This is a Private Bill introduced by the trustees of an annuity fund. The fund is run for surviving spouses and partners of some members of the Writers to the Signet Society. Its aim is to update two of the rules of the fund in line with modern circumstances. It does this by amending an Act from 1982.
This is a Private bill
The Bill became an Act on 18 January 2018
This Bill was passed and is now an Act of the Scottish Parliament.
This is a Private Bill introduced by the trustees of an annuity fund. The fund is run for surviving spouses and partners of some members of the Writers to the Signet Society. Its aim is to update two of the rules of the fund in line with modern circumstances. It does this by amending an Act from 1982.
One of the rules of the fund was that the person who “collects” contributions and administers the fund must also be a contributor. But the fund was already closed to new contributors and most existing contributors were over 60. This would make it more difficult to find contributors willing to take on the role. The new rule allows a non-member with relevant expertise to be elected as “collector”.
A second rule-change updates the definition of “actuary” to reflect changes in the way the profession is organised.
Writers to the Signet Dependants' Annuity Fund Amendment (Scotland) Bill as introduced (330KB, pdf) posted 18 May 2017
Explanatory Notes (101KB, pdf) posted 18 May 2017
Promoter's Memorandum (121KB, pdf) posted 18 May 2017
Promoter's Statement (135KB, pdf) posted 18 May 2017
Statements on legislative competence (116KB, pdf) posted 18 May 2017
All Bills introduced in the Parliament must be accompanied by specific documents. For most Bills, this includes:
Promoter’s Memorandum: The Promoter’s Memorandum sets out the Bill’s objectives, what alternative approaches were considered and the consultation undertaken. It provides an opportunity to argue the case for the Bill, and so can provide a useful complement to the Explanatory Notes.
Explanatory Notes: this document provides an overview of what the Bill does, plus a more detailed explanation of individual sections.
Promoter’s Statement: The main purpose of the Promoter’s Statement is to set out how the promoter has notified and made information available to those likely to be affected, and obtained consent where required.
Statements on legislative competence: two short statements, one by the Presiding Officer and one by the person introducing the Bill. “Legislative competence” means the powers the Parliament has to make law.
The Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (SPICe) prepares impartial research and analysis to assist MSPs in their examination of Bills and other parliamentary business.
Research briefing on the Writers to the Signet Dependants' Annuity Fund Amendment (Scotland) Bill
The Bill was introduced on 18 May 2017
The Committee considers and reports on the general principles of the Bill.
Parliament then decides whether the Bill should proceed to the next stage.
The lead committee for this Bill is the Writers to the Signet Dependants' Annuity Fund Amendment (Scotland) Bill Committee.
The lead committee will usually examine the Bill through evidence sessions. This will involve contributions from individuals and organisations, known as 'witnesses', with knowledge of the subject matter. The committee might also discuss the Bill in private sessions.
A Preliminary Stage debate took place on 9 November 2017 to consider and decide on the general principles of the Bill.
See further details of the motion
Documents with the amendments considered at this meeting held on 22 November 2017:
Marshalled List of Amendments for Consideration (72KB, pdf) posted 20 November 2017
Once MSPs have decided on the amendments, they debate whether to pass the Bill.
Result 105 for, 0 against, 0 abstained, 24 did not vote Vote Passed
See further details of the motion
If the Bill is passed, it is normally sent for Royal Assent after about 4 weeks. Royal Assent is when the Bill gets formal agreement by the King and becomes an Act of the Scottish Parliament. Some Acts become law straight after Royal Assent. Some only come into force on a later date. Sometimes different bits of the same Act become law on different dates.
The Bill was passed on 14 December 2017 and became an Act on 18 January 2018.
Writers to the Signet Dependants' Annuity Fund Amendment (Scotland) Act 2018