The SNP has slammed Westminster’s “cruel and inhumane” welfare system, pointing to the Scottish Government’s Winter Heating Payment as “one of many ways the SNP are supporting households and mitigating the effects of Westminster’s incompetence” with limited powers.
The payment of £55.05, introduced last year, replaces the Department for Work and Pensions’ Cold Weather Payment.
Unlike the old payment, it is paid automatically, once a year, to those eligible and is not triggered by the weather.
In total it is expected to be worth almost three times the amount paid out in equivalent support from the UK government.
This payment is one example of how the Scottish Government is supporting households.
Others include:
- A welfare system based on dignity and respect in Social Security Scotland, providing benefits like the Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grants and Best Start Food payments
- Council Tax Freeze
- Expansion of free childcare and the Baby Box
- Increased pay for social care workers
- Expanding eligibility for free school meals
- Rent freeze and eviction moratorium
- Free bus travel for under 22s and peak rail fares scrapped
Commenting, SNP MSP and Convenor of the Social Justice Committee Collette Stevenson said:
“As we enter the winter months, the SNP Scottish Government is working within its limited powers to guarantee support for households the length and breadth of Scotland.
“The combined effect of the Westminster-made cost of living crisis, hard Brexit and disastrous mini-budget mean that Scottish families are facing unimaginable cost pressures ahead of the festive period; and the SNP Scottish Government is taking action to put money back into the pockets of the most vulnerable.
“The Winter Heating Payment will see £22 million paid out to over 400,000 households across December and January, providing certainty to those who need it most, and is one of many ways the SNP are supporting households and mitigating the effects of Westminster’s incompetence
“From the Scottish Child Payment to the Council Tax freeze, the SNP Scottish Government continues to mitigate the effects of Westminster incompetence but is acting with one hand tied behind its back.
“With the full powers of independence, we could build a country built on equality, fairness and prosperity.
“Only then will we rid ourselves of damaging Westminster governments for good and escape the enormous costs that come with being part of the UK.”
