Crunch Welfare Debate

The Labour party's being challenged to support more welfare powers for Scotland.

The call from the Scottish National Party comes just hours before the Scotland Bill is debated at Westminster. SNP MPs are proposing amendments that would remove Westminster vetoes over using welfare powers.

Members also want the house to give Holyrood the power to legislate for employment support programmes and control over National Insurance contributions; employment law; and equal opportunities.
 
Commenting Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP, Social Justice spokesperson, commented: "It is clear that the welfare elements of the Scotland Bill fall far short even of the spirit of the Smith Commission, as well as its letter. The clear intent of Smith was to give the Scottish Parliament 'new powers to create new benefits in areas of devolved responsibility'. There is no mention of this in the Bill as presented.
 
"Smith also stated that the Scottish Parliament should have 'complete autonomy in determining the structure and value of these benefits or any benefits or services that might replace them' - again, the Bill is far too restrictive on that issue. There are also restrictions on the definitions of carers which will limit what was proposed by Smith.
 
‘’Crucially, the Bill also limits the powers of the Scottish Government to continue to provide assistance through the Scottish Welfare Fund, and contains a Westminster veto over the Scottish Government’s powers in certain areas of Universal Credit – and restrictions on employment programmes.
 
“That is why the SNP's welfare amendments to the Scotland Bill are so important, and why Scotland needs the Opposition parties to come together to support them. Labour will show where they stand - for Scottish control, or Tory control.