Failing to be radical with welfare is failing us all

Has the wait been worthwhile? Has the second report of the Expert Working Group on Welfare in Scotland taken the welfare debate in a new direction? Yes and no. It’s positive to see the group aspiring to a much more compassionate and supportive approach to welfare than the UK Coalition Government. The report has strong principles and aims to put people at the heart of a new welfare system. But the principles aren't reflected in the recommendations, which could easily just result in a slightly more compassionate version of the current system. The reality of the welfare debate is this: what we have isn’t working. A more compassionate version of the current system in the event of a yes vote lacks ambition and will not bring real change. If we have an opportunity to take a more radical and inclusive approach, why would we not take it? Without a radical step change we will continue to fail to when it comes to tackling the harsh inequalities in our country that are perpetuated by the current welfare cuts and austerity agenda. If that happens, we all lose.