The Scotland Act 2016, that fulfils the commitments made by the UK Government to devolve substantial powers to the Scottish Parliament, has now become law.
These powers include the ability to set income tax rates and thresholds as well as control over a significant part of the welfare system.
Benefits devolved to the Scottish Parliament include Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and industrial injuries benefits.
While Universal Credit remains reserved to Westminster, the Scottish Government will have new powers to determine:
- how claimants are paid and how much some claimants get for housing support;
- how often to pay Universal Credit to claimants and when to pay housing costs directly to landlords and to vary the housing costs covered by the benefit for people in rented accommodation.
Discretionary Housing Payments will also be devolved in full.
In addition, the Scottish Parliament will also have the power to make its own provision for the subject matter of the Regulated Social Fund – this means Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments, Sure Start Maternity Grants and Funeral Payments.
It will also be able to create new benefits in this area if it wishes.
The Scotland Act is available @