Building a New Scotland: Social security in an independent Scotland

What our proposals mean for Scotland

Independence would provide the opportunity to develop a new approach to social security, creating a fairer more equal Scotland, by reducing poverty and financial insecurity, while providing a safety net for every one of us. The proposals in this publication would allow Scotland to benefit from a social security system that:

• can support and protect everyone who needs financial help and support at any point in their lives
• works alongside wider labour market, health and social policies to create a stronger and more dynamic economy
• supports people into paid work, introducing early reforms to Universal Credit and addressing the current unfairness of the system
• provides an integrated system of social security support for carers and disabled people
• can introduce a new system grounded in adequacy, such as a Minimum Income Guarantee, to ensure that everyone has a decent level of income and can live with dignity