Harper calls for more immigration powers

SOUTH Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper has called for more immigration powers in Scotland in order to grow the working age population in Dumfries and Galloway. The Institute for Fiscal Studies' Pensions Review, published last week, outlines the need for Scotland to take a distinct approach to immigration, the economy, and pensions. The report makes recommendations to improve the UK’s pension system – citing the UK’s ageing population as one of the greatest pressures facing public finances, with a smaller tax base and older population having an impact on the UK’s ability to fund pensions. The SNP has reiterated its call for the devolution of immigration powers to Scotland – stating that Scotland can address its population problem by supporting new families and building an immigration system that suits Scotland’s distinct needs. Dumfries and Galloway is sensitive to the demographic changes taking place, with the oldest population of any of Scotland’s 32 council areas, and a drop in the working age population over the last decade of 8 per cent.

Meanwhile, the overall population in the region has declined year on year, being one of only seven out of 32 in Scotland to record a drop. Ms Harper said: “This report tells us what we all already know – that Scotland, and particularly Dumfries and Galloway, have an ageing population, and that we need to grow the working age population to pay for those pensions. “The SNP is taking action to support new families in Scotland like the baby box, scrapping the two-child cap, or 1140 hours of free childcare, the most generous offer anywhere in the UK. “But we can only do so much with the limited powers of devolution – if we had powers over immigration here in Scotland, we could attract the young, talented workers and families we need to grow our economy and reverse Scotland’s population problem. “The only way to build a society that supports new families and create an immigration system that suits Scotland’s distinct needs is with the full powers of independence – and that will secure a pensions system fit for the future.”