Recommendations & Conclusions
33 items
1
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
The evidence we have seen from the inquiry has highlighted evidence of somewhat different approaches adopted by the governments but these differences were not jeopardising the devolution of welfare to Scotland and both governments are striving to treat claimants fairly and with respect. Our Committee was happy to see that …
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The evidence we have seen from the inquiry has highlighted evidence of somewhat different approaches adopted by the governments but these differences were not jeopardising the devolution of welfare to Scotland and both governments are striving to treat claimants fairly and with respect. Our Committee was happy to see that despite political differences between the governments there is also mutual respect and that both governments are working towards the safe and secure devolution of welfare benefits to Scotland. We note the Scottish Government’s Social Security Charter as an alternative way of administering social security in Scotland. We will observe with interest how this difference will manifest in practice.
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Government response AI summary
The Scottish Government welcomes the report's recognition of commitment from both governments to social security devolution and states its content to support publicly restating the commitment to constructive joint working.
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Scotland Office
10
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
We also note the increase in the number of work coaches (by 13,500) and specialist disability employment advisers in recent months as a result of the UK Government’s recent recruitment campaign. We see this as a very welcome step in ensuring that access to reserved benefits is improved for claimants …
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We also note the increase in the number of work coaches (by 13,500) and specialist disability employment advisers in recent months as a result of the UK Government’s recent recruitment campaign. We see this as a very welcome step in ensuring that access to reserved benefits is improved for claimants in Scotland.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the positive highlighting of DWP's pandemic response and the increase in work coaches and disability employment advisors, providing more specific numbers for Scotland.
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Scotland Office
17
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
We note the wealth of evidence we have received as part of this inquiry that the payment award for claimants of Universal Credit is not enough to tackle poverty in Scotland and provide claimants with a stable support base from which they can access the job market. We welcome the …
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We note the wealth of evidence we have received as part of this inquiry that the payment award for claimants of Universal Credit is not enough to tackle poverty in Scotland and provide claimants with a stable support base from which they can access the job market. We welcome the extension of the £20 uplift until September 2021 and the positive effect this has had throughout the pandemic.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation by highlighting Universal Credit's role during the pandemic and the temporary uplift, while reiterating its focus on employment and the Plan for Jobs as a route out of poverty.
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Scotland Office
26
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
Many commentators highlighted how the process of the devolution of welfare powers to Scotland has worked well. In their written evidence the Child Poverty Action Group said that the ‘governments appear to have mostly worked well together’53 whilst The Poverty Alliance note that ‘cooperation has been effective’ between the governments. …
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Many commentators highlighted how the process of the devolution of welfare powers to Scotland has worked well. In their written evidence the Child Poverty Action Group said that the ‘governments appear to have mostly worked well together’53 whilst The Poverty Alliance note that ‘cooperation has been effective’ between the governments. They cite the ‘smooth delivery of Carer’s Allowance Supplement’,54 a Scottish Government benefit available to people in Scotland who receive Carer’s Allowance, as an example of where the governments have co-operated effectively to help claimants in Scotland. Suzanne Lavelle of the Southside Housing Association told us that the working relationship between the governments was important and that collaboration was necessary because ‘at the end of the day, in effect there is a person who is depending on them for that payment.’55
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Government response AI summary
The government recognises the Committee's observation regarding the effective cooperation and mutual respect between the UK and Scottish Governments in the devolution of social security.
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Scotland Office
27
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
In the written evidence provided from the Scottish Government and the DWP, collaboration appears to be working well at inter-governmental level. The Scottish Government highlight that they have a ‘constructive relationship’56 with the DWP with the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, holding bi-lateral meetings …
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In the written evidence provided from the Scottish Government and the DWP, collaboration appears to be working well at inter-governmental level. The Scottish Government highlight that they have a ‘constructive relationship’56 with the DWP with the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, holding bi-lateral meetings with Ministerial counterparts on an ‘as and when’57 basis as well as there being the more formal channel of the Joint Ministerial Working Group on 49 Joseph Rowntree Foundation (WPS0019) 50 The Poverty Alliance (WPS0018) 51 Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (WPS0017) 52 Joseph Rowntree Foundation (WPS0019) 53 Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland (WPS0009) 54 The Poverty Alliance (WPS0018) 55 Q132 56 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 57 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 18 Welfare policy in Scotland Welfare, which the Cabinet Secretary told us ‘meets twice a year’.58 These meetings are where ‘key developments on policy, legislation and implementation [are] discussed.’59 A recent example of this collaboration in action includes the Cabinet Secretary, Shirley Anne Somerville MSP’s reference to meetings held with the DWP’s Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin Tomlinson MP, before she announced the delay to the Child and Adult Disability Payments in November 2020 due to the covid-19 pandemic.60 DWP echo this view in their written evidence, highlighting that it has ‘provided wide ranging support’61 to the Scottish Government such as ‘holding joint workshops’62 and organising ‘visits to DWP benefit processing sites’.63
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Government response AI summary
The government recognises the Committee's observation regarding the constructive relationship and effective collaboration between the UK and Scottish Governments on social security devolution.
