Junior Ministers<ref name="New Cabinet appointed"/> |
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|- |
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! Portfolio |
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! Minister |
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!! class="unsortable" | Image |
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The majority of bills proposed to the Scottish Parliament come from the Scottish Government. The process for introducing bills to the parliament for consideration and debate commences with the government publishing and formulating policy. A bill will only become law in Scotland under Scots law once it has been approved by a majority of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, where it will then be put to the Monarch to receive royal assent. Once royal assent has been given by the Monarch, the bill becomes a law of the Scottish Parliament and becomes embedded in Scots law.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/> |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Children and Young People]] |
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|[[Maree Todd]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:Maree Todd MSP - May 2016.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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| [[Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science]] |
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|[[Richard Lochhead]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:RichardLochhead_MSP.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills]] |
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|[[Jamie Hepburn]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:JamieHepburnMSP20110511.JPG|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Public Finance and Migration]] |
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|[[Ben Macpherson (politician)|Ben Macpherson]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:BenMacphersonMSP-May2016.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation]] |
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|[[Ivan McKee]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:IvanMcKeeMSP-May2016.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Community Safety]] |
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|[[Ash Denham]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:AshDenhamMSP-May2016.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Europe and International Development]] |
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|[[Jenny Gilruth]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:JennyGilruthMSP-May2016.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Older People and Equalities]] |
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|[[Christina McKelvie]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:ChristinaMcKelvieMSP20110510.JPG|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment]] |
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|[[Mairi Gougeon]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:MairiEvansMSP-May2016.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing]] |
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|[[Joe FitzPatrick]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:JoeFitzPatrickMSP20110511.JPG|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Mental Health]] |
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|[[Clare Haughey]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:ClareHaugheyMSP-May2016.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands]] |
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|[[Paul Wheelhouse]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:PaulWheelhouseMSP20110507.JPG|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning]] |
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|[[Kevin Stewart (Scottish politician)|Kevin Stewart]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:KevinStewartMSP20110507.JPG|85px]] |
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|- |
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|[[Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans]] |
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|[[Graeme Dey]] {{small|MSP}} |
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|[[File:GraemeDeyMSP20110507.jpg|85px]] |
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|- |
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|} |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
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! colspan= 2 | Law Officers |
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|- |
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! Portfolio |
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! Minister |
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Once a bill is successful in becoming law, the Scottish Government has the responsibility to ensure subordinate legislation, which often comes in the form of Scottish statutory instruments, is implemented accordingly so that the new law begins to work and that any additional measures and features can be added in order to make the law work and ensure its effective implementation and operation.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/> |
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|- |
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|[[Lord Advocate]] |
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|{{small|The Rt Hon}} [[James Wolffe]] {{small|[[Queen's Counsel|QC]]}} |
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|- |
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|[[Solicitor General for Scotland]] |
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|[[Alison Di Rollo]] {{small|[[Queen's Counsel|QC]]}} |
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|} |
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=== |
===Statistics and transparency=== |
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{{Infobox government cabinet |
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| cabinet_name = [[Second Sturgeon government]] |
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| cabinet_type = Government |
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| cabinet_number = 8th |
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| jurisdiction = [[Scotland]] |
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| flag = Flag of Scotland.svg |
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| flag_border = |
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| incumbent = 2016–present |
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| image = File:Scottish_Cabinet,_2018.jpg |
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| caption = 2018 Cabinet gathered outside [[Bute House]], [[Edinburgh]] |
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| date_formed = 18 May 2016 |
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| date_dissolved = |
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| government_head = [[Nicola Sturgeon|Nicola Sturgeon MSP]] |
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| government_head_history = |
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| deputy_government_head = [[John Swinney|John Swinney MSP]] |
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| state_head = [[Elizabeth II]] |
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| members_number = |
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| former_members_number = |
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| total_number = 25 (including First Minister) |
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| political_party = [[Scottish National Party|SNP]] |
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| legislature_status = Minority |
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| opposition_cabinet = |
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| opposition_parties = Scottish Conservatives<br />Scottish Labour<br />Scottish Greens<br />Scottish Liberal Democrats |
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| opposition_leaders = |
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| election = [[2016 Scottish Parliament election|2016]] |
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| last_election = |
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| legislature_term = [[5th Scottish Parliament]] |
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| budget = [[Scottish Budget|2016 budget]] |
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| advice_and_consent1 = |
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| advice_and_consent2 = <!-- up to 5 times --> |
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| incoming_formation = |
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| outgoing_formation = |
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| predecessor = [[First Sturgeon government]] |
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| successor = |
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}} |
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The Scottish Government publishes statistics based on the majority of public life in Scotland, including, but not limited to, education, the economy, healthcare, population, death, marriages and births, as well as living standards. The government uses such statistics in order to evaluate its work against the data to gauge how successful, or unsuccessful, government policy is and whether it is having the desired impact.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/> |
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The '''Scottish Cabinet''' is the group of ministers who are collectively responsible for all Scottish Government policy. While parliament is in session, the cabinet meets weekly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2008/11/12105442/5 |title=Guide to Collective Decision Making |publisher=Scottish Government |date=12 November 2008 |accessdate=17 August 2014}}</ref> Normally meetings are held on Tuesday afternoons in [[Bute House]], the [[official residence]] of the [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]]. The cabinet consists of the cabinet secretaries, excluding the Scottish Law Officers (the [[Lord Advocate]] and the [[Solicitor General for Scotland|Solicitor General]]). The Lord Advocate attends meetings of the cabinet only when requested by the first minister, and he is not formally a member.<ref name="excluded">{{cite news| title=Lord Advocate excluded from new Cabinet| url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/lord-advocate-excluded-from-new-cabinet-1-748499| work=[[The Scotsman]]| date=22 May 2007| accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref> |
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In order to ensure accountability, the Scottish Government publishes information for public consumption in order to ensure the work of the Scottish Government is accessible and transparent for the public. It commits itself to publishing information in areas relating to the spending of public money and creating a breakdown of public spending, the work of senior civil servants in the Scottish Government, including their job titles and salaries, as well as government assessment against objectives in order to highlight how well the government is doing in achieving the targets and objectives it creates through the National Performance Framework and Programme for Government. Additionally, the [[Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002]] gives the public the right to ask for information relating to the Scottish Government, as well as other public sectors.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/> |
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The cabinet is supported by the Cabinet Secretariat, which is based at [[St Andrew's House]]. |
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==Structure== |
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===Cabinet Sub-Committees=== |
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=== The Scottish Government === |
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{{for-multi|the current Scottish Government|Swinney government|previous Scottish Governments|List of Scottish Governments}} |
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<!---Linked from [[Template:Politics of Scotland]]---> |
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====Executive branch==== |
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<gallery mode="nolines"> |
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File:John Swinney - First Minister (53720492021) (3x4).jpg|'''[[John Swinney]] (SNP)''' <br /> [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]] and [[Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland|Keeper of the Great Seal]] |
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File:Deputy First Minister - designate and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic - designate, Kate Forbes (53707856301) (cropped).jpg|'''[[Kate Forbes]] (SNP)''' <br /> [[Deputy First Minister of Scotland|Deputy First Minister]] and [[Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic]] |
