Scotland rules out freezing devolved benefits as spending rises to £7.9bn
Jenny Gilruth, Scotland’s Finance Secretary, has ruled out freezing devolved benefit payment rates in the Scottish Budget due in December. She said the Government would maintain its approach to social security, which it says is founded on dignity and respect, as projected spending continues to rise.
Official projections put Scottish social security spending at £6.7 billion last year, £7.4 billion this year and £7.9 billion next year. Gilruth also declined to say whether tax rates might change, but pledged £100 energy bill support for eligible households in council tax bands A to D, matching the UK scheme. The UK Government says Scotland will receive an extra £600 million, while the Scottish Government describes its 2027-28 funding as a real-terms cut of £650 million.
In short
- Gilruth ruled out freezing Scotland’s devolved benefit rates.
- Social security spending is projected to reach £7.9 billion next year.
- Scotland’s Budget is due in December, with tax plans still unclear.
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The case for
Maintaining benefit rates can protect the living standards and dignity of people who rely on support, especially when household costs remain high. Scotland’s distinct social security approach may also be seen as a legitimate devolved choice, and the projected spending rise reflects commitments to eligible recipients rather than, by itself, evidence of waste.
The case against
With projected social security spending reaching £7.9 billion, freezing rates could be argued to help contain costs and leave more room for other public services or tax relief. If the Scottish Government faces a real-terms funding shortfall, critics may argue it should review the pace of benefit increases and explain how it will pay for its commitments.
Explained simply
Devolved benefits are payments the Scottish Government is responsible for setting and delivering, including support for people on low incomes and disabled people. Their rates and eligibility rules can differ from benefits run by the UK Government, which also provides much of Scotland’s funding.
The Scottish Budget sets out how the Government plans to raise and spend money in areas under its control. Social security spending has been projected to rise in each of the past, current and coming financial years, while the two governments describe the effect of UK funding on Scotland differently.
The budget choices matter to people who rely on support and to public services competing for limited funds. Energy bill help is also shaped by UK-wide decisions, with support in Scotland linked to council tax bands.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Jenny Gilruth takes freezing benefit payment rates off the table, despite soaring costs”.