Put children first
We believe that in order for Scotland to truly be the “best place in the world for children and young people to grow up”, as desired by the Scottish Government, the devolution of welfare, excluding pensions, is essential. Only then will we be able to properly support the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society. Such a move would also enable Scotland to adopt a more co-ordinated approach in linking welfare to such interdependent areas as health and social care, housing, employment and skills.
A piecemeal benefit transfer will serve only to create more alignment difficulties as many benefits are interrelated. For example, Carers Allowance interacts with a number of benefits including Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance.
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Hide AdWith the Smith Commission we have a clear opportunity to ensure that the ambition of making our country the best for children and young people to grow up becomes a reality.
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition, comprising:
Sophie Pilgrim, director, Kindred Scotland
Sophie Dow, founder, Mindroom
Tom McGhee, managing director, Spark of Genius
Duncan Dunlop, chief executive, Who Cares? Scotland
Stuart Jacob, director, Falkland House School
Niall Kelly, managing director, Young Foundations