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John-Paul Marks 2022.jpg|'''[[John-Paul Marks]]''' <br /> [[Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government|Permanent Secretary]] |
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Official Portrait of Dorothy Bain QC 2021 (cropped).jpg|'''[[Dorothy Bain]] ''' <br /> [[Lord Advocate]] |
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Official Portrait of Ruth Charteris QC.png|'''[[Ruth Charteris]]''' <br /> [[Solicitor General for Scotland|Solicitor General]] |
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Shona Robison - 53727584039 (cropped).jpg|'''[[Shona Robison]] (SNP)''' <br /> [[Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government]] |
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Angus Robertson - 53727242996 (cropped).jpg|'''[[Angus Robertson]] (SNP)''' <br /> [[Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture|Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution and External Affairs]] |
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Angela Constance - 53727458028 (cropped).jpg|'''[[Angela Constance]] (SNP)''' <br /> [[Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs]] |
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</gallery> |
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The Scottish Government consists of a [[First Minister of Scotland|first minister]], [[Deputy First Minister of Scotland|deputy first minister]], nine [[Cabinet Secretaries|cabinet secretaries]] and eighteen other government ministers, collectively for statutory purposes, "the '''Scottish Ministers'''".<ref>UK Legislation, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1750/article/2 The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc. ) Order 1999, Article 2], accessed on 20 November 2024</ref> Cabinet secretaries are senior members of the [[Scottish Cabinet]], whilst the remaining government ministers are junior ministers of the government and act as a deputy to the corresponding cabinet secretary of that department, and support the duties and functions of the cabinet secretary. As junior ministers of the government, ministers do not usually attend the Scottish Cabinet; only the cabinet secretary attends.<ref>{{cite web |title=Who runs government |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref> |
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There are currently two sub-committees of Cabinet:<ref name="subcommittees">{{cite web| url=http://www.gov.scot/About/14944/CabinetSub-Committees| title=Current Cabinet Sub-Committees| publisher=The Scottish Government|date=13 December 2014 |accessdate=4 August 2014}}</ref> |
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Additionally, the Scottish Government is supported by a [[Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government|permanent secretary]], two law officers – the [[Lord Advocate]] and the [[Solicitor General for Scotland]] – who serve as the chief legal advisers to the government, and the [[Chief of Staff to the First Minister|chief of staff to the first minister]], as well as several other government officials, personal secretaries and advisers to the Scottish Government and the first minister.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cabinet and Ministers |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/cabinet-and-ministers/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref> |
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====First Minister==== |
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{{main|First Minister of Scotland}} |
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[[File:First Minister outside Bute House.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bute House]] in Edinburgh is the official residence of the first minister]] |
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The head of the Scottish Government is the [[First Minister of Scotland|first minister]] who also serves as the [[Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland|keeper of the Great Seal]] whilst in office as first minister. The first minister chairs the [[Scottish Cabinet]] and is primarily responsible for the formulation, development and presentation of Scottish Government policy.<ref name="role">{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/first-minister/ |title=About the Scottish Government > Who runs government > First Minister |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=9 January 2019}}</ref> Additional functions of the first minister include promoting and representing Scotland in an official capacity, at home and abroad.<ref name="role"/> In their capacity as Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, the first minister is one of only a few individuals permitted to fly the [[Royal Banner of Scotland|Royal Banner of the Royal Arms of Scotland]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Royal Banner of the Royal Arms of Scotland |url=https://www.royal.uk/royal-banner-royal-arms-scotland |website=www.royal.uk |publisher=The Royal Family |access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref> |
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The first minister is nominated by the [[Scottish Parliament]] by fellow [[MSPs]], and is formally appointed by the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|monarch]]. The first minister appoints members of the Scottish Cabinet and junior ministers of the Scottish Government. As head of the Scottish Government, the first minister is directly accountable to the Scottish Parliament for their actions and the actions of the wider government and cabinet.<ref name="Fasjj32">{{cite web | url=https://firstminister.gov.scot/about/appointment-role/ | title=Appointment and Role | publisher=Office of the First Minister of Scotland | work=firstminister.gov.scot | date=5 February 2015 | access-date=22 January 2016 | archive-date=27 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127235859/https://firstminister.gov.scot/about/appointment-role/ | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The office is held by [[John Swinney]] of the [[Scottish National Party]] since 7 May 2024. |
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====Deputy First Minister==== |
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{{main|Deputy First Minister of Scotland}} |
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The first minister is supported by the [[Deputy First Minister of Scotland|deputy first minister]] who deputises for the first minister during periods of absence, such as when he is attending overseas visits and international engagements, and may act on the first ministers behalf during [[First Minister's Questions (Scottish Parliament)|First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament]]. Whilst serving as deputy first minister, the office holder holds another cabinet position. Currently, [[Kate Forbes]], the [[Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic]], serves as the deputy first minister.<ref>{{cite web |title=Deputy First Minister |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/cabinet-and-ministers/deputy-first-minister/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref> |
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====Cabinet==== |
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[[File:New Scottish Cabinet meet at Bute House (53711442674).jpg|thumb|right|The incumbent [[Swinney government|Scottish Government]]; May 2024–present]] |
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The Scottish Cabinet collectively takes responsibility for policy coordination within the Scottish Government. It is supported by the Cabinet Secretariat, based at [[St Andrew's House]]. While the Scottish Parliament is in session, Cabinet meets weekly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2008/11/12105442/5 |title=Guide to Collective Decision Making |publisher=Scottish Government |date=12 November 2008 |access-date=17 August 2014 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402172504/http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2008/11/12105442/5 |url-status=live }}</ref> Normally meetings are held on Tuesday afternoons in [[Bute House]], the [[official residence]] of the [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]].<ref name="excluded">{{cite news| title=Lord Advocate excluded from new Cabinet| url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/lord-advocate-excluded-from-new-cabinet-1-748499| work=[[The Scotsman]]| date=22 May 2007| access-date=23 October 2013| archive-date=19 August 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084102/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/lord-advocate-excluded-from-new-cabinet-1-748499| url-status=live}}</ref> Members of the Scottish Cabinet receive blue [[Red box (government)|despatch boxes]] for their use while in office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-201900001341/|title=Despatch boxes used by Scottish Government Ministers, cost and number: FOI release – gov.scot|website=www.gov.scot|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526153753/https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-201900001341/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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There are currently two sub-committees of cabinet:<ref name="subcommittees">{{cite web| url=http://www.gov.scot/About/14944/CabinetSub-Committees| title=Current Cabinet Sub-Committees| publisher=The Scottish Government|date=13 December 2014 |access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref> |
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* Cabinet Sub-Committee on [[List of Acts of the Scottish Parliament from 1999|Legislation]] |
* Cabinet Sub-Committee on [[List of Acts of the Scottish Parliament from 1999|Legislation]] |
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** Membership: the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, the Minister for Parliamentary Business, and the Lord Advocate. |
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* [[Scottish Government Resilience Room]] (SGoRR) Cabinet Sub-Committee |
* [[Scottish Government Resilience Room]] (SGoRR) Cabinet Sub-Committee |
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** Membership: Cabinet Secretary for Justice (Chair), the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and the Lord Advocate. |
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====Law officers==== |
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For several years prior to the [[Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games]] there had been a third sub-committee of Cabinet: |
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{{main|Scots law}} |
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* Glasgow 2014 Legacy Plan Delivery Group |
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[[File:Ruth Charteris and Dorothy Bain at Court of Session.jpg|thumb|left|The Scottish law officers – the [[Lord Advocate]] and [[Solicitor General for Scotland]]]] |
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** Membership: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing (Chair), Minister for Community Safety, Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Minister for Environment, Minister for Housing and Communities, Minister for Public Health and Sport, Minister for Schools and Skills, and the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change. |
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The [[Lord Advocate]] is the principal legal adviser for both the Scottish Government and [[the Crown]] in Scotland on civil and criminal matters that fall within the [[devolution|devolved]] powers of the [[Scottish Parliament]]. The Lord Advocate provides legal advice to the government on its responsibilities, policies, legislation and the legal implications of any proposals brought forward by the government. The Lord Advocate is responsible for all legal advice which is given to the Scottish Government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lord Advocate: role and functions |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/lord-advocate-role-and-functions/ |website=Gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=2 January 2024}}</ref> |
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== Civil Service == |
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<!---Linked from [[Template:Politics of Scotland]]---> |
