Select committee: Scottish Affairs Committee

The demography of Scotland and the implications for devolution inquiry

Closed Opened 9 Dec 2015 Closed 23 Nov 2016
Inquiry scope (the committee's words)
Government response Special Report: Demography of Scotland and the implications for devolution: Government Response to the Committee's Second Report of Session 2016–17 Special Report: Demography of Scotland and the implications for devolution: Government Response to the Committee's Second Report of Session 2016–17 (PDF 148KB) After several years of decline, Scotland's population is now growing, albeit at a much slower rate than in England, and like the populations of most developed countries, it is also ageing. These demographic trends present challenges and opportunities to both the UK and Scottish Governments and they will affect a diverse range of policy areas including health, housing, transport, welfare and the economy. In this inquiry the Committee will examine what the current predictions are and who is responsible for responding to them. Additionally, in light of the decision to devolve further powers to Scotland, we will ask if there is effective joint working between governments on these issues.

Where it stands

The inquiry is closed, opened 9 December 2015.

The committee has published 1 report, most recently 2nd Report - Demography of Scotland and the implications for devolution on 30 November 2016.

The government's response

Published 20 January 2017.

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The government accepts that inward migration is necessary for Scotland and says it will keep working with the Scottish Government, but it "does not intend to re-introduce a general post-study work scheme for Scotland".

  • On migration, the Secretary of State says he accepts that inward migration is necessary for Scotland's prosperity, and that the Scottish Government has "significant policy levers" to attract people.
  • On post-study work, the government states that its immigration system is "designed for the whole of the UK" and that there is "no limit" on international graduates of UK universities moving into skilled work.
  • On the Tier 4 pilot, the government says that if it is successful it will be rolled out more widely, which "in all likelihood could include universities in Scotland".
  • On funding, the government believes population and demographic change "should be treated consistently" within block grant arrangements, with a transitional period until 2021/22.

Read the government's response ↗ Report an error

Reports

1 report

Oral evidence sessions

6 sessions

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Date Session and witnesses Source
19 Oct 2016
Oral evidence session
No witnesses recorded
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14 Sep 2016
Oral evidence session
No witnesses recorded
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4 Jul 2016
Oral evidence session
No witnesses recorded
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29 Jun 2016
Oral evidence session
No witnesses recorded
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27 Apr 2016
Oral evidence session
No witnesses recorded
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18 Apr 2016
Oral evidence session
No witnesses recorded
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