VIEWS SOUGHT ON WELFARE PLAN

MSPS are seeking views on how proposed new powers over welfare should be used to design a benefits system in Scotland.

Holyrood’s Welfare Reform Committee has launched an inquiry into the aspects of social security recommended for devolution in the Smith Commission report. These include disability living allowance, personal you to mitigate the reduction tax credits.”

Mr Murray said that Labour’s amendments would implement the recommendations of the cross-party Smith Commission in spirit and in substance.

He said: “This wide-ranging power effectively gives the Scottish Parliament the power to design their own welfare system.

“However unlike others, we are determined to ensure the welfare state remains an integrated

in independence payments, carer’s allowance, the work programme and work choice.

The Scotland Bill, designed to implement the recommendations, is currently making its way through Westminster, with both Labour and the SNP calling on the UK government to go further.

Submissions can be made until 28 August. Uk-wide system of social security to allow for the continued pooling and sharing of risks and pooling and sharing of resources.”

Backing Mr Murray’s amendment, SNP work and pensions spokeswoman Eilidh Whiteford said that the UK government needed to “live up to the spirit and letter of the Smith Commission”.

She said: “We’ve seen repeatedly how people, the most