Scottish Government to receive more devolved welfare powers today ahead of benefits reform

The Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray MP, is set to give Holyrood further devolved welfare powers ahead of a change in the benefits system.

The Scottish Government is set to receive more devolved welfare powers after the Scottish Secretary started the process ahead of a reform in the benefits system. Ian Murray, the UK Labour Government's Scottish Secretary, will begin the process today to guarantee that the new pension age disability payment (PADP) in Scotland may replace the attendance allowance (AA).

The AA provides payments of up to £108 per week to persons with physical or mental disabilities who are at least state pension age. On October 21, the PADP, which is supplied by the devolved Social Security Scotland, will replace AA and operate in a similar manner.

Scotland was granted a range of powers over welfare and other sectors in 2016, after pledges made by the then-UK administration during the 2014 independence referendum campaign.

Leading his first Parliamentary debate as Scottish Secretary on Wednesday, Mr Murray will kick off the process for a Scotland Act order to confirm the new benefit. He stated that the ruling will guarantee that seniors get all reserved benefits to which they are entitled under the present AA system, such as the Christmas bonus or carers' allowance.

He said: “Resetting the relationship between Scotland’s two governments has been a priority for the Prime Minister and myself since the election. The Scottish Parliament has chosen to legislate for pension age disability payment to replace attendance allowance, and the UK Government will work to ensure these payments work within the broader UK benefits framework – so Scots don’t lose out on things like their £10 Christmas bonus.”

He said the move shows how the UK and Scottish governments can work together in the interests of Scots. “This is devolution in action,” he added. "The vast majority of Scots want to see their governments work together to produce better results – that’s what we’re getting on with doing.”

Scotland Acts are used by the Scottish Secretary to implement, update or adjust the powers of the Scottish Parliament. The Section 104 order is expected to be confirmed later this month.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “PADP will be our 15th benefit. Since 2018 the Scottish Government has introduced 14 benefits at pace, seven unique to Scotland, providing support to around 1.2 million people. The PADP will ensure that disabled people of all ages in Scotland are receiving support from a social security system based on dignity, fairness and respect.”

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