Lothian MSP, Jeremy Balfour, has spoken out against the Scottish Government’s continued criticism of the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), highlighting that the British Government supply greater financial assistance for those that cannot afford a funeral than the Scottish Government.
Funeral Expenses Assistance was one of the eleven benefits that were devolved to the Scottish Parliament this year in accordance with the Scotland Act 2016.
The Scottish Government have decided to continue with the same provisions that the DWP previously gave to those entitled to the benefit. This includes the cost of cremation or burial and gives families up to £700 to help cover other funeral costs, such as the coffin; flowers; and undertaker fees.
Recently the DWP announced that they will increase the support that they give to £1,000, meanwhile the Scottish Government are going to continue with £700.
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP has said:
“For years the Scottish Government have complained about benefits given by the DWP. However, now that the SNP have more control over benefits they are making very little changes.
“The Conservative government in Westminster are providing greater support for those that cannot afford funeral costs than the SNP government in Holyrood.
“This is a clear example of the SNP talking a good game but failing to deliver when they are given more power.”