Policy Area

Benefits & Social Security

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What are the new benefits introduced under the SNP?

Social Security Scotland currently administers 10 benefits – 7 of these are new and unique within the UK, such as the Best Start Grant and the “game-changing” Scottish Child Payment.

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How is the SNP improving the income of carers?

Until Carer’s Assistance is introduced, we will continue to pay the Carer’s Allowance Supplement to ensure carers receive an income equivalent to the Job Seekers’ Allowance. Recognising the extra burden of the pandemic, we are awarding a double payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement worth £460.

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What is the SNP position on UK government welfare cuts?

The decade of devastating austerity inflicted on Scotland by Tory governments has led to lasting harm being imposed on our public services, economy and families. The welfare cuts must urgently stop and the SNP is leading the way for a fairer, more compassionate system.

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What are the principles of the new social security system built under the SNP?

We have built Scotland’s new social security system with, for and around the people who use it. At its heart are the principles of dignity, fairness and respect and a belief that social security is not a burden, but an investment in our people.

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What is the SNP doing to tackle funeral poverty?

The SNP Scottish Government published a Funeral Costs Plan, which commits to a variety of actions to help tackle funeral poverty and make more affordable funeral options available. Since then, we have introduced the Funeral Support Payment – providing an average of £1,500 towards funeral costs for people on certain benefits.

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Can the Scottish Parliament mitigate the injustice towards WASPI women?

Pensions are fully reserved to Westminster. Even with the limited social security powers devolved to Scotland, the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to create new pension benefits. This is a mess of the Tories’ making and they must take responsibility and deliver the pension that women born in the 1950s deserve.

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Does the SNP oppose the benefit sanctions regime?

The punitive benefit sanctions regime is causing hardship and pushing people into poverty, debt, crisis and towards foodbanks and emergency aid. The SNP will continue to call for the Tory sanction regime to be scrapped.

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