Social Security Bill passes final Holyrood stage

The bill to establish Scotland's first devolved social security system has passed its final stage in the Scottish Parliament.

MSPs voted unanimously in favour of the Social Security (Scotland) Bill, which will enable the Scottish Government to start making payments later this year.

Social Security Scotland, the new agency, will be responsible for the delivery of 11 devolved benefits to 1.4m people a year, worth around £3.3bn.

Among final amendments to the bill, the provision of independent advocacy services was extended to cover people with physical disabilities, who might have difficulty engaging with the system; and provision for the terminally ill so that their additional entitlement will not depend on their not being expected to live beyond a set period.

Speaking after the debate Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said: “This is a historic moment, one that sets up a new public service for Scotland.

“Our system will be different. It will be rights based, with a right to independent advocacy for those who need it; fast-tracked arrangements and no arbitrary timescale for people with terminal illness; the right to have a supporter and the right to challenge decisions without having your money instantly cut.

“Now we turn to the work already underway to enable us to deliver. By the end of the summer the first Scottish payments will be being made with our 13% increase to carers allowance, we have our interim headquarters and are recruiting the first staff.

“Many people and organisations have played their part in creating this bill and we are grateful to them all. It is a milestone piece of legislation, which provides the foundation for a social security service built on dignity, fairness and respect.”