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The Lord Advocate serves as the ministerial head of the [[Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service]], and as such, is the chief [[public prosecutor]] for Scotland with all [[prosecution]]s on indictment being conducted by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in the Lord Advocate's name on behalf of the Monarch. The Lord Advocate serves as the head of the systems of prosecutions in Scotland and is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, suspicious, accidental and unexplained deaths which occur within Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our role in investigating deaths |url=https://www.copfs.gov.uk/about-copfs/our-role-in-investigating-deaths/#:~:text=The%20Lord%20Advocate%20has%20responsibility,behalf%20of%20the%20Lord%20Advocate. |website=COPFS |publisher=Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service |access-date=2 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dorothy Bain QC nominated Scotland's new Lord Advocate |date=16 June 2021 |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/3237232/dorothy-bain-qc-nominated-scotlands-new-lord-advocate/ |publisher=Press & Journal |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref> |
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Scottish Government also includes a civil service that supports the Scottish ministers. According to 2012 reports, there are 16,000 civil servants working in core Scottish Government directorates and agencies.<ref name="service">{{cite news |title=Independent Scotland civil service '£700m a year' |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/independent-scotland-civil-service-700m-a-year-1-2954225 |date=5 June 2013 |last=Peterkin |first=Tom |work=The Scotsman |accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref> The civil service is a matter [[Reserved matter|reserved]] to the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|British parliament]] at Westminster (rather than [[devolved]] to [[Scottish Parliament|Holyrood]]): Scottish Government civil servants work within the rules and customs of [[Her Majesty's Civil Service]], but serve the devolved administration rather than [[Government of the United Kingdom|British government]].<ref name="faq">{{cite web |title=Answers to Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/FAQs | date=26 June 2012 |publisher=The Scottish Government |accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref> |
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The officeholder is regarded as one of the [[Great Officers of State (United Kingdom)#Scotland|Great Officers of State]] of Scotland, with the current Lord Advocate being [[Dorothy Bain]] [[King's Counsel|KC]], who was nominated by first minister [[Nicola Sturgeon]] in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-06-16|title=Dorothy Bain QC named as Scotland's new lord advocate|language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-57488977|access-date=2021-06-18}}</ref> |
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===Permanent Secretary=== |
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{{main|Office of the Permanent Secretary (Scotland)}} |
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The [[permanent secretary]] is the most senior Scottish civil servant, leads the strategic board, and supports the [[First Minister of Scotland|first minister]] and cabinet. The current permanent secretary is [[Leslie Evans]], who assumed the post in July 2015. |
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The [[Solicitor General for Scotland]] is one of the [[Law Officers of the Crown]], and the deputy of the Lord Advocate, whose duty is to advise the Scottish Government on Scots law. They are also responsible for the [[Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS)|Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service]] which together constitute the Criminal Prosecution Service in [[Scotland]]. Together with the Lord Advocate, the Solicitor General for Scotland is one of the senior legal advisors to the government in Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |title=The role of Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service |url=https://www.hse.gov.uk/enforce/enforcementguidesc/rolecopf.htm |publisher=Health and Safety Executive |access-date=2 January 2024}}</ref> Whilst the Solicitor General for Scotland supports the Lord Advocate in their functions, the Solicitor General may also exercise their statutory and common law powers when necessary.<ref>{{cite web |title=Solicitor General |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/cabinet-and-ministers/solicitor-general/ |website=Gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=2 January 2024}}</ref> The incumbent Solicitor General for Scotland is [[Ruth Charteris]] [[King's Counsel|KC]]. |
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The permanent secretary is a member of [[Her Majesty's Civil Service]], and therefore takes part in the permanent secretaries management group of the Civil Service<ref name="permanent">{{cite web |title=Permanent Secretary |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/People/strategic-board/Permanent-Secretary |date=1 May 2013 |publisher=The Scottish Government |accessdate=22 October 2013}}</ref> and is answerable to the most senior civil servant in Britain, the [[Cabinet Secretary (United Kingdom)|Cabinet Secretary]] (not to be confused with Scottish Government cabinet secretaries), for his or her professional conduct. He or she remains, however, at the direction of the Scottish ministers. |
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The Scottish law officers are appointed by the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|monarch]] on the recommendation of the incumbent first minister, with the agreement of the Scottish Parliament. They need not be members of the Scottish Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lord Advocate: role and functions |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/lord-advocate-role-and-functions/ |access-date=2 January 2024 |publisher=Scottish Government}}</ref> |
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===Directorates=== |
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=== Civil service === |
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In addition to the Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Government is supported by a number of officials drawn from the [[Civil Service (United Kingdom)|UK Civil Service]]. They are collectively referred to as the Scottish Administration in the Scotland Act 1998. According to 2012 reports, there are 16,000 civil servants working in core Scottish Government directorates and agencies.<ref name="service">{{cite news |title=Independent Scotland civil service '£700m a year' |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/independent-scotland-civil-service-700m-a-year-1-2954225 |date=5 June 2013 |last=Peterkin |first=Tom |work=The Scotsman |access-date=23 October 2013 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402134002/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/independent-scotland-civil-service-700m-a-year-1-2954225 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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A total of eight director–generals head Scotland's civil service department. Each director–general is responsible for a number of directorates and agencies of the Scottish Government and are directly accountable for the legislation proposals, as well as implementing government policy into practice. Public bodies (non–ministerial departments of the Scottish Government) are the responsibility of the senior civil servants as opposed to Scottish Government ministers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Government structure |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/how-government-is-run/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=21 January 2024}}</ref> |
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The civil service is a matter [[Reserved matter|reserved]] to the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|British parliament]] at Westminster (rather than [[devolved]] to [[Scottish Parliament|Holyrood]]): Scottish Government civil servants work within the rules and customs of [[His Majesty's Civil Service]], but serve the Scottish Government rather than [[Government of the United Kingdom|British government]].<ref name="faq">{{cite web |title=Answers to Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/FAQs | date=26 June 2012 |publisher=The Scottish Government |access-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> |
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====Permanent Secretary==== |
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{{main|Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government}} |
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[[File:Permanent Secretary's office (3828921835).jpg|thumb|right|The office of the [[Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government]], the most senior civil servant in Scotland, in St Andrews House]] |
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The [[Permanent Secretary]] is the Scottish Government's most senior civil servant. They lead the administration's strategic board as well as directly support the first minister and cabinet and is the accountable officer with responsibility to ensure that the government's money and resources are used effectively and properly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.scot/about/how-government-is-run/|title=Government structure – gov.scot|website=www.gov.scot|access-date=13 December 2020|archive-date=19 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219141314/https://www.gov.scot/about/how-government-is-run/|url-status=live}}</ref> The current permanent secretary is [[John-Paul Marks]], who succeeded [[Leslie Evans]] in January 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 November 2021 |title=New Permanent Secretary - gov.scot |url=https://www.gov.scot/news/new-permanent-secretary/ |access-date=17 October 2022 |website=Scottish Government}}</ref> |
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The Permanent Secretary is a member of the UK Civil Service, and therefore takes part in the UK-wide Permanent Secretaries Management Group under the [[Cabinet Secretary (United Kingdom)|Cabinet Secretary]] who performs a number of similar functions in relation to the UK Government. The Scottish Government's Permanent Secretary is responsible to the Scottish Ministers in terms of policy.<ref name="permanent">{{cite web |title=Permanent Secretary |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/People/strategic-board/Permanent-Secretary |date=1 May 2013 |publisher=The Scottish Government |access-date=22 October 2013 |archive-date=9 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309062417/http://www.gov.scot/About/People/strategic-board/Permanent-Secretary |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Strategic Board ==== |
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The [[Strategic board of the Scottish Government|strategic board]] is composed of the permanent secretary, the seven directors-general, two chief advisers (scientific and economic) and four non-executive directors. The board is responsible for providing support to the government through the permanent secretary, and is the executive of the Scottish civil service.<ref name=SB>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/strategic-board |title=Strategic Board |date=29 May 2013 |publisher=The Scottish Government |access-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> |
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==== Directorates ==== |
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{{main|Directorates of the Scottish Government}} |
{{main|Directorates of the Scottish Government}} |
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The Scottish Government is divided into 55 directorates which execute government policy in specified areas. Unlike in the British government, senior ministers do not lead government departments and have no direct role in the operation of the directorates. |
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"Directorates" are the [[Ministry (government department)|ministries]] of the Scottish Government. They serve to execute government policy. Unlike in the [[Government of the United Kingdom|British government]], cabinet secretaries, the equivalent of British government [[Secretary of State (United Kingdom)|secretaries of state]], do not lead the directorates, and have no direct role in their operation. Instead, the directorates are grouped together into six "Directorates General", each run by a senior civil servant who is titled a "Director-General". As of July 2017, there are six Directorates General: |
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*[[Constitution and External Affairs Directorates]] |
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The directorates are grouped together into eight "Directorates General", each run by a senior civil servant who is titled a "Director-General". As of February 2024, there are eight Directorates General: |
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*[[Communities Directorates]] |
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*[[Corporate Directorates]] |
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*[[Economy Directorates]] |
*[[Economy Directorates]] |
