COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing has welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government’s Social Security Minister, Jeane Freeman, that the new Scottish Social Security system will reject what she called the 'callous policy agenda' of the Conservative Party by ensuring that the people using the service are put before the interests of private companies hoping to make a quick profit.

Ms Ewing said this week: “It is fantastic news that there will be no private contracts for assessments for benefits in the social security system which the Scottish Government is constructing to deliver on the devolution of some welfare powers.

“This signals a clear break from the UK Government’s approach which has seen private companies profit from the failed assessments process the Tories have imposed on people – one that the Scottish Government will fundamentally change, introducing respect and dignity to the system."

She added: “I have seen in the experience of constituents that the Tory assault on the welfare system has been exacerbated by assessments being carried out by private companies.

“This very different direction of travel proves, once again, the SNP’s commitment to building a new social security system with dignity and respect at its heart – a clear divergence from the cruel system imposed by the Tories at Westminster.

“While the Tories impose cruel and ineffective sanctions, cut the benefit payments on those who need it most, stop housing benefit for those under the age of 21, continue with the hated bedroom tax, and bring about the most vile and disgusting policy imaginable in the two child cap and rape clause, the SNP has a strong record of standing against these disgraceful policies.

“The SNP Scottish Government has already spent over £350 million in mitigating callous Tory welfare cuts, opposed the Tories’ reckless closure of job centres across the country, laid out concrete and substantial alternatives to the cruel and ineffective sanctions regime, and made absolutely clear our opposition to the vile Tory rape clause.

“Profit has no place in assessments for benefits and this announcement is very welcome indeed.”