As new social security minister insists sanctions are a matter for Westminster alone, Geens say there is another way of protecting the vulnerable
The Scottish Government has been challenged to back up words with action when it comes to busting the Westminster sanctions system.
SNP ministers have consistently spoken out against punitive penalties which benefit claimants are subject to for even the most minor infraction of rules.
However, while they have condemned it, critics say they have accepted it in practice.
Under the complicated deal to devolve some welfare powers to the Scottish Parliament, which will take effect from 5 September, Westminster will maintain control of the sanctions system.
It’s disappointing that the minister fails to acknowledge that a precedent has already been set by her government on this issue
Benefits being devolved to Scotland such as Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment can not be affected by sanctions.
However, punishments are imposed on Westminster-administered benefits such as Jobseekers Allowance and Universal Credit.
The Scottish Green Party said Holyrood has a chance to protect people from sanctions on these benefits by exploiting a loophole in the mess created by the devolution of some welfare functions.
In effect, it called for a campaign of non-compliance where those running employability schemes in Scotland don’t tell the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) when someone has transgressed the rules.
However, the Scottish Government’s new social security minister, Jeane Freeman, who will oversee the devolution of welfare powers, appeared to have dismissed that.
Speaking after a meeting with members of Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA), she said: “We won’t have, devolved to us, the benefits that the DWP imposes sanctions on, work related benefits. So the sanctions regime won't be under our control."
Green MSP Alison Johnstone MSP, the party’s social security spokesperson, said this was a massive missed opportunity to prevent an estimated 13,000 people a year falling prey to the DWP.
Johnstone said: “The new social security minister is right that the benefits that are sanctioned by the DWP aren’t being devolved but it’s disappointing that she fails to acknowledge that a precedent has already been set by her government on this issue.
“Young Scots involved in the Sector Based Work Academies scheme don’t face sanctions due to an agreement between the Scottish and Westminster governments, and there's no reason we can't apply the approach more widely.
“The Green MSPs have put forward a credible, detailed proposal that would prevent 13,000 Scots being sanctioned by the DWP once Scotland has responsibility for employment programmes next spring.
“Thousands of people have signed a petition backing this plan, and if the social security minister hasn’t yet read it, I’d encourage her to do so.”
Freeman attended a GDA sponsored event attended by 400 people to discuss the new welfare system on Thursday.
Susan McGinley, GDA member, said: “Disabled people have been crushed by the UK government. This is Scotland’s chance to get it right and we are taking it - together.
“It is a privilege to work as part of GDA and contribute our ideas and we’re very much able to do this because GDA gives us the information we need and the support to take part.
“I look forward to continuing our conversations for change. This is only the beginning and disabled people’s voices will be heard.”