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*[[Education |
*[[Education and Justice Directorates]] |
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*[[Health and Social Care Directorates]] |
*[[Health and Social Care Directorates]] |
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*[[ |
*[[Net Zero Directorates]] |
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*[[ |
*[[Exchequer Directorates]] |
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*[[Strategy and External Affairs Directorates]] |
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Supporting these directorates are a variety of other corporate service teams and professional groups.<ref name="directorates">{{cite web |title=Directorates |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/Directorates |date=23 August 2013 |publisher=The Scottish Government |accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref> |
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Supporting these directorates are a variety of other corporate service teams and professional groups.<ref name="directorates">{{cite web |title=Directorates |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/Directorates |date=23 August 2013 |publisher=The Scottish Government |access-date=23 October 2013 |archive-date=6 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106204103/https://www.gov.scot/about/how-government-is-run/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The [[Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service]] serves as an independent [[prosecutor|prosecution service]] in Scotland, and is a ministerial department of the Scottish Government. It is headed by the [[Lord Advocate]], who is responsible for prosecution, along with the [[Procurator fiscal|procurators fiscal]], under [[Scots law]]. |
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The [[Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service]] serves as an independent [[prosecutor|prosecution service]] in Scotland, and is a ministerial department of the Scottish Government. It is headed by the [[Lord Advocate]], who is, along with the [[Procurator fiscal|procurators fiscal]], responsible for prosecution under [[Scots law]]. |
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===Strategic Board=== |
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The [[Strategic board of the Scottish Government|strategic board]] is composed of the permanent secretary, the six directors-general, two chief advisers (scientific and economic) and four non-executive directors. The board is responsible for providing support to the government through the permanent secretary, and is the executive of the Scottish civil service.<ref name=SB>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/strategic-board |title=Strategic Board |date=29 May 2013 |publisher=The Scottish Government |accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref> |
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===Executive Agencies=== |
==== Executive Agencies ==== |
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{{main|Executive agencies of the Scottish Government}} |
{{main|Executive agencies of the Scottish Government}} |
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To deliver its work, there are 9 [[Executive agencies of the Scottish Government|executive agencies]] established by ministers as part of government departments, or as departments in their own right, to carry out a discrete area of work. These include, for example, the [[Scottish Prison Service]] and [[Transport Scotland]]. Executive agencies are staffed by civil servants. |
To deliver its work, there are 9 [[Executive agencies of the Scottish Government|executive agencies]] established by ministers as part of government departments, or as departments in their own right, to carry out a discrete area of work. These include, for example, the [[Scottish Prison Service]] and [[Transport Scotland]]. Executive agencies are staffed by civil servants. |
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There are two non-ministerial departments that form part of the Scottish administration, and therefore the devolved administration, but answer directly to the Scottish Parliament rather than to ministers: these are the [[General Register Office for Scotland]] and the [[Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator]]. |
There are two non-ministerial departments that form part of the Scottish administration, and therefore the devolved administration, but answer directly to the Scottish Parliament rather than to ministers: these are the [[General Register Office for Scotland]] and the [[Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator]]. |
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===Public Bodies=== |
==== Public Bodies ==== |
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{{main|Scottish public bodies}} |
{{main|Scottish public bodies}} |
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The Scottish Government is also responsible for a large number of [[Scottish public bodies|non-departmental public bodies]]. These include executive NDPBs (e.g. [[Scottish Enterprise]]); advisory NDPBs (e.g. the [[Scottish Law Commission]]); [[tribunal]]s (e.g. the [[Children's Panel]] and [[Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland]]); and [[nationalised industries]] (e.g. [[Scottish Water]]). |
The Scottish Government is also responsible for a large number of [[Scottish public bodies|non-departmental public bodies]]. These include executive NDPBs (e.g. [[Scottish Enterprise]]); advisory NDPBs (e.g. the [[Scottish Law Commission]]); [[tribunal]]s (e.g. the [[Children's Panel]] and [[Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland]]); and [[nationalised industries]] (e.g. [[Scottish Water]]). These are staffed by public servants, rather than civil servants. |
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The Scottish Government is also responsible for some other public bodies that are not classed as non-departmental public bodies, such as [[NHS Scotland|NHS Boards]], |
The Scottish Government is also responsible for some other public bodies that are not classed as non-departmental public bodies, such as [[NHS Scotland|NHS Boards]], visiting committees for Scottish penal establishments, and [[HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland]]. |
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== Offices == |
== Offices == |
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The |
The headquarters building of the Scottish Government is [[St Andrew's House]], which is located on [[Calton Hill, Edinburgh|Calton Hill]] in Edinburgh. Some other government directorates are based at [[Victoria Quay, Scotland|Victoria Quay]] and Saughton House in Edinburgh, and Atlantic Quay in Glasgow. The head offices of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Lord Advocate's Chambers are at [[Chambers Street (Edinburgh)|Chambers Street]] in central Edinburgh. |
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There are numerous other Edinburgh properties occupied by the Scottish Government. |
There are numerous other Edinburgh properties occupied by the Scottish Government. Both the [[Scottish Fiscal Commission]] and the [[Scottish Human Rights Commission]] are based in the old Governor's House on the site of the former Calton Gaol, next door to St. Andrew's House on Regent Road. Other offices are scattered around central Edinburgh, including [[Bute House]] on Charlotte Square, the official residence of the first minister. |
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All Ministers and officials have access to Scotland House at [[Victoria Embankment]] in London, when necessary. [[Dover House]] on Whitehall is now used by the [[Scotland Office]] and the devolved Scottish Ministers no longer use it.<ref name="dover">{{cite press release| title=Dover House base for Scottish Secretary and Advocate General| url=http://www.gov.scot/News/Releases/1999/03/92100572-43bf-4f95-8abd-63c3e5191ffa| date=8 March 1999| publisher=The Scottish Government| access-date=23 October 2013| archive-date=24 September 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924023254/http://www.gov.scot/News/Releases/1999/03/92100572-43bf-4f95-8abd-63c3e5191ffa| url-status=live}}</ref> |
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New St Andrew's House, above and behind Edinburgh's St James' Centre, was once a large [[Scottish Office]] building, which was occupied from 1973 until 1997, when the last remaining staff moved to Victoria Quay. |
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The Scottish Government also operates local offices and specialist facilities around Scotland, for example those used by Rural Payments & Services<ref name="RPID">{{cite web| title=Rural Payments – Contact Us| url=https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/contact-us/| publisher=The Scottish Government| access-date=12 April 2021| archive-date=14 May 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514080135/https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/contact-us/| url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Marine Scotland#Locations and Assets|Marine Scotland]]. |
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The first minister has use of the [[Scotland Office]] building, [[Dover House]] in [[Whitehall]] when necessary.<ref name="dover">{{cite press release| title=Dover House base for Scottish Secretary and Advocate General| url=http://www.gov.scot/News/Releases/1999/03/92100572-43bf-4f95-8abd-63c3e5191ffa| date=8 March 1999| publisher=The Scottish Government| accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref> |
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<gallery class="center"> |
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The Scottish Government has a [[European Union]] representative office, located at Rond-Point Robert Schuman in [[Brussels]], [[Belgium]], which forms a part of the United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union.<ref name="eu">{{cite web| title=Scotland in the EU| url=http://www.gov.scot/Topics/International/Europe/About/Scotland-in-EU| date=24 September 2012| publisher=The Scottish Government| accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref> The Scottish Government also maintains offices within the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., as well as the British Embassy in Berlin and has accredited representatives within the British Embassy in Beijing. |
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StAndrewsHouse-Edinburgh.jpg|[[St Andrew's House]], headquarters of the Scottish Government |
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Victoria Quay (2473783476).jpg|[[Victoria Quay, Scotland|Victoria Quay]], offices of the Scottish Government |
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<gallery> |
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Bute House, Charlotte Square - geograph.org.uk - 1325869.jpg|[[Bute House]], the official residence of the First Minister |
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StAndrewsHouse-Edinburgh.jpg|[[St Andrew's House]], [[Calton Hill]] |
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Atlantic Quay - Scottish Government - Glasgow - panoramio.jpg|Scottish Government offices at [[International Financial Services District|5 Atlantic Quay]] in Glasgow |
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Saughton House - geograph.org.uk - 3505977.jpg|Government offices at Saughton House in Edinburgh |
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Bute House, Charlotte Square Edinburgh.JPG|[[Bute House]], [[Charlotte Square]] |
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Entrance to Bute House.JPG|Entrance to [[Bute House]] |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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==International network== |
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== Name change == |
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{{Main|International relations of Scotland}} |
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[[File:Scottish Government international offices.png|thumb|right|Network of Scottish Government offices worldwide]] |
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The Scottish Government has a [[European Union]] representative office, located at Rond-Point Robert Schuman in [[Brussels]], Belgium, which forms a part of the United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union.<ref name="eu">{{cite web| title=Scotland in the EU| url=http://www.gov.scot/Topics/International/Europe/About/Scotland-in-EU| date=24 September 2012| publisher=The Scottish Government| access-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> The Scottish Government also maintains offices within the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., as well as the British Embassy in Berlin and has accredited representatives within the British Embassy in Beijing. |
