SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed the news that the SNP Scottish Government will enshrine in law the requirement to increase social security payments each year in line with inflation, for those benefits which are now devolved to Scottish control.

In the last year the Scottish Government provided £370 million to uprate payments - £5 million above the amount required in statute – and by making this 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, Alasdair Allan said:

“Scotland’s social security system – which is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect – has been truly transformational for so many families across Na h-Eileanan an Iar.

“As we build on this progress, it’s crucial we maintain the value of the fourteen devolved payments which are estimated to be keeping 100,000 children out of poverty.

“This legal duty will bring us closer to achieving the First Minister’s goal of ending child poverty while ensuring we continue to do what we can to protect families in the Western Isles from continued Westminster austerity.

“Scotland seeks to help families at a time when the parts of the benefits system still run by Westminster often do the opposite.

“Unlike Labour, the SNP will always do right by households across Na h-Eileanan an Iar, making sure they get the support they need in an area where energy prices are significantly higher.”