"First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament<br /> <br /> Thursday, 19th September 2019<br /> <br /> Pictured: Shona Robinson<br /> <br /> HOLYROOD MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF SOCIAL SECURITY SCOTLAND<br />  <br /> ""FAIRNESS, DIGNITY AND RESPECT"" NOW AT HEART OF SYSTEM<br />  <br /> The Scottish Parliament celebrated the first anniversary of Social Security Scotland, in a debate led by SNP MSP Shona Robison.<br />  <br /> The agency made its first payments in September 2018, delivering the Carer's Allowance Supplement – which has helped around 77,500 people - and the Best Start Grant - which has supported almost 10,000 low-income families.<br />  <br /> Social Security Scotland will also deliver a new £10 Scottish Child Payment - described as a ""game changer"" by anti-poverty campaigners and estimated to lift 30,000 children out of poverty – ahead of schedule in 2020.<br />  <br /> Speaking in the debate, Shona Robison MSP said:<br />  <br /> ""It was a proud moment for me when this parliament passed the Social Security (Scotland) Bill. <br />  <br /> ""It was a proud moment for all of us who want to see a fairer, more respectful and dignified Scotland.<br />  <br /> ""The first year has been a success – bringing over 700 jobs to my constituency in Dundee, and delivering face to face support to those who need it.<br />  <br /> ""Let's not forget the words of the UN's Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights who said that UK Government compassion for those who are suffering has been replaced by a punitive, mean-spirited, and often callous approach to welfare.<br />  <br /> ""And to that end, I echo Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville when she calls for all social security to be devolved to Scotland to create a system with the people of Scotland for the people of Scotland.''   <br />  <br /> ""The UN letter declares that the poverty is a political choice. Let's choose to end poverty.""<br />  <br /> ENDS<br /> <br /> Notes:<br />  <br /> Members' Business — S5M-18758 Shona Robison: Social Security Scotland First Anniversary<br /> <br /> That the Parliament notes that it has been one year since Social S"
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