The Scottish Government will use new welfare powers to help "remove the stigma attached to accessing benefits", according to social justice secretary Alex Neil.

Mr Neil has said SNP ministers will aim to reduce the stress of applying for social security payments, while also tackling social prejudices that currently affect claimants.

Among the benefits set to be devolved to Holyrood as part of the Scotland Bill are Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments and Attendance Allowance.

Just over 15% of welfare spending will be handed over to MSPs, with the legislation also giving Holyrood the power to create new benefits and top up existing payments.

Of the devolution of welfare levers, Mr Neil said: "With our new social security powers we have the opportunity to take a different approach and develop policies for Scotland which will help to remove the stigma attached to accessing benefits.

"These policies will be based on principles which will ensure people are treated with dignity and respect. We want to show that social security can be fairer, tackle inequalities, and protect and support the vulnerable in our society."

Mr Neil will outline the key principles that underpin the Scottish Government's approach to welfare policy at a debate on Tuesday.

He is expected to say that social security is not a hindrance but an investment in the people of Scotland, with respect for the individual at the heart of the system.

Welfare services will also be "evidence based" in order to provide value for money, while "putting people first" will be a central tenet to all future policies, processes and legislation.

He added: "It's understandable that people who receive benefits, who are ill, retired or disabled, will be concerned about how these changes will affect them.

"I want to reassure them that our priority is for them to receive their benefits on time and with the right amount.

"We want to ease some of the stress of applying for benefits and will make the system easier and simpler to navigate, and align it with our devolved services that support people.

"Over the past year we have engaged with and heard the views of more than 100 organisations through a series of events across Scotland.

"This is just the beginning of our engagement - we are committed to ensuring that, as we implement our powers and start to make changes, people continue to have a say in the debates and decisions that affect them."