A NEW Scottish welfare system must be based on dignity and respect for claimants according to a Holyrood committee.

MSPs on the Welfare Reform Committee found the current system to be “punitive and bureaucratic” and in need of a significant overhaul.

When welfare powers are devolved to the Scottish Parliament the committee said it should make a number of changes.

Specifically it calls for the bedroom tax, or removal of spare room subsidy, to be scrapped and for housing element of Universal Credit to be paid directly to landlords.

The Committee, which has been investigating the welfare system and the impact of the UK Government’s reforms for the last three years, said a new philosophy and set of principles are needed to make a Scottish system work for the people it is intended to help.

Hugh Henry, committee convener, said: “For three years, our committee has heard evidence of the devastating impact of welfare reform, from the ever-growing reliance on food banks to working parents having to choose between heating their homes and feeding their children.

“Creating a better social security system for Scotland will probably be one of the biggest tasks facing Scotland over the next decade and it’s important that we get it right. This is not about party politics but people.”

The report said the current system seems to be designed for the convenience of the people rather than those administering it and said the fact a “whole advocacy industry” has grown around the social security system is proof of how “un-person centred” it is at present.

As well as the call for a change in direction of the general principles the committee made recommendations for changes to improve specific benefits.

It called for the introduction of long-term Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment awards for those with severe, long-term disability or illness.

An increase in Carer’s Allowance to at least the amount paid in Jobseekers Allowance.

The housing element of Universal Credit to be paid fortnightly, direct to landlords.

And for the Scottish Government to use the new powers to immediately abolish the so-called ‘bedroom tax’

The report stated: “We believe that a brand-new philosophy and set of principles is necessary in order to underpin the new Scottish social security system and make it more successful.

“Most importantly, a new Scottish social security system should be based upon preserving the dignity of, and showing respect for, claimants.”