Image source, bbc

That's all from Holyrood Live on Wednesday 25 April 2018.

On a historic day at the Scottish parliament, MSPs unanimously passed the Social Security (Scotland) Bill.

The legislation will establish a devolved Scottish social security system.

Holyrood is being given responsibility for 11 benefits, including disability living allowance, personal independence payments and carers' allowance.

The benefits are relied upon by 1.4 million people across the country, and are worth about £3.3bn a year.

And on a busy day, MSPs also voted to set the minimum price of alcohol at 50p, starting next Tuesday.

Image source, PA

MSPs approve the SSI setting the new minimum unit price for alcohol at 50 pence.

This will come in to force next Tuesday and will increase the price of cheap beers, ciders and supermarket own brand spirits.

The idea of a minimum unit price to address public health concerns was first proposed by the SNP government in 2009 but it has not been introduced until now because of legal challenges from the Scotch Whisky Association.

Image source, bbc

MSPs unanimously pass the Social Security (Scotland) Bill.

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman says this has been a debate that has been fitting for what is an important moment in the history of the Scottish Parliament.

Ms Freeman says she is grateful for all the kind comments made about her but she points out that behind every minister is an excellent team and she gives thanks to all of them.

The minister says she will look for consensus going forward.

The Best Start Grant will be a significant investment in children and families, she says.

"And we don't do caps on our future generations," she adds.

Ms Freeman emphasises that people must be able to get what they need.

This social security system will not be one that is a bit better, "but one that is great".

She concludes thanking today's BSL interpreters and everyone watching at home.

"Today I think we've achieved something that is not only important but also a bit special."

Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour says the Bill allows for independent advice to be provided to the parliament which will be useful.

We must be careful in the language we use to not over-promise on what we deliver, he says.

Mr Balfour says we must ensure scrutiny of procedure is fit for purpose.

We can have the right intention, but unless awards of the right amount are made on the right day, we will have failed, he says.

Let's get the regulations right and only then can we be proud of what we deliver in the future he concludes.

Labour MSP Mark Griffin says some of the new benefits will move Scotland beyond what exists at Westminster.

He particularly welcomes the amendment supporting automatic split payment, stating Universal Credit is shifting economic power away from women.

We should look forward to improving carers' allowance more broadly, Mr Griffin argues.

The Labour MSP says the biggest job will be to support and scrutinise the Scottish government's plans for disability benefits, with a move as far away from the PIP transfer as possible.

We are ready for the challenge ahead, he concludes.

Mr Cole-Hamilton welcomes the agreement on the amendments concerning split payments and terminal illness, suggesting this is a fantastic start.

The social security system must not be just be used to "clean up Westminster's messes", he says.

We can use powers now to introduce new benefits, including for young widows and WASPI women, the Lib Dem MSP says.

Image source, Getty Images

Last Friday it emerged there would be no limit set on how long a patient has left to live before their condition is considered "terminal", according to a Scottish government announcemnt.

This was confirmed today when an amendment from the social security minister addressing this issue was unanimously backed by MSPs.

Current rules for disability benefits and Universal Credit say a patient must have six months or less to live before their illness is classed as terminal.

The Scottish government had been under pressure to extend this in its own Social Security Bill.

It has now said it will scrap the time limit altogether.

Image source, bbc

Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton joins in the praise of Social Security Minister Jeanne Freeman and her team.

Mr Cole-Hamilton cites the agreement reached over the definition of terminal illness and says he used the hashtag "rabbit out of the hat" as she managed to square a circle.

He says the final key principle of this system has to be its humanity.

That has been disrupted in rest of the UK, he opines.

The problem with the current system is not just support being cut, but the culture around it is "hugely problematic", argues Ms Johnstone.

Founding a system on the principle of social security being a right will create a more empowering system, the Green MSP suggests.

She says topping up carers' allowance is a welcome start but far more can be done, particularly around disability benefits.

"Constituents are being driven to the depths of despair by the current PIP system."

The Scottish Greens look forward to playing a role in creating a far more respectful system, Ms Johnstone says.

Last June, Social Security Secretary Angela Constance announced the timetable for delivery of the first benefits to be devolved.

An increased carer's allowance would be payable from the summer of 2018, backdated to April.

The Best Start Grant, a replacement for the maternity grant to target child poverty, and the Funeral Expense Assistance grant would be paid from the summer of 2019.

Image source, PA

Other benefits being devolved are:

• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance and Industrial Injuries Scheme
• Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Payments
• Discretionary Housing Payments