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Scotland has a network of eight international offices across the world located in:<ref>{{Cite web |title=International relations |url=https://www.gov.scot/policies/international-relations |website=Scot.Gov}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Scottish Executive logo (bilingual).png|thumb|right|300px|The Scottish Executive's original logo, shown with English and [[Scottish Gaelic language|Scottish Gaelic]] caption. The logo was replaced in September 2007, with the name changed to "Scottish Government", and the [[Flag of Scotland]] used instead of the [[Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom#Scotland|Royal Arms]]. The original logo is still used by the [[Scotland Office]].]] |
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* [[Beijing]] (Scottish Government Beijing Office, [[Embassy of the United Kingdom, Beijing|British Embassy]]) |
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The original Scotland Act 1998 gave the name "Scottish Executive" as the legal term for the devolved government. In January 2001, the then First Minister [[Henry McLeish]] suggested changing the official name from "Scottish Executive" to "Scottish Government". The reaction from the [[British government]] and from some [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] members and [[Scottish Labour]] MPs was allegedly hostile.<ref name="britten">{{cite news| last=Britten| first=Nick| title=Fury at bid to rename Scottish Executive| work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]| date=10 January 2001| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1314138/Fury-at-bid-to-rename-Scottish-Executive.html| accessdate=23 October 2013| quote=Henry McLeish, the First Minister, threatened to set himself on a collision course with [[Tony Blair]] by wanting to rename the Executive the Scottish Government. The proposal caused an immediate split in Labour ranks and left McLeish facing allegations of arrogance and over-ambition. [[Scotland Office]] minister [[Brian Wilson (Labour politician)|Brian Wilson]] said that the first minister should think carefully about using the term "government". He said: "Maybe they should take time to look at how other countries with two tiers of government handle this. Nobody in Germany has any difficulty distinguishing between the government and the devolved administrations."}}</ref> This reaction was in contrast to a 2001 public survey by then-Labour chief whip [[Tom McCabe]], which showed that only 29% of the Scottish public wanted the title Scottish Executive to remain.<ref name=bbcrename>{{cite news| title=Scottish Executive renames itself|publisher=BBC News | date= 3 September 2007| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6974798.stm| accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref> |
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* [[Berlin]] (Scottish Government Berlin Office) |
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* [[Brussels]] (Scotland House Brussels) |
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* [[Copenhagen]] (Scottish Government Copenhagen Office)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carmichael |first=Hannah |date=26 August 2022 |title=Nicola Sturgeon visits Copenhagen to officially open a Nordic Office |work=[[The Scotsman]] |location=Edinburgh |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/nicola-sturgeon-visits-copenhagen-to-officially-open-a-nordic-office-3820160 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130121331/https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/nicola-sturgeon-visits-copenhagen-to-officially-open-a-nordic-office-3820160 |archive-date=30 November 2022}}</ref> |
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* [[Dublin]] (Scottish Government Dublin Office, British Embassy) |
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* [[Ottawa]] (Scottish Government Ottawa Office, British High Commission) |
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* [[Paris]] (Scottish Government Office, British Embassy) |
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* [[Washington, D.C.|Washington DC]] (Scottish Government Washington DC Office, British Embassy) |
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==Responsibilities== |
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Scottish politicians, including the Labour first minister, had often referred to the executive as the "government" and this trend increased following the [[2007 Scottish Parliament general election|2007 election]], when the SNP took office and Labour were in opposition for the first time. On 2 September 2007, the SNP minority government announced that the Scottish Executive was to be retitled as the "Scottish Government". |
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The responsibilities of the Scottish Ministers broadly follow those of the Scottish Parliament provided for in the [[Scotland Act 1998]] and subsequent UK legislation. Where pre-devolution legislation of the UK Parliament provided that certain functions could be performed by [[List of government ministers of the United Kingdom|UK Government ministers]], these functions were transferred to the Scottish Ministers if they were within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament. |
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Functions which were devolved under the Scotland Act 1998 included:<ref name="Devolved Matters">{{cite web | url= http://www.parliament.scot/visitandlearn/Education/18642.aspx | title= What is Devolution? | publisher= Scottish Parliament | access-date= 29 August 2018 | archive-date= 22 July 2017 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170722092046/http://www.parliament.scot/visitandlearn/Education/18642.aspx | url-status= dead }}</ref> |
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The renaming was decided unilaterally by the minority government; as a consequence, the SNP was criticised by the three [[Unionism (Scotland)|Unionist]] opposition parties for acting without allowing for parliamentary scrutiny, debate or approval of their plan. However, the term "Scottish Government" has since then become common currency among all of the political parties in Scotland and the rest of the UK.<ref>[http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0225-02.htm Scottish Parliament. Official Report]. 25 February 2010 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605141228/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0225-02.htm |date=5 June 2011 }}</ref> The official Gaelic title, ''Riaghaltas na h-Alba'', has always meant "Government of Scotland". |
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*[[NHS Scotland|Healthcare]] |
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*[[Education in Scotland|Education]] – pre-school, primary, secondary, further, higher and lifelong education, as well as educational training policy and programmes |
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*[[Scots Law|Justice]] – civil justice, civil law and procedure, courts, criminal justice, criminal law and procedure, debt and bankruptcy, family law, legal aid, the legal profession, and property law |
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*Most aspects of [[Transport Scotland|transport]] – setting drink and drug-driving limits, speed limits, some aspects of railways, including Scottish passenger rail franchises ([[ScotRail]]), concessionary travel schemes, cycling, parking, local road pricing, congestion charging, promotion of road safety and road signs |
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*[[Scottish Environmental Protection Agency|Environment]] – environmental protection policy, climate change, pollution, waste management, water supplies and sewerage, national parks and flood and coastal protection |
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*[[Police Scotland|Policing]] |
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*[[Planning system in Scotland]] |
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*Rural Affairs |
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*Housing |
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*Agriculture, forestry and fisheries – most aspects of animal welfare, but not including animal testing and research |
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*[[Sport in Scotland|Sport]] and the [[Culture of Scotland|arts]] – [[Creative Scotland]], the [[National Gallery of Scotland]], library and museum collections, the [[National Museum of Scotland]], national performing companies and [[SportScotland]], the national agency for sport |
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*Consumer advocacy and advice |
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*[[Tourism in Scotland|Tourism]] – [[VisitScotland]] and promotion of major events in Scotland |
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*Economic development |
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*Freedom of Information (FOI) requests |
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Subsequently, the Scotland Acts of 2012 and 2016 transferred powers over:<ref name="Devolved Matters in Scotland">{{cite web| url=https://www.gov.scot/about/what-the-government-does/| title=What the Scottish Government does| publisher=Scottish Government| access-date=8 August 2019| archive-date=8 July 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708045359/https://www.gov.scot/about/what-the-government-does/| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Devolved and Reserved Powers |url=https://www.parliament.scot/about/how-parliament-works/devolved-and-reserved-powers |website=Parliament.scot |publisher=Scottish Parliament |access-date=28 December 2023}}</ref> |
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"Scottish Executive" remained the legal name under section 44(1) of the [[Scotland Act 1998]] until 2 July 2012. Neither the Scottish Government nor the Scottish Parliament were able to change the legal name, as this required the [[British Parliament]] to amend the Scotland Act. Section 12(1) of the [[Scotland Act 2012]], which came into effect on 3 July 2012, formally changed the legal title to "Scottish Government". |
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*[[Taxation in Scotland|Some taxation powers]] – full control of [[Income tax in Scotland|Income Tax]] on income earned through employment, [[Land and Buildings Transaction Tax]], [[Scottish Landfill Tax|Landfill Tax]], Aggregates Levy, [[Air Departure Tax]], |
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*[[Drunk driving law by country|Drink driving limits]] |
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*[[Elections in Scotland|Scottish Parliament and local authority elections]] |
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*Some [[Social Security Scotland|social security powers]] |
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*[[Crown Estate Scotland|Crown Estate of Scotland]] – management of the Crown Estate's economic assets in Scotland |
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*Some aspects of the benefits system – Best Start Grant, Carer's Allowance Supplement, Child Disability Payment, Child Winter Heating Assistance, Funeral Support Payment, Universal Credit (although this is remains a reserved benefit, some powers over how it is paid have been devolved to the Scottish Parliament) |
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*Some aspects of the [[Energy in Scotland|energy network in Scotland]] – [[Renewable energy in Scotland|renewable energy]], energy efficiency and onshore [[Oil industry in Scotland|oil and gas licensing]] |
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*Some aspects of equality legislation in Scotland |
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*Gaming machine licensing |
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The 1998 Act also provided for orders to be made allowing Scottish Ministers to exercise powers of UK Government ministers in areas that remain reserved to the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]. Equally the Act allows for the Scottish Ministers to transfer functions to the UK Government ministers, or for particular "agency arrangements". This executive devolution means that the powers of the Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament are not identical.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 2011|title=Devolution Guidance Note 11 – Ministerial Accountability after Devolutio|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/465291/Devolution_Guidance_Note_11_ministerial_accountability_after_devolution.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306030542/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/465291/Devolution_Guidance_Note_11_ministerial_accountability_after_devolution.pdf}}</ref> |