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Scotland Office
28
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
It appears that this positive working relationship has been fostered despite the debate as to whether the UK and Scottish governments have differing viewpoints on social security (detailed in Chapter 2). The Cabinet Secretary highlighted there were ‘a range of political differences between the Scottish and UK governments about social …
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It appears that this positive working relationship has been fostered despite the debate as to whether the UK and Scottish governments have differing viewpoints on social security (detailed in Chapter 2). The Cabinet Secretary highlighted there were ‘a range of political differences between the Scottish and UK governments about social security’64 whilst the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work acknowledged this saying ‘there are political directions that we disagree on’.65 Despite these political differences we heard evidence from both the Scottish Government and the UK Government that they are trying to work together to ensure the devolution of welfare powers to Scotland is a success. The Cabinet Secretary said that the two governments ‘need to [work together] because this is a joint programme [ … ] and we have shared clients and a shared responsibility for them.’66 The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work agreed with this statement explaining to the Committee that the UK Government ‘will never be precious’67 over its handling of welfare and acknowledged that if ‘there are lessons for us to learn, then we will learn them’.68 He went on to say that the UK Government ‘will not seek to be different [from the Scottish Government] for the sake of being different because the only thing that matters is the people that we are supporting, which is predominantly the most vulnerable people in society.’69 Administering welfare: Processes, organisations and systems in the multi-agency context
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Government response AI summary
The government recognises the Committee's observation of the mutual respect and cooperative working relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments regarding social security devolution.
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Scotland Office
29
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
Despite high-level political agreement to devolve welfare powers, there have been delays to this process. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation noted that ‘the timetable for full control and delivery by Scotland was originally planned for May 2021 but is now timetabled for 2024.’70 The Scottish Government acknowledged this delay saying that …
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Despite high-level political agreement to devolve welfare powers, there have been delays to this process. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation noted that ‘the timetable for full control and delivery by Scotland was originally planned for May 2021 but is now timetabled for 2024.’70 The Scottish Government acknowledged this delay saying that it was now their aim to ‘complete the work of delivering the devolved benefits, and transferring existing cases from the DWP to Social Security Scotland, by the end of 2025.’71 The primary reason 58 Q148 59 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 60 Scottish Government, Social Security benefits - update: statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, 17 November 2020 61 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) 62 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) 63 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) 64 Q137 65 Q177 66 Q137 67 Q180 68 Q180 69 Q180 70 Joseph Rowntree Foundation (WPS0019) 71 Scottish Government (WPS0013) Welfare policy in Scotland 19 given for the delay in their evidence is the disruption caused by the covid-19 pandemic. It explains ‘research and testing for future benefits have had to be paused or moved online. Health and social care professionals, whose expertise we need to deliver Disability and Carer’s Assistance, have been rightly redeployed to the frontline.’72 Local Authorities who liaise with Social Security Scotland in providing ‘supporting information on a client’s application, are focused on supporting people during this difficult time’,73 which also contributes to covid-19 related delays. Another reason the Scottish Government give for this delay is that during the pandemic the DWP, whom the Scottish Government find ‘imperative to all our work,’74 have had to ‘divert resources to respond to unprecedented demand for Universal Credit as the economic impact of the pandemic made itself felt.’75 As a result of these delays to the Scottish Government taking full responsibility for devolved benefits
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation regarding delays in welfare devolution, emphasizing the positive intergovernmental working relationship and DWP's effective response to the pandemic.
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Scotland Office
31
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
Agency agreements between the Scottish Government and the DWP have been used during the process of the devolution of welfare powers. An agency agreement is used when the DWP delivers benefits which have been devolved to the Scottish Government via legislation, but Social Security Scotland is not yet in a …
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Agency agreements between the Scottish Government and the DWP have been used during the process of the devolution of welfare powers. An agency agreement is used when the DWP delivers benefits which have been devolved to the Scottish Government via legislation, but Social Security Scotland is not yet in a position to administer these benefits to claimants in Scotland. Examples of benefits that have been delivered through agency agreements include Carer’s Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The Cabinet Secretary described this system as a ‘pragmatic way to ensure the continuity of payments’77 for claimants in Scotland. She went on to say that the system allows people who claim these benefits to be ‘paid the right amount at the right time, which when we ask clients is consistently the most important thing for them as we move to devolution’.78 Giving the UK Government’s perspective on agency agreements the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work said that the agreements are ‘in place to make sure, from the public’s perspective, there is no cliff edge’79 and that claimants continue to receive the benefit they are eligible for.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the committee's observation regarding mutual respect and welcomed the acknowledgement of its agreement to provide services under agency arrangements during the devolution process.
