Appointment of the Scottish Government Permanent Secretary

That this House notes with grave concern the appointment by the First Minister of Scotland of the Director General, Work and Health Services, Department for Work and Pensions as the next Permanent Secretary and principal accountable officer for the Scottish Government; notes that United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights highlighted analysis that described universal credit sanctions as inhuman and cruel; believes that this is a wholly inappropriate appointment at variance with the values of social justice as well as the Scottish Government’s professed support for a social security system with dignity, fairness and respect at its heart; commends the Daily Record newspaper for reporting on the additional bonus payments of up to £30,000 in addition to a substantial six figure salary received by the Director General, Work and Health Services, Department for Work and Pensions and at the same time notes that families across the UK have been plunged into financial hardship through the removal of the £20 uplift to universal credit; and believes that all senior civil servant appointments including in the Scottish civil service must command the confidence and trust of the public and that this appointment fails that essential test.