The Scottish National Party MPs will push Westminster for devolution of powers on welfare payments and business taxes among to the Scottish Parliament.

Launching its manifesto this morning Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the SNP, said: “We will seek agreement that the Scottish Parliament should move to full financial responsibility. And as part of a phased transition,  we will prioritise early devolution of powers over employment policy, including the minimum wage, welfare, business taxes, national insurance and equality policy - the powers we need here in Scotland to create jobs, grow revenues and lift people out of poverty.”

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations has previously called for a the “wholesale devolution of welfare”.

The manifesto said that charities should not be included in the Lobbying Act:  “We support strict rules on lobbying but believe that campaigning charities should be allowed straightforward access and restrictions on their activities as ‘non-party campaigners’ should be removed.”

In an anti-austerity manifesto the party has proposed an increase in public spending.

The SNP also promises to block plans to cut the Disability Living Allowance and continue to integrate health and social care services.

Plaid Cymru’s commitments for the sector

Welsh nationalist party, Plaid Cymru’s manifesto includes the policy to introduce a Food Waste Bill that would require large food retailers and manufacturers to reduce food waste by donating surplus to charities for redistribution.

It also pledged to “use existing third sector structures” to create a Connected Communities programme to promote neighbourhood-level social action. Plaid would also establish a Social Innovation Hub to explore issues and facilitate communication between practitioners.