'''Scottish Parliament''' is a [[Devolution | devolved]] legislative body in Scotland. It was established by the Scotland Act, 1998. The Scottish Parliament can pass laws on '''devolved matters''', which include education, health and housing and can raise or lower the basic rate of income tax by up to three pence in the pound. It cannot legislate on issues which effect the whole of the United Kingdom. These issues, like foreign affairs, defence and social security, are known as '''reserved matters'''. They are "reserved" for the Parliament of the United Kingdom. | '''Scottish Parliament''' is a [[Devolution | devolved]] legislative body in Scotland. It was established by the Scotland Act, 1998. The Scottish Parliament can pass laws on '''devolved matters''', which include education, health and housing and can raise or lower the basic rate of income tax by up to three pence in the pound. It cannot legislate on issues which effect the whole of the United Kingdom. These issues, like foreign affairs, defence and social security, are known as '''reserved matters'''. They are "reserved" for the Parliament of the United Kingdom. |