LABOUR UK government plans to slash £5 billion in spending to promote welfare demonstrates “disrespect” for devolution, according to the Scottish National Party today.

The woman in charge of Social Security Scotland (SSS) – Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville –  said changes to the personal independence payment (PIP) announced by her UK counterpart Liz Kendall on Tuesday would not directly affect those in receipt of its Scottish equivalent, the adult disability payment (ADP).

Ms Somerville however warned the overall impact could be “really quite severe,” citing calculations by the Fraser of Allander Institute, which point to cuts to the Scottish budget of between £90-115 million for every billion slashed from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) spending.