The Scottish government has announced the formation of a group of expert advisors to look at the future shape of a welfare system for Scotland following independence.
ISER’s Professor of Economics, Mike Brewer, joins Darra Singh, a director with Ernst and Young; Martyn Evans, chief executive of the charitable organisation Carnegie Trust and Douglas Griffin, a former finance director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to examine the SNP’s plans for an independent Scottish welfare system. The group will report in May.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.
“The announcement of the expert group is the first step on the journey towards creating a welfare system which will support the economy and society of an independent Scotland,” she said.
“The group brings together a wide range of interests and, importantly, people who will provide a meaningful perspective on Scottish Government plans for our nation’s welfare system following a successful independence vote.
“A fairer welfare system for Scotland can only be achieved with independence and control over all welfare policies, so that we can devise policies for the benefit of the Scottish people, that reflect Scottish values.”