Latest news with #KaukabStewart
The National
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
SNP minister hits out at Labour Government's welfare cuts
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart's comments came as she launched the Scottish Government's Disability Equality Plan in Glasgow on Friday, a report which aims to put disabled people's experiences and concerns at the centre of policymaking. The plan – which has been in the making since 2016 – looks to improve access to mental health, advice and support services, as well as funding training for policymakers and leaders to build understanding of the issues facing disabled people. READ MORE: Independent MPs table amendment to scrap 'disgusting' welfare bill It also sets out plans to have an annual "Cabinet Takeover", where disabled people will be given a "direct platform" to speak to ministers. As she launched the review, Stewart said she was "firmly opposed" to the UK Government's approach, as she called on Labour to "follow our lead" and protect the welfare system "rather than dismantling it". "At a time when the UK Government's welfare reforms appear to be driven more by cost cutting than by compassion, and balancing the books at the expense of disabled people, let me be frank: Scotland will not, by any means, mirror that approach," she said at the launch. The Labour Government is preparing to push through its Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which – among other things – would change the eligibility criteria for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefit. The UK Government's own analysis has found that the cuts would push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children. Speaking to The National, Stewart reaffirmed the Scottish Government's commitment to a welfare system based on the principles of "dignity, fairness and respect". She said: "In Scotland, we're very proud that we support the social model when it comes to addressing disabled people. "That means that we work very hard to make sure that the environment and the society that they live within – the barriers lie there, we have to limit those barriers, and that includes providing welfare support." READ MORE: BBC issues correction after Debate Night 'bias' on eve of by-election She added that the UK Government's approach "appears to be doing the opposite, by making even further hurdles and undignified and demeaning processes to put off disabled people from claiming what is actually their right". "If you look at Personal Independence Payments, for example, those are very demeaning processes," Stewart continued. "Often disabled people have long-term conditions, they shouldn't have to go through those additional and humiliating experiences to explain time and time again. "Where's the dignity in that?" Stewart said the Scottish Government was "not following that model". She said: "We believe in empowerment, we believe in supporting all of our citizens, and that includes disabled people. "The UK Government should do the same." Labour are facing anger from MPs on both sides of the benches over the cuts, with a significant number of their own MPs set to oppose them. Meanwhile, on Thursday evening, Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft resigned from her position as a Government whip over the planned cuts, which she said were not "part of the solution" to the growing welfare bill. MPs are set to debate the UK Government's welfare proposals on July 1.
The National
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Government launches Disability Equality Plan
The Disability Equality Report, published on Friday, sets out a series of actions to improve access to services and disabled representation within government. Backed by £2.5 million in funding, the plan looks to improve access to mental health, advice and support services, as well as funding training for policymakers and leaders to build understanding of the issues facing disabled people. READ MORE: Scottish Government removes WhatsApp from all official devices It also sets out plans to have an annual "Cabinet Takeover", where disabled people will be given a "direct platform" to speak to ministers. The plan – which has been in the making since 2016 – was developed alongside several Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs), including Disability Equality Scotland, Inclusion Scotland and Glasgow Disability Alliance. Speaking at an event to launch the report in Glasgow on Friday, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said the plan marked a "significant milestone" and was "shaped by the lived experiences of disabled people". (Image: NQ) "Scotland should be a place where every single disabled person can live a life of their choice with the support that they need to do that," she said. "It should be a place where everyone can participate fully in society, access their rights, seize opportunities and thrive in their communities. "Our investment is rooted in dignity, fairness and the belief that disabled people should be supported as citizens whose rights and contributions matter." Kaukab added: "This plan is not the end – it's the beginning. A progress report in 2026 will inform the next phase of our long term strategy. READ MORE: Experts warn Labour set to hike taxes as borrowing hits record figure "It's a clear signal of intent, a commitment to listen, to act, to pursue that lasting change in partnership with disabled people." Heather Fisken, CEO of Inclusion Scotland, said: 'This plan and related actions are a welcome step forward, but these will only be successful if it is properly resourced and if it there is accountability of delivery. "We want this accountability to be led by disabled peoples' organisations and disabled people themselves – genuine partnership between our organisations and the Scottish Government requires honesty and scrutiny, and that will be our focus going forward.' Lyn Pornaro, CEO of Disability Equality Scotland, said: 'This shows the power of disabled peoples' campaigning, and is a step in the right direction, but our campaigning work to deliver justice for disabled people will continue. "This includes making sure that both the Scottish Government and the UK Government deliver dignity, security, and human rights for disabled people – that requires investing in our communities and including services – not cutting the support we rely on.' Tressa Burke, CEO of Glasgow Disability Alliance, said: 'This funding from the Scottish Government is a win for the collective action of disabled people and our allies. We are grateful to everyone who took part in our campaign Disabled People Demand Justice and commend the Scottish Government for responding positively. "But it is a small step, when we need big leaps; poverty and inequality experienced by disabled people remain at unacceptable levels, and we need both the Scottish Government and the UK Government to urgently invest in disabled peoples' lives to deliver dignity and justice."
