Tory welfare cuts are expected to reduce annual social security spending in Scotland by almost £4bn by 2020/21, according to a new report.

The benefits freeze, reduction in work allowance of Universal Credit and the removal of housing benefit were among the concerns listed in the Scottish Government's update on the impacts of reforms made since 2010.

Glasgow is expected to be the hardest-hit council area but West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire, Dundee, Inverclyde and North Lanarkshire are likely to experience the biggest falls relative to their working population size, it said.

Women, disabled people and young people will be disproportionately affected by the cuts, according to social security minister Jeane Freeman.

She said: "This report presents the stark reality of the UK Government's austerity programme which imposes unjust welfare cuts that not only continue to cause misery and push more people into poverty, but also directly affect local economies across Scotland and attract international criticism.

"These cuts are damaging our people and they are harmful to our communities."

Ms Freeman said the Scottish Government had used over £350m since 2013/14 to mitigate against the "worst damage".

Ministers have now laid regulations in the Scottish Parliament to make Universal Credit payments more flexible in the first use of new devolved social security powers.

Ms Freeman added: "We have consistently said the new social security system in Scotland will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect."

John Dickie, director of the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland, said: "Scottish Government mitigation in the form of additional spending on discretionary housing payments, the Scottish welfare fund and council tax reduction is hugely welcome, but if ministers are serious about eradicating child poverty by 2030 a sea change in the level of investment in supporting family incomes is needed.

"Using new powers to top up child benefit, for example, could alone lift 30,000 children out of poverty."

Labour MSP Alex Rowley said: "The Tories' failed austerity agenda has hurt the poorest in Scotland and across the UK.

"Since the Tories first took power in 2010, Scotland has been ravaged by seven years of austerity and devastating cuts to social security, and these figures suggest the cuts could get even worse.

"But the SNP also has the power to end much of this untold misery, but has so far refused to act."