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Scotland Office
32
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
We were told by the UK and Scottish governments that these agency agreements are funded by the Scottish Government who reimburse the DWP for delivering the benefits 72 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 73 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 74 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 75 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 76 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) …
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We were told by the UK and Scottish governments that these agency agreements are funded by the Scottish Government who reimburse the DWP for delivering the benefits 72 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 73 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 74 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 75 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 76 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) 77 Q151 78 Q151 79 Q184 20 Welfare policy in Scotland that agency agreements have been set up for.80 Catherine Reeves from the Social Security Programme Management Office, Scottish Government, highlighted that this system was ‘good value for money’81 and ‘fair to the taxpayer’82 whilst it is in operation.
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government acknowledges the Committee’s observation on mutual respect and devolution, highlights DWP's pandemic response and increased staff, and welcomes its agreement to provide services under agency arrangements, but does not specifically comment on the funding or value-for-money aspects of these agreements.
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Scotland Office
33
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
Andrew Latto, Deputy Director, Devolution, Pensioner Benefits and Carer’s Allowance, Policy Group at the DWP highlighted that ‘there is no interest in keeping agency agreements going for longer than is absolutely necessary’.83 This is because for the duration of the agency agreement the Scottish Government are tied into the service …
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Andrew Latto, Deputy Director, Devolution, Pensioner Benefits and Carer’s Allowance, Policy Group at the DWP highlighted that ‘there is no interest in keeping agency agreements going for longer than is absolutely necessary’.83 This is because for the duration of the agency agreement the Scottish Government are tied into the service that the DWP are delivering the benefit under and so cannot implement their own policy on that particular benefit. This is known as a ‘business as usual’ approach. The DWP also note that delivering benefits via agency agreements in Scotland is also not ideal from their perspective due to what they described as an ‘opportunity cost’84 as DWP staff continue to deliver these devolved benefits rather than ‘doing other things that we [DWP] might otherwise have planned for them to do.’85 Data Sharing
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Government response AI summary
The government's response was a general introductory statement, acknowledging mutual respect and progress towards devolution of social security, and welcoming the agency arrangements while the Scottish Government builds its capacity. It did not directly address the DWP's stated reasons for not wanting to prolong these …
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Scotland Office
34
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
Professor McKeever, Ulster University, stated that the sharing of data between the DWP and the Scottish Government and Scottish Social Security Agency is ‘very critical to rolling out the success of the benefit system.’86 This point is supported throughout the written evidence the Committee has received for the inquiry. The …
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Professor McKeever, Ulster University, stated that the sharing of data between the DWP and the Scottish Government and Scottish Social Security Agency is ‘very critical to rolling out the success of the benefit system.’86 This point is supported throughout the written evidence the Committee has received for the inquiry. The Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland describe information sharing as ‘vital’87 and Citizens Advice Scotland say it is ‘crucial’88 for the operation of the benefits system in Scotland.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's general observation of mutual respect and collaboration between the UK and Scottish Governments on social security devolution, but does not specifically address the importance of data sharing.
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Scotland Office
36
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
The Scottish Government outlined how the access to DWP-held data about claimants, caseloads, and trends is necessary to develop devolved administrative systems. In their evidence they stated that data sharing to help manage the transfer of claimants from the DWP to the Scottish social security system, will be a ‘complex …
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The Scottish Government outlined how the access to DWP-held data about claimants, caseloads, and trends is necessary to develop devolved administrative systems. In their evidence they stated that data sharing to help manage the transfer of claimants from the DWP to the Scottish social security system, will be a ‘complex undertaking that requires extensive joint work between the Scottish Government, Social Security Scotland and the DWP.’93 It goes on to say that this area of work is ‘where the Scottish Government has a particularly high dependency on the DWP, with whom we need to work in partnership, from initial planning through to delivery, to ensure that people’s cases are safely transferred.’94
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government recognises the Committee’s observation on mutual respect and devolution, highlights DWP's pandemic response and increased staff improving access, and acknowledges its agreement for agency arrangements, but does not specifically address the detailed concerns about data sharing complexity.
