Scottish Labour has voted for Holyrood to raise 40 per cent of its own revenue if the country remains in Britain.

The moves were first proposed by a special devolution commission set up in anticipation of the September 18 independence referendum and were ratified at the Scottish Labour Party conference yesterday.

Delegates also voted for powers to increase the top tax rate independently of Westminster.

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont told the conference a No vote in the referendum was "a vote for change."

She said: "We know that Scotland is a diverse country with diverse views and therefore it is all the more offensive to us that some would write all of England off as if they believed in one political ideology.

"There are radical voices right across the UK who stand in unison with us for change and equality in our communities.

"We ask for a progressive tax varying ability, which I believe is in tune with the people of Scotland's priorities, a more flexible opportunity to ensure that those with the broadest shoulders in tough times perhaps take a little more of the burden."

GMB political officer Richard Leonard addressed the conference on other changes to be fought for should Scotland stay.

He told delegates: "We want to see a transfer of power to individuals, families and communities. But we also want to see a transfer of power to workers and their trade unions in workplaces as well.

"We demand a living wage but we should be demanding a living old age pension too to give our people dignity in retirement."

Mr Leonard also spoke about the special commission's recommendations on the Scottish rail network.

"I hope as well that the devolution of railway powers that could facilitate consideration of a not-for-profit option in terms of the Scotrail franchise could also facilitate consideration of a public ownership option in terms of the whole railway industry," he said.