Alex Neil, the cabinet secretary for social justice, addressed third sector organisations, discussing how to tackle poverty and inequality with new powers afforded by the Scotland bill
Scottish people living in poverty will be treated with more respect and afforded greater dignity than they are currently shown when the Scottish Government gets its new financial powers, the cabinet secretary for social justice has said.
Speaking at an event organised by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) on tackling poverty and inequality with new powers as part of the Scotland bill, Alex Neil MSP criticised the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and the UK government for showing a “lack of respect and dignity towards people who are living in poverty or on benefits”.
Mr Neil told guests from third sector organisations in attendance at the Edinburgh event this morning (17 December) that he thought the UK government’s attitude was “deplorable” and said the “derogatory” ways it describes people living on benefits were “totally obnoxious”.
He said the Conservative Party had turned welfare into a “dirty word” so instead chose to use the term “social security” when talking about what the Scottish Government would do when it has more powers over taxation and other measures contained in the Scotland bill.
We will tailor our new social security powers to Scotland’s needs and will treat people with dignity and respect
Neil said the government would do what it could with the powers that are transferred and in his speech continually referred to the comprehensive welfare state systems in some Scandinavian countries as where Scotland could learn from.
A working party led by Martin Johnstone, the secretary of the Church of Scotland’s Church and Society Council, is already looking into issues such as food poverty, he said, and a report will is due in the first three months on 2016.
He added the Scottish Government would aim for 100% of workers in Scotland being paid the living wage promoted by the Living Wage Foundation in a bid to end in work poverty.
Industries such as hospitality which have tight margins would be looked at to see how the burden of paying increased wages could be offset elsewhere.
In regards to sanctions, the third sector will play a crucial role in new ways of dealing with them.
Neil revealed a plan for people to be signposted to welfare rights organisations for help to fight “yellow card”, warnings which are issued giving people 14 days to explain infringements before their benefits are cut.
Outlining the overarching principles the Scottish Government will stick to, he said social security will be seen as an investment and not a cost; the government would also design services with the people of Scotland in mind and when putting systems in place it would put the user experience first.
Mr Neil said: "Our five principles will provide people with the assurance that we will tailor our new social security powers to Scotland’s needs, respond to change, and, most importantly, will treat people with dignity and respect.
“We recognise the challenge that it presents to deliver social security in this way and that it is in stark contrast to the view of the UK government, but it remains a priority for Scottish ministers to do so. However, we will only be able to deliver a fairer Scottish approach to social security if we can agree a fair financial settlement with the UK government.
“In the meantime, we will continue to engage with users and stakeholders as we develop the detail of our policies and will use these principles to underpin that work. We will also ensure the smooth transition from existing UK benefits to our new Scottish arrangements, so people have confidence they will continue to receive the support they are entitled to. We will also provide people with relevant information so they are aware of how the system will work for them and how long decisions will take.”
