New Future for Social Security
Scotland is now forming its first ever social security system following the announcement of further powers under devolution. A number of welfare policies that were previously under the control of Westminster are being devolved to the Scottish Parliament. These include Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Sure Start Maternity Grants, Cold Weather Payments, Winter Fuel Payments, and Discretionary Housing Payments.
Gordon Macdonald MSP welcomed these changes noting “One of the first proposals will be to expand and replace the current maternity grant with a Maternity and Early Years Allowance. This will mean more support will be given to families to cover the costs of having a child.”
In order to create a social security system which meets Scotland’s needs and will treat people with dignity and respect, the Scottish Government wants to gather views from as many people as possible about their own experience of the existing welfare programmes, and how they think the system could be improved in the future.
Gordon commented, “I would invite all my constituents to complete this consultation and make your views know. The consultation is not just about what social security we have but also how it is designed, assessed, and delivered. This is our opportunity to help design a welfare system for the 21st century.”
The consultation ends on the 28th October 2016 and the document can be found from the below website at: -
