9 April 2019

The SNP in Westminster has failed to defend the decision of the Scottish government to leave social security powers with the Tories until 2024.

At a Westminster Hall debate today (Tuesday) Labour MPs highlighted how the SNP are delaying Scotland having full control of social security payments for disabled people until 2024.

The party also criticised the SNP for ‘sustaining’ hugely damaging Tory policy where they have the power to overturn it, such as the two child cap.

Labour challenged the SNP to live up to the expectations and opportunities of devolution, rather than either simply replicating the existing punitive welfare system or continuing to delay the devolution of benefits.

Speaking in the debate Danielle Rowley MP said:

“We hear the SNP wanting more powers but what’s the point of that if they aren’t going to improve them?

“Recent papers published last month show that the Scottish Government’s plan is to replicate much of the existing, Tory designed, benefits system.

“For example, Severe Disablement Allowance will be devolved in name only, with the delivery outsourced to the DWP, which to me is just mind-boggling.

“Labour has been leading the way in fighting to improve social security for the people of Scotland. Scottish Labour pushed the Scottish Government to accept automatic split payments of Universal Credit, something that the SNP now take the credit for.

“I want to see the two Governments coming together to deliver a better system for my constituents who are currently suffering under this cruel system”



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