Nicola Sturgeon stops short of universal child benefit commitment

The Deputy First Minister has failed to explicitly commit to reinstating universal child benefit in an independent Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon said the SNP’s commitment to “universal provision of key benefits” would be part of its policies but did not give specific assurances on child benefit which became means-tested this month.

Households where one partner earns at least £50,000 will now have their child benefit payments clawed back as part of an overhaul to the UK welfare system.

During a debate on the issue at Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon described the move by the UK Government as “fundamentally wrong”.

Conservative MSP Liz Smith asked her: “When you outline your policies for an independent Scotland, are you saying that there will be a commitment to reinstate universal child benefit?”

Ms Sturgeon replied: “Well, we will outline our policy for welfare in an independent Scotland and we’ll do that in order to persuade people of the benefits of independence. Can I say that our commitment to universal provision of key benefits will be a key part of those policies.”

Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie called on the SNP to set out its welfare state.