Scottish pensioners would receive a stronger pension safeguards in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK if Scotland becomes independent, Scotlandâ„¢s Finance Secretary John Swinney has said.
Speaking ahead of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland Pensions Conference in Glasgow, Swinney said the pensioners would be fully protected following a yes vote.
He said, “[pensions are] more affordable in Scotland than for the UK and as the Expert Working Group report made clear, Scotland already has the people and infrastructure to ensure a seamless transition for state pensions following a vote for independence”.
Moreover, he criticized the Westminster government over raids on the pension funds and cuts to public sector pension schemes and said a yes vote could finally put Å“Scotland’s pensions in Scotland’s hands”.
Earlier last week, Britainâ„¢s Treasury signaled major cuts to the Scottish budget for the 2015-16 financial year after six government departments agreed a combined reduction of 8 percent in their budgets.
The actual amount of cuts to each department and how they could impact Scotland is still not clear as the Treasury has delayed giving details until the Spending Review is unveiled.
MOS/HE
This article originally appeared on: Press TV