SNP MSP Bob Doris will host third sector representatives at a cross-party event

Third sector organisations that represent some of Scotland’s most vulnerable citizens will have their voices heard on UK Government welfare reforms at an event in the Scottish Parliament today.

The event comes as voluntary organisations warn that the UK Government’s welfare reforms could lead to an increase in demand for their services.

Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Glasgow and vice convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee, who is hosting the cross-party event, said: “It is vital that voluntary sector organisations that will have to deal with the fallout of brutal UK Government reforms get the chance to get their message across.

“It is equally important that MSPs get the chance to hear these very real concerns first hand.

“Whether it is the 75,000 disabled people that are likely to lose their entitlement to disability benefits or the one in five working age social rented tenants who could have housing benefits reduced under UK plans, Scotland needs to take a stand against these damaging reforms that will also take £2 billion out of our economy.

“What needs to be addressed is that Scotland is being denied the power to protect her most vulnerable citizens. To devolve all matters of Welfare would give the a far greater say to the people who are in the greatest need."

The event will be part of wider engagement with voluntary organisations in relation to welfare reform which will ensure that there is on-going monitoring of the impact of the UK Government reforms in the months ahead.