McVey set to face MSPs on welfare reform

THE UK Work and Pensions Minister will face MSPs at Holyrood over welfare reforms.

Esther McVey has agreed to appear before the Social Security committee next month as more powers are devolved.

She will face a grilling over the roll out of Universal Credit and the i mpact on struggling families.

She will likely face questions on the delay people must endure before first payments are made and on cuts to benefits as well as Jobcentre closures leading to fears of more sanctions being imposed.

Ms McVey will be only the second Work and Pensions Secretary to appear before the committee after others and many ministers refused invitations.

One of her predecessors, Damian Green, appeared in 2016 but others including Iain Duncan Smith declined. Clare Adamson, committee convenor said: “This meeting comes at a vital time for social security in Scotland.

“Not only is the Parliament about to finalise the Social Security Bill but there are clearly ongoing issues around the roll out of Universal Credit which need resolved and resolved quickly.

“That is why our Committee is pleased that the Secretary of State will be appearing before us.

“We will use this meeting to talk about these issues and ensure that any handover of powers happens smoothly.

“But more importantly, we will use this to ensure that none of us lose sight of those most affected by these changes and that everyone can have confidence in the social security system.”

Ms McVey will appear before the committee next month on April 16