Independence will benefit most vulnerable, says Scottish Minister

An independent Scotland would be better able to take care of its most vulnerable people, Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell told social workers.

She was speaking at the opening of the Social Services Expo & Conference, held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre to mark World Social Work Day on 18 March.

Ms Campbell said: "I am proud of the social services we have in Scotland and I believe that they demonstrate that decisions made in Scotland about Scotland are best for Scotland. With the powers and resources we have, we are already doing a great deal.

"But in my view the most likely route to making our ambitions for Scotland a reality is through possession of all the powers of a modern, successful, socially just country that is able to take the best actions in order to care for its most vulnerable citizens.

"The undeniable truth is that if Westminster remains in control of taxation and welfare, we will always be mitigating against the worst impacts of decisions taken elsewhere that are not designed to suit our nation’s needs and values."

Ms Campbell described the ‘bedroom tax’ housing reform as a "destructive measure" which punished the poorest in society. This had been imposed on Scotland despite 90% of Scottish MPs voting against it.

"Another Scotland is possible. We have the wealth and the talent to make our country fairer. A new constitution following independence could embed social and economic rights for each and every one of our citizens," she said.

The Minister said the Scottish Government had already shown leadership in taking forward the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill - the most important piece of children’s legislation for a decade.

"Once implemented it will put our approaches - to improving wellbeing, rights and outcomes for all children and young people, to early learning and childcare and to looked-after children - on a different level, giving both substance and momentum to our ambitions for all children and young people."

The Scottish Parliament had also passed the Public Bodies (Joint Working) Bill which put into place a framework for integrating health and social care services.

"As professionals you are central to effective integration of health and social care - just as you are central to ensuring that the support and care we provide, to service users, carers and families is person-centred and personalised in its approach," she said.

"It will be your commitment to helping shift the balance of care from institutional to community settings - particularly for people whose needs are complex and multi-layered - that will help us to ensure better outcomes and a better quality of life for people who depend on care and support services."