Scottish Labour should be ashamed of “teaming up with the Tories” to vote against progressing the automation and take-up of Scottish social security benefits, and a plan to get cash into the pockets of eligible people more easily, according to the SNP.

The SNP government received backing to proceed with its plans to help more people get the benefits that they are entitled to. The automation of payments for the Child Winter Heating Assistance and Carer’s Allowance Supplement is already in place and the Scottish Government will now begin automation of Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and Best Start Grant School Age Payment for those in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment from the end of this month, if Parliament approves.

This will mean thousands of families not needing to apply for the benefits they are entitled to.

The move to progress payment automation in Scotland's Social Security system is part of the SNP's priority to ensure fairness, dignity and respect is at the centre of its approach to support those who need it most.

Commenting SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“Frankly, Scottish Labour should be ashamed of teaming up with the Tories, especially when it comes to social security - instead of supporting the SNP’s plan to get cash into the pockets of eligible people more easily during a cost-of-living crisis.

"This kind of blatant political game playing is not only pathetically tribal but, more importantly, it doesn't help the households struggling with the Tory made cost of living crisis just now - it is nothing more than opposition for opposition's sake and people across Scotland deserve far better.

"Unfortunately, Labour is offering no ideas, no solutions and no alternative to the Tories, making it crystal clear that the only way to properly protect the people of Scotland from the devastating consequences of Westminster control is to become an independent country.”