John Swinney’s new finance secretary has been branded ‘out of her depth’ on day one after insisting Scotland’s runaway benefits bill is not ‘too high’.
Jenny Gilruth, who is also deputy First Minister, said she would ‘make no apology’ for devolved welfare pay-outs being more generous than in the rest of the UK.
And she denied too many people are on benefits who could be working.
With annual welfare costs set to near £10 billion in this parliament – around a seventh of the Holyrood budget – the Scottish Tories said her attitude ‘defies belief’.
Ms Gilruth, an ex-modern studies teacher who was education secretary until Wednesday’s reshuffle, made her comments in her first interview in her new finance role.
She said ‘public service reform’, which involves finding £1 billion in savings and 11,000 public sector job cuts, would be ‘fundamental’ to the SNP’s fifth term.
But asked if the benefits bill was too high, she told BBC Radio Scotland: ‘No, I don’t think it is too high. We are having to step in where the UK government’s welfare state has failed.
‘The Scottish Government is spending in excess of £100 million mitigating Westminster austerity.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said she would ‘make no apology’ for devolved welfare payouts being more generous in Scotland than the rest of the UK
‘Of course, we do have a more generous benefit system in Scotland. I will not shy away from that or make any apology for that.’
Scottish Tory finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: ‘It defies belief that the new finance secretary thinks the SNP’s ballooning benefits bill is sustainable, and that she has no intention of reining it in.
‘On day one, Jenny Gilruth has demonstrated she’s out of her depth and not serious about tackling the £5 billion black hole in Scotland’s finances.
‘We all want a social security safety net for the most vulnerable people.
‘But the SNP’s light-touch, tick-box system is on course to hit £10 billion per year and is wide open to abuse.
‘The system is patently unfair on hard-working Scots who are being taxed to the hilt to pay for it, yet the Scottish Conservatives are the only party prepared to say so.’
The Scottish Fiscal Commission has forecast welfare costs will rise from £7.4 billion this year to £9.2 billion by 2031, with 80 per cent spent on ‘disability payments’.
Around £1.2 billion of the bill is a direct result of Scotland’s most generous system, and has to be found by taking money from other parts of the Scottish budget.
On current trends, over 1million Scots will be on disability benefits by 2031, a 40 per cent surge from 720,000 in 2025.
Ms Gilruth was asked if many Scots who could be working are on welfare.
She replied: ‘No. It’s right and proper we support those who are in need in Scotland.’
The Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP went on: ‘I have been very proud to serve as a member of the SNP Government supporting those who are most in need with an approach that treats people with dignity and respect.’
Mr Swinney later praised Ms Gilruth ahead of a Holyrood vote on ministerial appointments.
He said: ‘Jenny Gilruth has proven herself to be a highly capable minister, dealing with a number of challenging responsibilities.
‘As part of her cross-government role, the Deputy First Minister will hold the crucial finance brief, with responsibility for securing agreement each year on the Scottish budget, and I know that she will continue in a spirit of cross-party collaboration.’
The UK government said it had ended austerity and was delivering for Scotland with ‘the largest funding settlement in the history of devolution’.
John Swinney praised Ms Gilruth, calling her a ‘highly capable minister’
A spokesman added: ‘Since the general election the Scottish government has received an additional almost £12 billion to spend on public services.’
The First Minister insisted his ministerial team will be ‘focused on and responsive to the challenges facing communities across the country’.
He said: ‘The ministers gathered round the cabinet table all possess the experience, skills, talent and the drive needed to deliver lasting change for Scotland.
‘We have a vision to take our country forward, and we will waste no time in delivering progress.’
However, Mr Swinney also said the constitutional question in the UK is now at a ‘tipping point’ saying he’ll take direct responsibility for the matter, announcing the first business at Holyrood next week is about independence.
It came despite polls that show separation is well down the list of priorities for voters with the cost-of-living crisis, health, education and economy well ahead of it.
Scottish Tory chief whip Tim Eagle said the announcement confirmed ‘John Swinney’s only interest is breaking up the United Kingdom’.
He said: ‘Holyrood should be fully focused on Scots’ real priorities for the next five years, rather than yet more constitutional chaos.’
