First minister says Scottish government will use “limited” powers to mitigate Westminster austerity
FIRST MINISTER Nicola Sturgeon has announced a new Scottish social security bill to be introduced in 2016 after the Scottish parliamentary elections.
During her announcement of the Scottish Government’s programme for government she said: “I can confirm that it is our intention to introduce a Scottish Social Security Bill in the first year of the new parliament.
“This Bill will begin to put in place the essential delivery infrastructure for a new Scottish social security system. It will also make provision for the early policy changes we will wish to make as soon as we have the powers to do so,” she added.
She also announced a series of measures aimed at mitigating the UK Conservative government’s austerity measures including “changes to Universal Credit” and the eventual abolition of the Bedroom Tax and abolition of the Work Programme.
“This will create the basis for addressing some of the evils being inflicted on the poorest in society and critically make provision for the early policy changes that must await the transfer of some more powers from Westminster.” Mike Danson, economist
“I can also confirm that this Bill will make provision for the earliest possible abolition of the bedroom tax,” she said.
“Presiding Officer, we are also working on a replacement for the DWP’s discredited Work Programme and I can confirm today that this will be in place by 1 April 2017,” she added.
Economist Mike Danson welcomed the proposals, telling CommonSpace: “It is clear that the Government recognises that the cuts and austerity measures are going to have inevitable and wicked effects on hundreds of thousands of families in Scotland,” he said.
“It is good therefore that there will be a Scottish Social Security Bill in the first year of the new parliament which will begin to put in place the essential delivery infrastructure for a new Scottish social security system,” he added.
“This will create the basis for addressing some of the evils being inflicted on the poorest in society and critically make provision for the early policy changes that must await the transfer of some more powers from Westminster.”
“At present the system does not offer disabled people enough choice, control or resources to live independently and be part of their communities, and it exploits carers.” Kirstein Rummery, professor of social policy
However, professor of social policy Kirstein Rummery said that more needed to be done: “Benefits for disabled people and carers are in dire need of an overhaul. At present the system does not offer disabled people enough choice, control or resources to live independently and be part of their communities, and it exploits carers,” she said
“Exploring the options for a citizen’s basic income with disability/carer credits added would be a radical but innovative and effective solution,” she added.
Other policies announced in the programme for government include the re-introduction of standardised testing in primary schools and early years at secondary, new legislation to tackle domestic abuse, and the investment of PS100m into improving mental health services.
Picture courtesy of Sean Munson