Information Bulletin  3 from Deaf Sector Partnership

Scottish Parliament vs. Scottish Government

What is the difference between the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government?

The Scottish Parliament is made up of all MSPs in Scotland from a range of political parties. The Scottish Government is made up of Ministers belonging to the party in power, currently the Scottish National Party (SNP).

What are their roles, in relation to the BSL (Scotland) Act?

The Scottish Parliament’s Education & Culture Committee was responsible for scrutinizing the Bill, including taking evidence from witnesses (including Deaf BSL users and public bodies who will be covered by the legislation) and making recommendations on the different provisions in the Bill. The Committee also voted on amendments  to the Bill. The Scottish Parliament as a whole voted on the Bill at Stage 1, and passed the Bill at Stage 3.

The Scottish Government supported the Bill and Dr Allan, as Minister with responsibility for Scotland’s languages, worked with the Mark Griffin MSP to make some of the provisions of the Bill simpler.

What will Mark Griffins MSP’s role be when the Bill is passed and becomes an Act?

Mark Griffin was responsible for sponsoring the Bill through the parliamentary process but now that it has been passed he doesn’t have a formal role.

What is the difference between the Scottish Government and the UK Government?

The Scottish Government is responsible for areas of policy that are ‘devolved’ in Scotland, such as education, health, housing and justice. The UK Government remains responsible for policy which is ‘reserved’ but applies in Scotland, such as tax and welfare.

Will the UK Government have any influence on the BSL (Scotland) Act?

No. It applies only in Scotland and is the responsibility of Scottish Ministers.