Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale: This is Holyrood’s first ‘tax and spend’ election

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale has revealed some of the party’s plans to use new powers coming to the Scottish Parliament ahead of the election in May.

In a speech to party members in Glasgow Dugdale said Labour would use the powers to help vulnerable groups like carers, care leavers and mothers in poverty.

Proposals included raising the carer’s allowance to the level of Jobseekers Allowance, abolishing the bedroom tax via new powers over universal credit and awarding a full grant to care leavers going into higher education.

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“Unlike any previous election, it will not be the constitution which is the centre of this Scottish election but rather how we use our powers. 2016 will be the first Scottish tax and spend election.

"Scottish Labour will never look for an excuse not to act. We will use the new powers we hold and grasp with both hands the possibilities they provide," she said.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said Labour was “catching up” with her calls on raising the carer’s allowance.

"However, all political parties need to be sure there is a fair balance between helping people who need our support, as well as the taxpayers who fund it,” she said.

The SNP will outline its proposals for welfare on Tuesday.