MSPs have voted to increase benefits in Scotland in line with inflation.
On Tuesday, the Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill was passed in Holyrood by 117 votes, with just 12 MSPs missing the vote.
The bill places a legal obligation on ministers to annually increase all benefits delivered under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 in line with inflation.
The Scottish Government said the bill will help to protect the real-terms value of payments such as the Best Start Grants and winter heating payments as prices rise.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville (below) said the legislation will “protect” people in receipt of benefits “at a time when many people are feeling additional pressures due to the cost of living crisis”.
She continued: “It is part of our commitment to continually improve the Scottish social security system in ways which put the needs of those who require assistance first.
“The law will help make the social security system more efficient and effective, contributing to our mission to tackle poverty and protect people from harm.
“The measures it contains advance equality and non-discrimination and ensure the system is efficient and delivers value for money.”
The bill also makes changes to the rights of Social Security Scotland clients.
This includes giving them a right to late re-determinations and appeals in exceptional circumstances, the right to withdraw a request for redetermination, and the right to challenge a decision that someone is liable in a situation where an overpayment has been made.
