Scotland’s impressive parliament


building in Edinburgh, where MSPs use powers devolved from Westminster


PERSONAL FINANCE


Governed by a devolved parliament


GOVERNMENT


SINCE 1997, Scotland has had its own parliamentary government, which has responsibility for making law in key areas, including health, education and certain aspects of public finance. Beyond these “devolved” areas, Scotland is also subject to UK law, set by the government in London. As a result, everyone living


in Scotland is represented by both a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) and a Member of Parliament (MP), who speaks for them at a UK level. Elections to the UK


Parliament take place roughly every five years, whereas Scottish Parliamentary


elections run to a fixed timetable, every four years, on the first Thursday in May. A public vote in Scotland is


expected in the next four years, to find out if voters would like to see more power given to the Scottish Parliament, or even full independence from the UK. Local services, such as


rubbish collection and the upkeep of public spaces, are managed by Scotland’s 32 local councils. The public elects local councillors every four years. You do not need to be a UK citizen in order to vote, but registration is generally restricted to citizens of EU member states, the Channel Islands and British Overseas Territories living in the UK.


Log on to www. scotland.gov.uk for more government details DIG DEEPER...


Sign up for your own personal bank account


As is the case in other European countries, it is very difficult to live in Scotland without a bank account. Employers prefer to pay wages directly into a bank account, and having an account makes it much easier to pay bills and other charges. Scotland has three main


banks: The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Lloyds/HBOS and Clydesdale. Although a current account can be set up with any UK bank, including HSBC, Barclays or the Co-operative Bank, it is worth considering whether access to a large network of Scottish branches is important to you. If you are coming from


overseas and wish to open a bank account, the process should be very straightforward, assuming you have the correct documentation. Just as is the case for UK citizens, the bank will ask to see photographic proof


of identity, such as a passport or national ID card from your country of origin. They will also ask for proof of your current address, which could be a gas or electricity bill, for example. Because of strict international


money laundering rules, your application may take longer to process if you are from a country deemed to be a high risk. When the bank has accepted


your application, you will be given a basic current account, which includes a cheque book and debit card. Most shops and websites accept payments by debit card, though some smaller shops may charge an extra fee for paying in this way. A debit card can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. Unlike many countries,


banking services in the UK are usually free, as long as you stay in credit.


“Unlike many countries, banking services in the UK are usually free, as long as you stay in credit”


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