Spending more on benefits would be ‘wrong approach’, Jackie Baillie says

Scottish Labour’s deputy leader defended the UK Government’s welfare cuts as she said the rise in the benefit bill is ‘unsustainable’.

By contributor Craig Meighan, PA Scotland political reporter

Published Mar 30

Last updated Mar 30

Scottish Labour conference 2024 — Deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party Jackie Baillie said she supported getting people into work (Jane Barlow/PA)

Jackie Baillie has defended the UK Government’s £5 billion welfare cuts, saying the projected rise in the benefits bill is “not sustainable”.

The deputy leader of Scottish Labour said it would be the “wrong approach” for the UK Government to pay more while not ensuring people get back into work.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced £5 billion worth of cuts earlier this month, mostly from a reduction in support for those on incapacity or disability benefits.

These were late compounded by further cuts in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s spring statement. Three million people are expected to be impacted.

National Audit Office report — Labour wants to get more people into work following a big rise in economic activity (Philip Toscano/PA)

Speaking on BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show, Ms Baillie said it was important for the Government to encourage people into work.

She said: “If you look at the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), they’re saying currently personal independence payment (Pip) accounts and disability benefits account for £50 billion each year.