Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the news that the Scottish Government will enshrine in law the requirement to increase social security payments each year in line with inflation.
In the last year the Scottish Government have provided £370 million to uprate payments – £5 million above the amount required by law and by making it a legal duty it guarantees that support like the winter heating payments receive a financial boost – especially while the UK Labour government cuts winter fuel payments.
Commenting Fiona said:
“I am pleased to see the Scottish Government will enshrine in law the requirement to increase social security payments each year in line with inflation.
“Scotland has a social security system which is rightly rooted in dignity, fairness and respect and I know that this has been transformational for families across West Lothian.
“Our First Minister is committed to eradicating child poverty and this legal duty will bring us closer to meeting that goal and ensuring that the Scottish Government does what it can to protect West Lothian’s families form the continued implications of Westminster austerity.”
ENDS