The Scottish government has announced plans to set up a new agency to deliver social security payments when new powers are devolved under the Scotland Bill. The legislation will give Holyrood control over 11 benefits, including support for carers and people with disabilities, worth approximately £2.7 billion annually.
Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil led a debate on the new welfare powers, promising that the devolved benefits would be run by a new Scottish welfare agency and that payments would be made in full and on time. He said the agency would aim to remove the stigma associated with claiming benefits and demonstrate that social security can be "fairer, tackle inequalities, and protect and support the vulnerable in our society."
The Scottish government has already confirmed it will increase Carer's Allowance to the same rate as Jobseeker's Allowance and will abolish the so-called bedroom tax in Scotland. Labour leader Kezia Dugdale also unveiled proposals, including doubling the Sure Start maternity grant to £1,030 and ensuring care leavers attending higher education receive full grants.
During the debate, the Scottish Conservatives warned against creating a "benefits stampede," while Tory MSP John Lamont stressed that welfare policy should encourage work and be fair to taxpayers. Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie emphasised the importance of getting the foundations of the new system right, noting that anyone might need social security at some point.
