Mackay: Scottish Social Security System will be built on Dignity and Respect

Mackay: Scottish Social Security System will be built on Dignity and Respect

Legislation to establish Scottish Social Security System passed by Parliament

Renfrewshire MSP Derek Mackay has said the new Scottish Social Security System will be built on dignity and respect.

The Scottish Parliament yesterday (Wednesday 25^th April 2018) passed legislation, allowing the Scottish Government to make the first social security payments later this year.

Social Security Scotland, the new agency, will be responsible for the delivery of 11 devolved benefits to 1.4 million people a year, worth around £3.3 billion. The first Scottish payments will be made by the end of the summer with a 13% increase to the Carers Allowance.

The design of the Scottish Social Security System was informed by widespread public consultation with those with direct experience of the benefits system.

Renfrewshire North & West MSP Derek Mackay said:

“This is a major milestone in Scotland’s history, and a huge step in our journey to becoming a fairer country.

“We are working hard to ensure we have a Scottish Social Security System which is built on dignity and respect. A system which works for the people of Renfrewshire and Scotland, instead of the shambles that is the current UK benefits system.

“The system we are creating, and which was backed by Parliament, will have fast-tracked arrangements, no arbitrary timescale for people with terminal illness and the right to challenge decisions without having your money instantly cut for weeks and months on end.”