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At the same time that the Scottish Government began to use its new name, a new emblem was adopted. The earlier version featured the old name and a version of the [[Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom#Scotland|Royal Arms for Scotland]], but without the [[motto]], the [[Helmet|helm]], the [[mantling]], the [[Crest (heraldry)|crest]], the war-cry above the crest, or the flags of [[Flag of Scotland|Scotland]] and [[Flag of England|England]] carried by the [[supporters]]. In the rendering used, both supporters appeared to be crowned with the [[Crown of Scotland]], whereas in the Royal Arms, the Scottish [[unicorn]] is usually shown crowned with the Scottish Crown, and the English lion with [[St Edward's Crown]]. |
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The most prominent reserved matters that remain under the exclusive control of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]] are:<ref name="Reserved Matters">{{cite web | url= https://www.gov.uk/guidance/devolution-settlement-scotland | title= Devolution settlement: Scotland | publisher= UK Government | access-date= 29 August 2018 | archive-date= 9 April 2016 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160409023423/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/devolution-settlement-scotland | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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In the September 2007 re-branding, this depiction of the [[Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom#Scotland|Royal Arms]] was replaced by one of the [[Flag of Scotland]].<ref name="aib">{{cite web| url=http://www.aib.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Resource/Doc/4/0001039.pdf| title=Annual Report and Accounts: 2009–10| publisher=[[Accountant in Bankruptcy]]| date=4 August 2010| page=61| accessdate=23 October 2013}}</ref> In 2016, a refreshed version of the Scottish Government logo was launched and used on all government websites and letters of correspondence as part of the national Gaelic Language Plan. |
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*The Constitution – [[Acts of Union 1707|Acts of Union]], [[British Monarchy|The Crown]], [[Scotland Act 1998|Devolution Settlement]] |
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*[[Foreign relations of the United Kingdom|Foreign Policy]] |
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*[[National security|National Security]] and [[British Armed Forces|Defence]] |
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*[[Economic policy]] |
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*[[Immigration in the United Kingdom|Immigration]] and [[British nationality law|Nationality]] |
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*[[Department for International Trade|Trade]] and industry |
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*[[Energy in the United Kingdom|Energy]] |
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*Most aspects of [[Welfare state in the United Kingdom|Social Security]] |
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*[[Civil Service (United Kingdom)|Civil Service]] |
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*[[Consumer rights]] |
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*[[International Development]] |
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*[[Copyright law of the United Kingdom|Copyright]] |
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*Telecommunications and [[Royal Mail|Postal services]] |
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*Broadcasting |
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*[[Taxation in the United Kingdom|Reserved taxes]] |
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*[[Pound Sterling|Currency]] |
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*[[Pensions in the United Kingdom|Pensions]] |
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The members of the Scottish government have substantial influence over [[List of Acts of the Scottish Parliament from 1999|legislation]] in Scotland, putting forward the majority of bills that are successful in becoming Acts of the Scottish Parliament.<ref name="works">{{cite web| title=How the Scottish Parliament Works| url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/9981.aspx| publisher=gov.scot| access-date=23 October 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014213042/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/9981.aspx| archive-date=14 October 2013}}</ref> |
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== List of successive Scottish Governments == |
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{{Main list|List of Scottish Governments}} |
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In the first two terms of the Scottish Parliament, the government was formed by a coalition of [[Scottish Labour Party|Labour]] and [[Scottish Liberal Democrats|Liberal Democrats]]. In the three terms since the [[Scottish Parliament election|2007 election]], the [[Scottish National Party]] has held the largest number of seats and has formed a devolved government on its own. They formed the first majority government in 2011, lost the majority at the 2016 election, but remain as the largest party. The current First Minister is [[Nicola Sturgeon]], who is the first woman to hold the post, and has served since 19 November 2014. |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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{{Portal|Politics|Scotland|United Kingdom}} |
{{Portal bar|Politics|Scotland|United Kingdom}} |
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'''Acts of Parliament relating to the Scottish Government''' |
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* [[Scotland Act 1998]] |
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* [[Scotland Act 2012]] |
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* [[Scotland Act 2016]] |
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'''Workings of the Scottish Government''' |
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* [[Joint Ministerial Committee]] |
* [[Joint Ministerial Committee]] |
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* [[Local income tax]] |
* [[Local income tax]] |
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* [[Scottish Broadcasting Commission]] |
* [[Scottish Broadcasting Commission]] |
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* [[Scottish Social Attitudes Survey]] |
* [[Scottish Social Attitudes Survey]] |
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'''Scottish Government campaigns''' |
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* [[2014 Scottish independence referendum]] |
* [[2014 Scottish independence referendum]] |
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** [[Edinburgh Agreement (2012)|Edinburgh Agreement]] |
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* [[Scotland Act 2016]] |
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'''History of the Scottish Government''' |
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* [[Kingdom of Scotland]] |
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** [[Politics of Scotland]] |
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** [[Parliament of Scotland]] |
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** [[Parliament House, Edinburgh]] |
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* [[Union of the Crowns]] |
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* [[Treaty of Union 1707]] |
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* [[History of Scottish devolution]] |
* [[History of Scottish devolution]] |
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* [[Welsh Government]] |
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== Notes == |
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* [[United Kingdom withdrawal from the European Union]] |
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{{notelist}} |
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* [[Government spending in the United Kingdom]] |
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* [[Revenue Scotland]] |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist |
{{Reflist}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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* {{Official website}} |
* {{Official website}} |
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* [https://www.mygov.scot/ mygov.scot Scottish Government informational website] |
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*[http://www.firstminister.gov.scot Office of the First Minister of Scotland website] |
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*[http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/library/collections/mapsofficialpublicationsandstatisticsunit/scottishparliamentcollection/internetsitesforscottishofficialpublications/scottishgovernmentwebsites/ Directory of Scottish Government websites], [[Glasgow University]] Library |
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{{Government}} |
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{{Europe topic|Government of|title=Governments of Europe|ENG=|WLS=Welsh Government|NIR=Northern Ireland Executive|SCT=Scottish Government}} |
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{{UK heads of governments}} |
{{UK heads of governments}} |
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{{Scottish Government Directorates}} |
{{Scottish Government Directorates}} |
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{{Non-ministerial departments of the Scottish Government}} |
{{Non-ministerial departments of the Scottish Government}} |
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{{Scottish devolution}} |
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{{Economy of Scotland}} |
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{{Scottish Executive Agencies}} |
{{Scottish Executive Agencies}} |
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{{Scottish Executive NDPBs}} |
{{Scottish Executive NDPBs}} |
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{{British-Irish Council}} |
{{British-Irish Council}} |
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{{Scotland topics}} |
{{Scotland topics}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Scottish Government| |
[[Category:Scottish Government| ]] |
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[[Category:Political office-holders in Scotland]] |
[[Category:Political office-holders in Scotland]] |
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[[Category:1999 establishments in Scotland]] |
[[Category:1999 establishments in Scotland]] |
Latest revision as of 17:44, 6 December 2024
Scottish Government | |
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Scottish Gaelic: Riaghaltas na h-Alba Scots: Scots Govrenment | |
Overview | |
Established | 1 July 1999 |
Country | Scotland |
Leader | First Minister (John Swinney) |
Appointed by | First Minister approved by Parliament, ceremonially appointed by the monarch |
Main organ | Scottish Cabinet |
Responsible to | Scottish Parliament |
Annual budget | £59.7 billion (2024–25)[1] |
Headquarters | St Andrew's House 2 Regent Road Edinburgh EH1 3DG |
Website | www |
This article is part of a series within the Politics of the United Kingdom on the |
Politics of Scotland |
---|
The Scottish Government (Scottish Gaelic: Riaghaltas na h-Alba, pronounced [ˈrˠiə.əl̪ˠt̪əs nə ˈhal̪ˠapə]) is the executive arm of the devolved government of Scotland.[2] It was formed in 1999 as the Scottish Executive following the 1997 referendum on Scottish devolution.[3] Its areas for responsibility of decision making and domestic policy in the country include the economy, education, healthcare, justice and the legal system, rural affairs, housing, the crown estate, the environment, the fire service, equal opportunities, the transportation network, and tax, amongst others.[4][5]
The Scottish Government consists of the Scottish Ministers, which is used to describe their collective legal functions. The Scottish Government is accountable to the Scottish Parliament, which was also created by the Scotland Act 1998 with the first minister appointed by the monarch following a proposal by the Parliament. The Scottish Parliament can legislate on any matter that is not reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Ministers are appointed by the first minister with the approval of the Scottish Parliament and the monarch from among the members of the Parliament. The Scotland Act 1998 makes provision for ministers and junior ministers, referred to by the current administration as Cabinet secretaries and ministers, in addition to two law officers: the lord advocate and the solicitor general for Scotland. Collectively the Scottish Ministers and the Civil Service staff that support the Scottish Government are formally referred to as the Scottish Administration.
History
[edit]In 1885, many domestic policy functions relating to Scotland were brought into the responsibility of the Scottish Office, a department of the Government of the United Kingdom which was headed by a Secretary for Scotland, later the Secretary of State for Scotland.
Following the 1997 referendum on devolution, many of the functions of the Secretary of State for Scotland were transferred to the Scottish Ministers, accountable to a devolved Scottish Parliament.
