THE Social Justice Secretary has said welfare will be a clear dividing line in the 2026 Holyrood election as Labour and the Conservatives pursue cuts to disability support.
Shirley-Anne Somerville dismissed claims that Scotland’s devolved welfare system is a “soft touch”, insisting that it is both robust and fair, the Daily Record reports.
She argued that the approach in Holyrood is designed to provide dignity and security, while Westminster parties remain focused on reducing support for those most in need.
Her comments came as new figures confirmed that almost 350,000 disabled people who previously received the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have now been transferred onto the Scottish Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
The shift is part of the phased transfer of welfare powers to Scotland following the 2014 independence referendum.
Earlier this year, Labour faced a backlash over proposals to tighten PIP eligibility and reduce support for new claimants. The plans were watered down after widespread criticism, but the party still pressed ahead with cuts. Meanwhile, the Conservatives have openly urged Keir Starmer to go further.
Somerville warned that both parties risk taking money directly from disabled people, carers and those on low incomes. She said that removing support not only undermines dignity but also makes it harder for people to stay in work, adding pressure to public services such as the NHS.
“The reality is if you cut social security, you are cutting support for people who need it most,” she said. “That is not something the SNP will ever do.”
The Scottish Government pointed to official figures showing that between 2022 and 2025, 49% of ADP applications were denied – a rate broadly in line with the 53% rejection rate under PIP – as evidence that Scotland’s system is not more permissive than Westminster’s.
Somerville said the difference is that people who had been too fearful to apply under the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are now coming forward.
She cited the case of a young man with a visual impairment who avoided applying to the DWP in case his existing support was removed, but who was finally awarded additional help under ADP when his condition worsened.
“This is about dignity, fairness and supporting people when they need it most,” Somerville added.
“If you are not entitled, you will not get the money. But if your condition worsens, you will.”
