Westminster 'snubbed' by Scottish Parliament over welfare reform

Disabled Scots are celebrating an early Christmas present today as the Scottish Parliament, for the first time in its 12 year history, refused 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%. Following the passage of the Legislative Consent Motion, the Scottish Parliament will instead create its own Scottish legislation to implement the parts of the Bill that relate to Scotland.

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 move by the Scottish Parliament 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 voted 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 have not only made history; they have sent 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.'

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."

Ann McCutcheon is disabled and lives in a Capability Scotland residential service in Lanarkshire. 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."