The Scottish Secretary has begun the process of devolving welfare powers to Holyrood ahead of a change to the benefits system.

Ian Murray will start the process on Wednesday to ensure the new pension age disability payment (PADP) in Scotland can replace the attendance allowance (AA).

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The AA delivers payments of up to £108 a week to help with personal support to people who have a physical or mental disability and are of state pension age or older.

On October 21, the PADP – delivered by the devolved Social Security Scotland – will replace AA and will act in broadly the same way.

(Image: Ian Murray pictured by Peter Byrne/PA Wire) Scotland was given a number of powers over welfare in 2016 following promises from the then UK government during the 2014 independence referendum campaign.

Leading his first Parliamentary debate as Scottish Secretary on Wednesday, Mr Murray will kick off the process for a Scotland Act order to confirm the new benefit. Scotland Acts are used by the Scottish Secretary to implement, update or adjust the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

He said the order will ensure pensioners do not miss out on any reserved benefits they are entitled to under the current AA system, including the Christmas bonus or carers’ allowance.

He said: “Resetting the relationship between Scotland’s two governments has been a priority for the Prime Minister and myself since the election.

“The Scottish Parliament has chosen to legislate for pension age disability payment to replace attendance allowance, and the UK Government will work to ensure these payments work within the broader UK benefits framework – so Scots don’t lose out on things like their £10 Christmas bonus.”

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He went on to say that the move shows how the UK and Scottish governments can work together in the interests of Scots.

He added: “This is devolution in action.

“The vast majority of Scots want to see their governments work together to produce better results – that’s what we’re getting on with doing.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.