Social Security Reform: Letter to UK Government

To: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall

From: Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville

Further to my letter of 18 March, I write again concerning the content of your statement to the House of Commons yesterday, about social security reform and cuts to benefits for disabled people. I was disappointed that you chose not to discuss your plans with the Scottish Government in advance of your public statement.

I remain deeply concerned about both the content of these proposals and the manner in which these changes have been announced. I request that you set out the full detail of your plans and the impact that these plans will have on the people of Scotland. I also request that you immediately publish the impact assessments of your plans, so that we can understand the effects on our disabled people.

As you will be well aware, the tone and handling of these reforms is causing significant fear and uncertainty for disabled people. I am in the process of meeting with disabled people’s organisations and other key stakeholders to understand their concerns, but dialogue is hampered by the lack of full transparency in what is being planned and how it is envisaged that this is implemented in Scotland within the context of our devolved powers.

I would be grateful if you would arrange a meeting with my private office at the earliest opportunity to discuss these issues further.