KEY political figures in Inverclyde have reacted to the findings of the Smith Commission report which yesterday recommended a host of new powers for Scotland.

The headline outcome from the commission, set up by Prime Minister David Cameron, is that Scotland should be allowed to set income tax rates and bands.

It’s one of a raft of additional powers which Lord Smith of Kelvin, who chaired the commission, believes should be devolved from Westminster.

His report also said Scotland should get a share of VAT income, that air passenger duty should be fully devolved, that 16 and 17-year-olds should be allowed to vote in Scottish elections and Holyrood given powers over aspects of benefits for older people, carers, the disabled and those who are ill.

The findings will form the basis of legislation on more powers for the Scottish Parliament.

Inverclyde MP Iain McKenzie says the new powers will bring wide-ranging benefits.

He said: “On 18 September, the people of Scotland voted — in overwhelming numbers — for Scotland to remain inside the UK.

“But they didn’t vote for the status quo — they voted for safer, faster, better change.

“The Smith Commission reflects their desire for change. We will have a powerhouse parliament, with increased powers over income tax, welfare and job creation. This is a promise kept and an agreement delivered.

“This should benefit people in my constituency of Inverclyde, as the Scottish Parliament will be able to create new benefits and boost capital projects, resulting in more jobs and a fairer local economy.

“I am also delighted to hear that the Barnett Formula has been secured, as Labour promised.

“Now it is time to go forward and put 18 September behind us, as we work towards a fairer Inverclyde and a better Scotland.” His Labour colleague and Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil also praised the recommendations.

He said: “Increased powers are something I have argued for both publicly and within the Labour Party for some considerable time and I sincerely hope this leads to a stronger, more accountable and autonomous parliament.

“We have a massive opportunity to use these significant new powers for the benefit of the people of Inverclyde and Scotland and I call on politicians from all sides to rise to this challenge.” But local SNP MSP Stuart McMillan says an opportunity has been missed to give Scottish Parliament greater control over key issues.

Mr McMillan said: “The SNP took part in the Smith Commission in good faith, and we have been pleased to work with Lord Smith and other political parties to deliver some additional powers for the Scotland.

“What was clear during the referendum was a great number of Scots wanted more powers to be transferred to the Scottish Parliament, so we can take the decisions necessary to build a fairer and more prosperous country.

“While gaining control over certain aspects of taxation is welcome, it’s frustrating that welfare powers have not been fully transferred to Scotland to allow us to help the most vulnerable in our society.

“Its regrettable the Westminster parties were not prepared to deliver the powerhouse parliament the people of Scotland were promised. The people of Scotland will watch with much interest as the UK Parliament now decide whether all of Lord Smith’s recommendations should be devolved.” Inverclyde’s sole Tory councillor, David Wilson, says the ball is now in the SNP’s court when it comes to making tough tax decisions.

Mr Wilson said: “No more can the SNP blame Westminster. Let us see how they make the difficult decisions.”