It is “vital” for people across Scotland that a robust social security system offers help for hard-up families, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has said.

A 13 week consultation was launched by the Scottish Government last week giving people the chance to help shape the country’s first ever social security system.

Changes to social security come on the back of powers devolved to the Scottish Government from Westminster through the Scotland Act 2016.

The SFHA said it will be working with its members to provide a full response to the consultation to make sure the views of social landlords are represented and to help safeguard the vital income of tenants and social landlords across Scotland.

Commenting on the publication of the consultation, Zhan McIntyre, policy lead at SFHA said: “We are pleased to be taking part in this consultation, and it is vital for people across Scotland that we get this right. If we use these powers effectively and a robust Scottish social security system is set up, it will go a long way helping hard-up families, as well as alleviating the pressures of the UK government’s welfare reform on Scotland’s housing associations.