The first Scottish Executive was formed by First Minister Donald Dewar as a coalition between the Scottish Labour Party and the Scottish Liberal Democrats. During this period, ministerial appointees were divided into ministers and deputy ministers. The Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition continued under subsequent First Ministers Henry McLeish and Jack McConnell. Following the 2007 Scottish Parliament election, Alex Salmond headed a Scottish National Party administration until his resignation in 2014 and the appointment of his former Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Since 2007, the Scottish Executive has used the name Scottish Government. The change of name was later recognised in United Kingdom legislation by the Scotland Act 2012. In 2001, former First Minister Henry McLeish had proposed such a change, but experienced some opposition.[6]
At the same time that the Scottish Government began to use its new name, a new emblem was adopted. It replaced the use of a version of the Royal Arms with the Flag of Scotland.[7]
Functions
[edit]Parliament
[edit]The Scottish Government is separate from the Scottish Parliament, with the parliament being made of 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament elected by the electorate of Scotland during Scottish Parliamentary elections. The Scottish Parliament acts as the law making body for devolved matters which fall under the responsibility of the Scottish Government. The work of the Scottish Government, including proposed legislation, policies and activities, is scrutinised by parliament through a variety of different measures such as parliamentary debates, parliament committees and parliamentary questions to the appropriate Cabinet Secretary or government minister.[8]
National Performance Framework
[edit]The Scottish Government produces a National Performance Framework (NPF) which sets out the government's priorities, objectives and overall vision for the country following election. First introduced in 2007, this framework acts a means to measure the performance of the government in eleven national outcome areas which include health, poverty, environment and education. It creates a pledge and commitment on the aspirations and aims that government wishes to create within the country, and serves as a means for the government to highlight national priorities and provides an opportunity for the government to evaluate its progress towards achieving the objectives as set out in the National Performance Framework.[8] Each of the National Outcomes is measured by a number of indicators and associated data sets.[9]
Similarly, the Programme for Government is published annually by the incumbent Scottish Government, and it highlights the government's policies, proposed actions and legislation that the government will seek to implement in the forthcoming year.[8]
Legislation
[edit]The majority of bills proposed to the Scottish Parliament come from the Scottish Government. The process for introducing bills to the parliament for consideration and debate commences with the government publishing and formulating policy. A bill will only become law in Scotland under Scots law once it has been approved by a majority of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, where it will then be put to the Monarch to receive royal assent. Once royal assent has been given by the Monarch, the bill becomes a law of the Scottish Parliament and becomes embedded in Scots law.[8]
Once a bill is successful in becoming law, the Scottish Government has the responsibility to ensure subordinate legislation, which often comes in the form of Scottish statutory instruments, is implemented accordingly so that the new law begins to work and that any additional measures and features can be added in order to make the law work and ensure its effective implementation and operation.[8]
Statistics and transparency
[edit]The Scottish Government publishes statistics based on the majority of public life in Scotland, including, but not limited to, education, the economy, healthcare, population, death, marriages and births, as well as living standards. The government uses such statistics in order to evaluate its work against the data to gauge how successful, or unsuccessful, government policy is and whether it is having the desired impact.[8]
In order to ensure accountability, the Scottish Government publishes information for public consumption in order to ensure the work of the Scottish Government is accessible and transparent for the public. It commits itself to publishing information in areas relating to the spending of public money and creating a breakdown of public spending, the work of senior civil servants in the Scottish Government, including their job titles and salaries, as well as government assessment against objectives in order to highlight how well the government is doing in achieving the targets and objectives it creates through the National Performance Framework and Programme for Government. Additionally, the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 gives the public the right to ask for information relating to the Scottish Government, as well as other public sectors.[8]
Structure
[edit]The Scottish Government
[edit]Executive branch
[edit]The Scottish Government consists of a first minister, deputy first minister, nine cabinet secretaries and eighteen other government ministers, collectively for statutory purposes, "the Scottish Ministers".[10] Cabinet secretaries are senior members of the Scottish Cabinet, whilst the remaining government ministers are junior ministers of the government and act as a deputy to the corresponding cabinet secretary of that department, and support the duties and functions of the cabinet secretary. As junior ministers of the government, ministers do not usually attend the Scottish Cabinet; only the cabinet secretary attends.[11]
Additionally, the Scottish Government is supported by a permanent secretary, two law officers – the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General for Scotland – who serve as the chief legal advisers to the government, and the chief of staff to the first minister, as well as several other government officials, personal secretaries and advisers to the Scottish Government and the first minister.[12]
First Minister
[edit]The head of the Scottish Government is the first minister who also serves as the keeper of the Great Seal whilst in office as first minister. The first minister chairs the Scottish Cabinet and is primarily responsible for the formulation, development and presentation of Scottish Government policy.[13] Additional functions of the first minister include promoting and representing Scotland in an official capacity, at home and abroad.[13] In their capacity as Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, the first minister is one of only a few individuals permitted to fly the Royal Banner of the Royal Arms of Scotland.[14]
The first minister is nominated by the Scottish Parliament by fellow MSPs, and is formally appointed by the monarch. The first minister appoints members of the Scottish Cabinet and junior ministers of the Scottish Government. As head of the Scottish Government, the first minister is directly accountable to the Scottish Parliament for their actions and the actions of the wider government and cabinet.[15]
The office is held by John Swinney of the Scottish National Party since 7 May 2024.
Deputy First Minister
[edit]The first minister is supported by the deputy first minister who deputises for the first minister during periods of absence, such as when he is attending overseas visits and international engagements, and may act on the first ministers behalf during First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament. Whilst serving as deputy first minister, the office holder holds another cabinet position. Currently, Kate Forbes, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, serves as the deputy first minister.[16]
Cabinet
[edit]The Scottish Cabinet collectively takes responsibility for policy coordination within the Scottish Government. It is supported by the Cabinet Secretariat, based at St Andrew's House. While the Scottish Parliament is in session, Cabinet meets weekly.[17] Normally meetings are held on Tuesday afternoons in Bute House, the official residence of the First Minister.[18] Members of the Scottish Cabinet receive blue despatch boxes for their use while in office.[19]
There are currently two sub-committees of cabinet:[20]
- Cabinet Sub-Committee on Legislation
- Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) Cabinet Sub-Committee
Law officers
[edit]The Lord Advocate is the principal legal adviser for both the Scottish Government and the Crown in Scotland on civil and criminal matters that fall within the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament. The Lord Advocate provides legal advice to the government on its responsibilities, policies, legislation and the legal implications of any proposals brought forward by the government. The Lord Advocate is responsible for all legal advice which is given to the Scottish Government.[21]
The Lord Advocate serves as the ministerial head of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and as such, is the chief public prosecutor for Scotland with all prosecutions on indictment being conducted by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in the Lord Advocate's name on behalf of the Monarch. The Lord Advocate serves as the head of the systems of prosecutions in Scotland and is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, suspicious, accidental and unexplained deaths which occur within Scotland.[22][23]
The officeholder is regarded as one of the Great Officers of State of Scotland, with the current Lord Advocate being Dorothy Bain KC, who was nominated by first minister Nicola Sturgeon in June 2021.[24]
The Solicitor General for Scotland is one of the Law Officers of the Crown, and the deputy of the Lord Advocate, whose duty is to advise the Scottish Government on Scots law. They are also responsible for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service which together constitute the Criminal Prosecution Service in Scotland. Together with the Lord Advocate, the Solicitor General for Scotland is one of the senior legal advisors to the government in Scotland.[25] Whilst the Solicitor General for Scotland supports the Lord Advocate in their functions, the Solicitor General may also exercise their statutory and common law powers when necessary.[26] The incumbent Solicitor General for Scotland is Ruth Charteris KC.
The Scottish law officers are appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the incumbent first minister, with the agreement of the Scottish Parliament. They need not be members of the Scottish Parliament.[27]
Civil service
[edit]In addition to the Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Government is supported by a number of officials drawn from the UK Civil Service. They are collectively referred to as the Scottish Administration in the Scotland Act 1998. According to 2012 reports, there are 16,000 civil servants working in core Scottish Government directorates and agencies.[28]
A total of eight director–generals head Scotland's civil service department. Each director–general is responsible for a number of directorates and agencies of the Scottish Government and are directly accountable for the legislation proposals, as well as implementing government policy into practice. Public bodies (non–ministerial departments of the Scottish Government) are the responsibility of the senior civil servants as opposed to Scottish Government ministers.[29]
The civil service is a matter reserved to the British parliament at Westminster (rather than devolved to Holyrood): Scottish Government civil servants work within the rules and customs of His Majesty's Civil Service, but serve the Scottish Government rather than British government.[30]
Permanent Secretary
[edit]The Permanent Secretary is the Scottish Government's most senior civil servant. They lead the administration's strategic board as well as directly support the first minister and cabinet and is the accountable officer with responsibility to ensure that the government's money and resources are used effectively and properly.[31] The current permanent secretary is John-Paul Marks, who succeeded Leslie Evans in January 2022.[32]
The Permanent Secretary is a member of the UK Civil Service, and therefore takes part in the UK-wide Permanent Secretaries Management Group under the Cabinet Secretary who performs a number of similar functions in relation to the UK Government. The Scottish Government's Permanent Secretary is responsible to the Scottish Ministers in terms of policy.[33]
Strategic Board
[edit]The strategic board is composed of the permanent secretary, the seven directors-general, two chief advisers (scientific and economic) and four non-executive directors. The board is responsible for providing support to the government through the permanent secretary, and is the executive of the Scottish civil service.[34]
Directorates
[edit]The Scottish Government is divided into 55 directorates which execute government policy in specified areas. Unlike in the British government, senior ministers do not lead government departments and have no direct role in the operation of the directorates.
The directorates are grouped together into eight "Directorates General", each run by a senior civil servant who is titled a "Director-General". As of February 2024, there are eight Directorates General:
- Communities Directorates
- Corporate Directorates
- Economy Directorates
- Education and Justice Directorates
- Health and Social Care Directorates
- Net Zero Directorates
- Exchequer Directorates
- Strategy and External Affairs Directorates
Supporting these directorates are a variety of other corporate service teams and professional groups.[35]
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service serves as an independent prosecution service in Scotland, and is a ministerial department of the Scottish Government. It is headed by the Lord Advocate, who is, along with the procurators fiscal, responsible for prosecution under Scots law.
Executive Agencies
[edit]To deliver its work, there are 9 executive agencies established by ministers as part of government departments, or as departments in their own right, to carry out a discrete area of work. These include, for example, the Scottish Prison Service and Transport Scotland. Executive agencies are staffed by civil servants.
There are two non-ministerial departments that form part of the Scottish administration, and therefore the devolved administration, but answer directly to the Scottish Parliament rather than to ministers: these are the General Register Office for Scotland and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.
Public Bodies
[edit]The Scottish Government is also responsible for a large number of non-departmental public bodies. These include executive NDPBs (e.g. Scottish Enterprise); advisory NDPBs (e.g. the Scottish Law Commission); tribunals (e.g. the Children's Panel and Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland); and nationalised industries (e.g. Scottish Water). These are staffed by public servants, rather than civil servants.
