Overview

This Bill mandates a pre-referendum consultation with Scottish people residing outside Scotland before the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. The consultation's results will be publicly released at least one month before the referendum date.

Description

The Scottish Referendum (Consultation) Bill requires the Secretary of State to organize a consultation with eligible Scottish individuals living outside Scotland before the September 18th, 2014, independence referendum.

Eligibility

Eligibility for consultation is limited to those aged 16 or older on the consultation date who were either born in Scotland or have Scotland as their domicile of origin, and currently reside elsewhere in the UK or Commonwealth.

Consultation Process

The Secretary of State will determine the specific questions, designed to gather views on Scottish independence and the upcoming referendum. Results must be publicly available at least one month before the referendum.

Legal Aspects

The Act's short title is the Scottish Referendum (Consultation) Act 2014. It comes into force upon passage and extends to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify the exact amount of government spending, but it will involve costs associated with organizing and conducting the consultation, including designing and distributing questionnaires, data collection, and the publication of results. No precise figures are available in the provided text.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Scottish people aged 16 and over residing outside Scotland (in the UK or Commonwealth): They are the target group for the consultation, potentially influencing the referendum outcome through their expressed views.
• The UK Government: Responsible for organizing and funding the consultation.
• The Public: Will have access to the consultation results before the referendum, informing their decision-making.

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