Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford has hailed the Budget announcement from Finance Secretary Derek Mackay of £435 million in interventions on social security.
As part of the SNP Government’s Draft Budget for this coming year, Mr Mackay announced:
- £238 million for the Carers Allowance and further £37 million for Allowance Supplement.
- £12.5 million for Best Start Grant to give all children the best possible start in life.
- £6.2 million in funeral expense assistance.
- £33 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund, helping people who have been left with nothing following DWP sanctions.
- £50 million will be invested to tackle rough sleeping.
- Almost £100 million will be spent on mitigating the Bedroom Tax and other Tory Government welfare cuts.
- Investment to support food banks will be doubled to £3.5 million.
The Scottish Budget is currently being considered by MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.
Commenting, Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said:
“Scotland is in the process of having limited powers over welfare devolved to us, however it is our duty to defend the most vulnerable people in our communities from the cruellest of Tory cuts to welfare support.
“As well as funding to directly mitigate draconian policies such as the Bedroom Tax, the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget invests in assistance with the cost of funerals for low income households, as well as a Best Start Grant for newborns, support for food banks, and living cost assistance for those who have been sanctioned by the DWP.
“A staggering £238 million will be invested into the Carers Allowance, with an additional supplement being funded by a further £37 million.
“This Draft Scottish Budget is a blueprint for the type of society we want to build. As a country, we want to take a different approach to welfare from the harsh cuts seen in Westminster. I would encourage opposition parties who oppose what the Tory Government stands for on welfare to get behind this Budget and support this investment in the most vulnerable people in our society.”