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
People providing care for family or friends urged to check for £333 monthly payment
Carer Support Payment is only available to people living in Scotland. This Carers Week (June 9 - 15), unpaid carers across Scotland are being encouraged to find out if they are eligible for social security support - through Carer Support Payment, Carer's Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant. Carer's Allowance Supplement - a payment only available north of the border - was the first benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland in 2018 to provide extra financial support for carers, recognising their important contribution. Since the payment's introduction, unpaid carers in Scotland will be up to £4,475 better off by the end of 2025. The payment of £293.50 is issued twice each year with the first lump sum due to be issued to more than 90,000 carers on June 18 and 19. The payment is issued by Social Security Scotland to people who receive Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on a specific date. Only carers in Scotland are eligible for the payment if they received Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on April 14, 2025. It's important to be aware that the £293.50 Carer's Allowance Supplement is paid separately from any benefit payment from Social Security Scotland or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Carers eligible for the payment will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made, although this may arrive after the money has landed in accounts. The important thing to be aware of is that nobody needs to apply for the extra money as it is paid automatically to everyone who is eligible. On a visit to Midlothian Carers Centre to meet with parent carers of adults with additional support needs, Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, said: 'Social security in Scotland isn't about renaming benefits previously delivered by the UK Government. We are about delivering social security with dignity, fairness and respect, continually listening to what carers and support organisations have to say to help shape the changes we're making. 'We introduced Carer's Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant, which are only available in Scotland, and widened eligibility for Carer Support Payment to enable more carers in education to access it. We're also committed to introducing new extra support for carers who care for more than one person. Changes to help improve the lives of carers in Scotland. 'Social security is something anyone may need at any point in their life. It's a public service and I encourage all unpaid carers to find out if they are entitled to financial support and apply.' Carla Bennett, Carer Services Manager at VOCAL Midlothian added: 'Unpaid carers often face financial hardship, with many forced to give up paid work or reduce their hours to support those they care for. Caring for someone comes with additional costs too, such as transport, heating, equipment and food. These expenses, combined with reduced income, mean carers are more likely to experience poverty. 'Demand for VOCAL's income maximisation service has doubled in the past year, showing that carers are feeling the strain. Accessing financial and social security support can ease this burden and make a significant difference to the lives of carers and those they care for. We would encourage carers to find out what they might be eligible for.' Carer Support Payment Carer Support Payment is the devolved equivalent to Carer's Allowance and is worth £83.30 per week to people providing 35 hours of unpaid care to family, friends or neighbours in receipt of a qualifying disability benefit. The payment is typically issued every four weeks which amounts to £333.20. The weekly earnings threshold is £196 - equivalent to 16 hours at the National Minimum Wage. Am I eligible for Carer Support Payment? Carer Support Payment is money you can get if you provide care for someone and meet certain eligibility criteria. You must: be 16 or over usually live in Scotland provide care for 35 hours or more a week, this includes if you provide care all day every day not earn more than £196 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses The person you care for must already get one of these benefits: Adult Disability Payment – daily living component Child Disability Payment – middle or highest rate care component Pension Age Disability Payment Attendance Allowance Personal Independence Payment – daily living component Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance - middle or highest rate care component Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest rate care component Constant Attendance Allowance at or above normal maximum rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension Armed Forces Independence Payment The type of care you provide To get Carer Support Payment, you must provide care for someone as an unpaid carer for 35 hours or more a week. It cannot be care you provide: as a professional care worker through a volunteering scheme or charity Even if you do not think of yourself as an unpaid carer, you might be eligible for Carer Support Payment. Examples of caring for someone include supporting them: with their mental health during an illness with a disability if they have an addiction Supporting someone with their mental health If you provide care for someone with a mental health condition, you might: comfort them during a panic attack stay close by so they do not feel alone support them through a crisis make sure they're safe keep them company Supporting someone with an illness or disability If you provide care for someone with an illness or disability, you might support them with: getting around getting dressed taking medicines using the shower or toilet cooking meals food shopping translating The person you provide care for You might provide care for: someone in your family a friend a neighbour You do not have to live with them or be related to them. You can only apply for Carer Support Payment for one person. If you provide care for more people, you are not entitled to extra payments. You can check if you are eligible for Carer Support Payment and find full details on the devolved benefit on the website here.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
