Scotland’s new welfare powers set to be transferred

Scottish Parliament - credit Anita Gould

The devolution of powers to allow the Scottish Parliament to legislate on social security and employability is underway today.

Regulations have been laid in Westminster by the UK Government as part of the Scotland Act 2016 which mean MSPs will be able to create new benefits when they return to work after the summer recess.

They will also have the ability to top-up existing payments like child benefit.

Scotland’s economy secretary Keith Brown said it was “most substantial” shift in powers to the Scottish Parliament since devolution in 1999.

“We will work closely with Westminster ministers to ensure the transfer of these powers takes place as smoothly and as quickly as possible. This is the start of a process and these changes will be implemented on a phased basis over the coming years,” he said.

Scottish secretary David Mundell said: “Crucially, these powers are being transferred while maintaining for people in Scotland the benefits of being part of a United Kingdom.

"Scotland has two governments, each with different but complementary responsibilities, and it is vital that we continue to work closely together in the national interest.”

The Scottish Government plans to create a new welfare agency for Scotland.

However, Brown told BBC Good Morning Scotland that cuts elsewhere meant it would be difficult to fund new benefits, but he said government would initially focus making benefits more efficient and effective.