Stevenson Highlights Need for Devolved Welfare and Social Policy

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast focused attention on the effects that Welfare Reform has had over the past six years at General Questions today (Thursday) in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Stevenson asked Minister for Housing and Welfare Margaret Burgess in the event that welfare and social policy is devolved to the Scottish Parliament as it should be under the Vow, how the government would use that to tackle poverty and create a fairer society.

Ms Burgess said:

“Our proposals will focus on equipping the Scottish Parliament with the powers to create more jobs, tackle inequality and protect public services in order to create a wealthier and fairer society."

She added:

“There is a range of analysis on how welfare reform is impacting on people across Scotland, all available on the Scottish Government website. This includes how women and disabled people are being disproportionately affected by the reforms, how the numbers sanctioned has been increasing over time, and food aid provision has grown over time in part because of the impact of sanctions. In the six years up to 2015/16, the reductions in welfare in Scotland amount to around £6 billion.”