SNP minister demands higher immigration to Scotland as she urges PM to help Holyrood tackle country's ageing population
An SNP minister today demanded changes to the immigration system to allow more people to come to Scotland to counter the country's ageing population. Equalities minister Kaukab Stewart reiterated the Scottish Government's call for PM Sir Keir Starmer to ditch a 'one-size fits all approach' to immigration to the UK. It came after figures released by the National Records of Scotland showed 11,431 children were born between January and March of this year. This was 3.9 per cent lower than the average for the first quarter of the year. In the same period, the number of deaths was also lower than expected, with 16,721 recorded. This was 7.7 per cent lower than the 18,123 deaths anticipated in the first quarter. Mrs Stewart said: 'The latest statistics highlight what we already know, that without migration, Scotland's working age population will fall as deaths continue to outnumber births. 'Positive net migration is essential for supporting the size of the working-age population in Scotland, which is crucial for economic growth, public service planning, and community cohesion.' Sir Keir has repeatedly promised to cut both legal and illegal migration to the UK since becoming PM. But Mrs Stewart said a different approach was needed for Scotland. 'We need talented and committed people from across the world to live, work and study here without excessive barriers,' she added. 'A one-size fits all approach to immigration fails to meet the needs of Scotland and much of the UK.' Last month, the PM announced plans to revamp the UK's immigration system. This included scrapping care visas, extending the time people have to be in the UK before they can apply for settled status, and reducing the length of time graduates can stay in the country after they graduate. The Scottish Government has long called for a more liberal immigration system north of the border and Mrs Stewart said she was 'deeply disappointed' by Sir Keir. 'That is why we are calling on the UK Government to deliver changes to the immigration system that meets the distinct needs of our economy and population, in particular our rural and island communities,' she added.
The National
10-06-2025
- Health
- The National
Scotland's births continue to fall - showing we need more migration
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) published the latest statistics on the number of births and deaths in Scotland in the first quarter of 2025, showing a continued downward trend in the number of children born. Equalities minister Kaukab Stewart said the figures showed that Scotland needs migration to support the population, and criticised UK Labour's approach to the immigration system. NRS said that there were 11,431 births registered between January 1 and March 31 2025, 460 below the average of 11,891. In the same period there were 16,721 deaths, 1402 fewer (7.7 per cent) than expected. Scotland's birth rate is also continuing to decline, at 8.4 live births per 1000 population. You can see some of the key figures below. Number of births As the above graph shows, the number of births since 2014, in each first quarter, are on a continual decline. In 2014 there were 13,930 births between January and March, the latest figures show this has now dropped to 11,431. The overall birth rate for the first quarter of each year is also on a decline from 2014 as the above graph shows. In 2014, it was 10.6 live births per 1000 population, and now it sits at 8.4. READ MORE: 'We saw Labour winter fuel U-turn on social media', SNP minister says Deaths Scotland's population is at risk of decline not just because birth rates are falling, but because the number of deaths is currently more than births. This has been a constant trend since 2014, according to NRS figures, which you can see in the graph below. In 2025, the leading cause of death was cancer. Phillipa Haxton, head of vital events statistics at NRS, said: 'Cancer remained by far the leading cause of death with 4118 deaths compared to the next largest cause, respiratory diseases at 2291. 'The top four causes also include Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and coronary heart disease. Together these made up 60 per cent of all deaths.' Why does it matter? The last Scottish Census revealed that if it hadn't been for migration, Scotland's population would have declined. And as we previously told, Scotland needs migration more than the rest of the UK because of its specific circumstances. As the country is facing a population decline, experts have said that tailored migration could in part help to solve the issue. Stewart said of the latest figures: 'The latest statistics highlight what we already know, that without migration, Scotland's working age population will fall as deaths continue to outnumber births. 'Positive net migration is essential for supporting the size of the working-age population in Scotland, which is crucial for economic growth, public service planning, and community cohesion. "Later this week the Scottish Parliament will debate how we can continue to attract and retain the migrants we need as part of a system that works for Scotland. 'We need talented and committed people from across the world to live, work and study here without excessive barriers. A one-size fits all approach to immigration fails to meet the needs of Scotland and much of the UK. 'We are deeply disappointed that the UK Government's white paper on immigration fails to take on board our proposals to help meet Scotland's distinct demographic and economic requirements. 'That is why we are calling on the UK Government to deliver changes to the immigration system that meets the distinct needs of our economy and population, in particular our rural and island communities.' READ MORE: SNP urge Labour to abandon disability cuts after winter fuel U-turn It is understood the Scottish Government is set to publish policy proposals it put to the Home Office while the UK Government was preparing its immigration whitepaper. The Labour Government has taken a hard-line approach to immigration, facing criticism for moving to the right with its proposals to stop small boat crossings, and removing visa routes for those working in the care sector. Repeated calls for a bespoke immigration visa for Scotland to tackle shortages in sectors such as care, agriculture and hospitality, have been blocked in Westminster.
