Historic rejection of UK Government benefit reforms by Scottish Parliament gives early Christmas present to disabled Scots

Capability Scotland is confident that the Scottish Parliament will make history today (Thursday 22nd December) by, for the first time in its 12 year history, refusing Westminster the power to legislate in matters devolved to Scotland.

The rejection of authority in relation to the UK Government's Welfare Reform Bill is seen as a direct snub to Westminster's proposals to slash adult disability benefits by 20% and child disability benefits by 50%.

The Scottish Government will instead, through its Legislative Consent Motion, propose that the Parliament creates its own Scottish legislation to implement the parts of the Bill that relate to Scotland. With the SNP holding a majority in the Scottish Parliament, and Scottish Labour backing their stance, the Motion looks set to be passed.

The move follows intense campaigning by Scottish disability charities, instigated by Capability Scotland, aimed at reducing the impact of benefit reforms which will cut benefit income by £2.5bn in Scotland. The proposals, which particularly impact those in receipt of disability benefits and housing benefit, are seen as disproportionately affecting Scottish disabled people due to the higher rates of disability in Scotland and their greater reliance on social housing.

The Motion to reject powers for the UK Government to legislate follows increasingly strained relationships between the two administrations. This tension arises from the widely held belief that the proposals will dictate devolved Scottish Government policy on housing, social care, poverty and children for the foreseeable future.

The Scottish Government had sought a role in agreeing and amending proposals affecting Scotland but, according to a Scottish Government insider, the 'DWP has offered no concessions in respect of the areas we have been legitimately pursuing.'

Richard Hamer, Director of External Affairs at Capability Scotland commented:

"MSPs have the opportunity to stop the UK Government in its tracks by refusing to give it power over the parts of the Bill which affect Scotland.  In doing so they will not only make history; they will be sending a clear message that Scotland will not accept these reforms without a fight."

The devastating impact of the Welfare Reform Bill has been well documented and publicised. We believe the proposals are unfair, unjust and unacceptable and are proud that the Scottish Parliament has stood up against Westminster as we asked.

The 20% cut in disability benefits proposed by Westminster will curtail the independence of disabled Scots and push them into poverty and it doesn't stop there. If implemented, the Bill is likely to force disabled people into inaccessible housing and also affect families of disabled children who are facing a 50% cut in benefits."

Bob Doris MSP, the SNP Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Sport Committee, which heard evidence in relation to the Welfare Reform Bill, explained:

"The Tories are involved with a crude cash grab from some of Scotland's most vulnerable citizens. It is important that the Scottish Parliament distances itself from these reforms."

Anne McCutcheon is disabled and lives in a Capability Scotland residential service in Lanarkshire.  She wrote to her MSP asking her to vote against the LCM.  Ann said:

"If my benefits are cut as a result of changes imposed by Westminster through the Welfare Reform Bill, I will lose my independence.  Money is already tight and further cuts would result in my life becoming miserable. I am delighted that the Scottish Parliament and Government are taking a stand for Scotland."