The Scottish Government is also responsible for some other public bodies that are not classed as non-departmental public bodies, such as NHS Boards, visiting committees for Scottish penal establishments, and HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland.
Offices
[edit]The headquarters building of the Scottish Government is St Andrew's House, which is located on Calton Hill in Edinburgh. Some other government directorates are based at Victoria Quay and Saughton House in Edinburgh, and Atlantic Quay in Glasgow. The head offices of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Lord Advocate's Chambers are at Chambers Street in central Edinburgh.
There are numerous other Edinburgh properties occupied by the Scottish Government. Both the Scottish Fiscal Commission and the Scottish Human Rights Commission are based in the old Governor's House on the site of the former Calton Gaol, next door to St. Andrew's House on Regent Road. Other offices are scattered around central Edinburgh, including Bute House on Charlotte Square, the official residence of the first minister.
All Ministers and officials have access to Scotland House at Victoria Embankment in London, when necessary. Dover House on Whitehall is now used by the Scotland Office and the devolved Scottish Ministers no longer use it.[36]
The Scottish Government also operates local offices and specialist facilities around Scotland, for example those used by Rural Payments & Services[37] and Marine Scotland.
-
St Andrew's House, headquarters of the Scottish Government
-
Victoria Quay, offices of the Scottish Government
-
Bute House, the official residence of the First Minister
-
Scottish Government offices at 5 Atlantic Quay in Glasgow
-
Government offices at Saughton House in Edinburgh
International network
[edit]The Scottish Government has a European Union representative office, located at Rond-Point Robert Schuman in Brussels, Belgium, which forms a part of the United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union.[38] The Scottish Government also maintains offices within the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., as well as the British Embassy in Berlin and has accredited representatives within the British Embassy in Beijing.
Scotland has a network of eight international offices across the world located in:[39]
- Beijing (Scottish Government Beijing Office, British Embassy)
- Berlin (Scottish Government Berlin Office)
- Brussels (Scotland House Brussels)
- Copenhagen (Scottish Government Copenhagen Office)[40]
- Dublin (Scottish Government Dublin Office, British Embassy)
- Ottawa (Scottish Government Ottawa Office, British High Commission)
- Paris (Scottish Government Office, British Embassy)
- Washington DC (Scottish Government Washington DC Office, British Embassy)
Responsibilities
[edit]The responsibilities of the Scottish Ministers broadly follow those of the Scottish Parliament provided for in the Scotland Act 1998 and subsequent UK legislation. Where pre-devolution legislation of the UK Parliament provided that certain functions could be performed by UK Government ministers, these functions were transferred to the Scottish Ministers if they were within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.
Functions which were devolved under the Scotland Act 1998 included:[41]
- Healthcare
- Education – pre-school, primary, secondary, further, higher and lifelong education, as well as educational training policy and programmes
- Justice – civil justice, civil law and procedure, courts, criminal justice, criminal law and procedure, debt and bankruptcy, family law, legal aid, the legal profession, and property law
- Most aspects of transport – setting drink and drug-driving limits, speed limits, some aspects of railways, including Scottish passenger rail franchises (ScotRail), concessionary travel schemes, cycling, parking, local road pricing, congestion charging, promotion of road safety and road signs
- Environment – environmental protection policy, climate change, pollution, waste management, water supplies and sewerage, national parks and flood and coastal protection
- Policing
- Planning system in Scotland
- Rural Affairs
- Housing
- Agriculture, forestry and fisheries – most aspects of animal welfare, but not including animal testing and research
- Sport and the arts – Creative Scotland, the National Gallery of Scotland, library and museum collections, the National Museum of Scotland, national performing companies and SportScotland, the national agency for sport
- Consumer advocacy and advice
- Tourism – VisitScotland and promotion of major events in Scotland
- Economic development
- Freedom of Information (FOI) requests
Subsequently, the Scotland Acts of 2012 and 2016 transferred powers over:[42][43]
- Some taxation powers – full control of Income Tax on income earned through employment, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, Landfill Tax, Aggregates Levy, Air Departure Tax,
- Drink driving limits
- Scottish Parliament and local authority elections
- Some social security powers
- Crown Estate of Scotland – management of the Crown Estate's economic assets in Scotland
- Some aspects of the benefits system – Best Start Grant, Carer's Allowance Supplement, Child Disability Payment, Child Winter Heating Assistance, Funeral Support Payment, Universal Credit (although this is remains a reserved benefit, some powers over how it is paid have been devolved to the Scottish Parliament)
- Some aspects of the energy network in Scotland – renewable energy, energy efficiency and onshore oil and gas licensing
- Some aspects of equality legislation in Scotland
- Gaming machine licensing
The 1998 Act also provided for orders to be made allowing Scottish Ministers to exercise powers of UK Government ministers in areas that remain reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Equally the Act allows for the Scottish Ministers to transfer functions to the UK Government ministers, or for particular "agency arrangements". This executive devolution means that the powers of the Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament are not identical.[44]
The most prominent reserved matters that remain under the exclusive control of the Parliament of the United Kingdom are:[45]
- The Constitution – Acts of Union, The Crown, Devolution Settlement
- Foreign Policy
- National Security and Defence
- Economic policy
- Immigration and Nationality
- Trade and industry
- Energy
- Most aspects of Social Security
- Civil Service
- Consumer rights
- International Development
- Copyright
- Telecommunications and Postal services
- Broadcasting
- Reserved taxes
- Currency
- Pensions
The members of the Scottish government have substantial influence over legislation in Scotland, putting forward the majority of bills that are successful in becoming Acts of the Scottish Parliament.[46]
See also
[edit]Acts of Parliament relating to the Scottish Government
Workings of the Scottish Government
- Joint Ministerial Committee
- Local income tax
- Council of Economic Advisers (Scotland)
- Scottish Broadcasting Commission
- Scottish Social Attitudes Survey
Scottish Government campaigns
History of the Scottish Government
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Scottish Budget 2023 to 2024: guide". www.gov.scot. 5 March 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ^ Jeffery, Charlie (2009). The Scottish Parliament 1999-2009: The First Decade. Luath Press. ISBN 978-1906817213.
- ^ "Scotland Act 1998". The National Archives. Archived from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
- ^ "About the Scottish Government". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "2. Ministers and The Government - Scottish Ministerial Code 2023 Edition". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ Britten, Nick (10 January 2001). "Fury at bid to rename Scottish Executive". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
Henry McLeish, the First Minister, threatened to set himself on a collision course with Tony Blair by wanting to rename the Executive the Scottish Government. The proposal caused an immediate split in Labour ranks and left McLeish facing allegations of arrogance and over-ambition. Scotland Office minister Brian Wilson said that the First Minister should think carefully about using the term "government". He said: "Maybe they should take time to look at how other countries with two tiers of government handle this. Nobody in Germany has any difficulty distinguishing between the government and the devolved administrations."
- ^ "Annual Report and Accounts: 2009–10" (PDF). Accountant in Bankruptcy. 4 August 2010. p. 61. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 August 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
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- ^ UWS-Oxfam Partnership, Towards a Scotland that cares: A new National Outcome on care for the National Performance Framework, published November 2021, accessed 20 February 2023
- ^ UK Legislation, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1750/article/2 The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc. ) Order 1999, Article 2], accessed on 20 November 2024
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- ^ "Dorothy Bain QC named as Scotland's new lord advocate". BBC News. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
- ^ "The role of Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service". Health and Safety Executive. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ^ "Solicitor General". Gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ^ "Lord Advocate: role and functions". Scottish Government. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ^ Peterkin, Tom (5 June 2013). "Independent Scotland civil service '£700m a year'". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ^ "Government structure". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "Answers to Frequently Asked Questions". The Scottish Government. 26 June 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ^ "Government structure – gov.scot". www.gov.scot. Archived from the original on 19 December 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2020.
- ^ "New Permanent Secretary - gov.scot". Scottish Government. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
- ^ "Permanent Secretary". The Scottish Government. 1 May 2013. Archived from the original on 9 March 2015. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
- ^ "Strategic Board". The Scottish Government. 29 May 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ^ "Directorates". The Scottish Government. 23 August 2013. Archived from the original on 6 November 2021. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ^ "Dover House base for Scottish Secretary and Advocate General" (Press release). The Scottish Government. 8 March 1999. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ^ "Rural Payments – Contact Us". The Scottish Government. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
- ^ "Scotland in the EU". The Scottish Government. 24 September 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ^ "International relations". Scot.Gov.
- ^ Carmichael, Hannah (26 August 2022). "Nicola Sturgeon visits Copenhagen to officially open a Nordic Office". The Scotsman. Edinburgh. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022.
- ^ "What is Devolution?". Scottish Parliament. Archived from the original on 22 July 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
- ^ "What the Scottish Government does". Scottish Government. Archived from the original on 8 July 2019. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
- ^ "Devolved and Reserved Powers". Parliament.scot. Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "Devolution Guidance Note 11 – Ministerial Accountability after Devolutio" (PDF). assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. November 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 March 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ "Devolution settlement: Scotland". UK Government. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
- ^ "How the Scottish Parliament Works". gov.scot. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2013.