'People's senate' could strengthen Holyrood scrutiny, says new manifesto
Scotland 2050 set out a range of reforms in a document sent to MSPs
A "people's senate" should be established to act as a second chamber for the Scottish Parliament and improve scrutiny and accountability, a new manifesto argues.
The document by Scotland 2050, which aims to provide a platform for discussions about the country's future, said there is a need to strengthen the "institutional capacity" of Holyrood.
It advocated the creation of a cross-party "forward planning committee" to take a strategic view of Scotland's long-term challenges.
And it suggested Scotland's borrowing powers should be increased while also recommending a series of reforms to planning, devolved taxes and local government.
The manifesto said a “Scottish NHS reservist unit” could help shore up frontline services.
Barrie Cunning, the founder of Scotland 2050 and a former Labour candidate, said the document “covers the key areas that are integral to Scotland's future resilience and prosperity”.
He added: “At the heart of this manifesto is the basis for an ambitious long-term vision for Scotland that is underpinned by a desire for real progressive change.
“But to achieve that we need all politicians in Scotland to work together to realise Scotland's long-term full potential and that means working together for one shared goal today for a better Scotland tomorrow.”
First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar were among the speakers at a conference hosted by Scotland 2050 last year.
Its new manifesto argues Holyrood’s unicameral structure, with a single legislative chamber, “lacks the depth of scrutiny and long-term oversight required for 21st century governance”.
It added: “We propose the establishment of the people’s senate to act as a second chamber – a revising, non-government-dominated body – with the objective of improving legislative scrutiny, enhancing accountability, and creating more robust policy-making for Scotland’s long-term future.”
It said there is “a growing need to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Scottish Parliament so it can deliver high-quality, future-proofed policy for the people of Scotland”.
On the NHS, the manifesto, which has been sent to all MSPs, stressed the need for “a long-term plan underpinned by political consensus” to address long-standing issues.
It said: “At Scotland 2050, we believe that one solution that could have a positive impact on patient delivery and outcomes would be the creation of a Scottish NHS reservist unit (SNRU).
“The SNRU could be deployed at times when there are critical capacity issues, usually at winter time, but it could also provide support to front line NHS services throughout the year.
“At Scotland 2050, we believe this would support frontline delivery and bolster better outcomes for patients.
“The SNRU would be created by working with the private sector, Scotland’s universities and higher education institutions and other organisations.
“Tax-based incentives and / or incentives for employees would be offered to encourage individuals and organisations to be a part of the SNRU. Participants would gain a new skill set, for example, triage, frontline nursing, social health care or as an assistant doctor.”
The Scotsman is chairing a hustings organised by Scotland 2050 on March 31 at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. Tickets are available for free via Eventbrite.
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