Future benefits

Published on 28/06/2012 00:00

BRIAN Wilson’s argument (Perspective, 27 June) that we should leave the future of devolution to politicians includes a few fatal flaws, not the least of which is that the majority of voters seem unconvinced.

For example, many of our most vulnerable citizens face a savage assault on their meagre incomes with an attendant narrative labelling them as scroungers and cheats. Not surprisingly, this version of a blame game, hardly credible in today’s economic circumstances, is strongly and widely resisted.

This is why two thirds of the voting population would like to see welfare and benefits devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

This raises the question, how long does Brian Wilson want us to wait before we see a progressive welfare system in Scotland that protects the most vulnerable in our society and provides a way out of unemployment and poverty?

I have yet to hear a convincing argument about how this might come about. A Westminster consensus, before or after the next general election, seems extremely unlikely without a popular mandate, gained in a referendum.

With our politicians remaining mired in their Yes/No cul de sac, the Future of Scotland campaign will continue to seek ways to connect the debate about Scotland’s future more directly to the challenges and ambitions people have in their own lives. That is, after all, what politics is supposed to be all about – making a difference and changing people’s lives

John Downie

Director of Public Affairs

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

Mansfield Place

Edinburgh