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Scotland Office
44
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
The DWP explained their reading of the situation in regards to the Scottish Government rolling out the Scottish Child Payment to children older than six years old. The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work noted that the data necessary for this roll out was proving difficult to supply because …
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The DWP explained their reading of the situation in regards to the Scottish Government rolling out the Scottish Child Payment to children older than six years old. The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work noted that the data necessary for this roll out was proving difficult to supply because the DWP ‘don’t have it.’111 The DWP officials went on to explain that for the data necessary for the Scottish Child Payment for children under the age of six, the DWP transferred data that was used by the UK Government to administer maternity grants to the Scottish Government so they could deliver their Best Start Grant benefit. The Scottish Government then used the same data to set up the Scottish Child Payment for children aged under six years old.112
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the observation on data sharing difficulties by outlining existing mechanisms like a dedicated Data Sharing Board and Chief Data Officers forum, emphasizing DWP's commitment to responding to requests while adhering to legal accountabilities.
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Scotland Office
56
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
The Scotland Act 2016 devolved significant new welfare powers to the Scottish Parliament. A consequence of the devolution process is that it is possible for people to be eligible for social security payments from four different agencies and potentially dealing with interactions with several of them. The four different agencies …
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The Scotland Act 2016 devolved significant new welfare powers to the Scottish Parliament. A consequence of the devolution process is that it is possible for people to be eligible for social security payments from four different agencies and potentially dealing with interactions with several of them. The four different agencies that provide benefits to claimants in Scotland are: • Social Security Scotland–e.g Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant • DWP–e.g. Universal Credit • HMRC–tax credits • Local Authorities–Scottish Welfare Fund, Discretionary Housing payments
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation regarding the complexity of benefit payments across four agencies due to devolution and highlights DWP's response during the pandemic, including increased work coaches and agency agreements with the Scottish Government.
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Scotland Office
57
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
As discussed in Chapter two, there are different policy approaches and choices relating to reducing poverty through social security policies. This diversity creates different benefit administration and communication processes and responsibilities. We heard from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, that ‘We can make …
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As discussed in Chapter two, there are different policy approaches and choices relating to reducing poverty through social security policies. This diversity creates different benefit administration and communication processes and responsibilities. We heard from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, that ‘We can make things work behind the scenes—and we certainly should do—to ensure that this is seamless for people and is not complicated for them any more than it needs to be, but they will still, I think, have a very different service experience when they approach the agency and when they approach the DWP.’124 The Joseph Rowntree Foundation stated in their written evidence that ‘the different policy choices in Scotland are positive and command public support. However, divergence also creates challenges: firstly, complexity – particularly for claimants but also for advice agencies seeking to advise them and each tier of the system (local, Social Security Scotland and DWP).’125 A consistent message that we heard in our evidence was that people experiencing poverty ‘do not care where their money comes from; they just care that they are getting it’126 so they can pay their essential bills and make ends meet. Reducing the complexity for people experiencing poverty
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government recognises the Committee’s observation on the complexity of policies and highlights existing DWP efforts, such as increasing work coaches and specialist advisors, which improved access to reserved benefits in Scotland, and acknowledges agency agreements.
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Scotland Office
58
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
Witnesses consistently highlighted the need to reduce complexity, increase awareness, and improve access to the available benefits and support systems. Nina Ballantyne of Citizens Advice Scotland highlighted that whilst the social security landscape in Scotland may be complicated by the number of agencies that support is available from, this does …
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Witnesses consistently highlighted the need to reduce complexity, increase awareness, and improve access to the available benefits and support systems. Nina Ballantyne of Citizens Advice Scotland highlighted that whilst the social security landscape in Scotland may be complicated by the number of agencies that support is available from, this does not mean that it must be a complicated process for a claimant. She argued that a system can be ‘complicated and complex without the user necessarily having to be cognisant and fully up [to date] on all that.’127 To explain the point they drew comparisons with how ‘you can 124 Q146 125 The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (WPS0019) 126 Q102 127 Q102 Welfare policy in Scotland 27 switch your light on or switch your heating on, and you do not need to know that there is a retail energy supplier, a DNO [Distribution Network Operator], a TSO [Transmission System Operator] in the system and everything else coming through the wires.’128
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government recognises the Committee’s observation and highlights existing DWP efforts, such as increased work coaches and specialist advisors, which improved access to reserved benefits in Scotland, and acknowledges agency agreements. The response does not specifically commit to actions to reduce overall system complexity.
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Scotland Office
59
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
A solution offered in the evidence for providing this service to claimants in Scotland was for there to be a “no wrong door policy” explained by Kirsty McKechnie of the Child Poverty Action Group to us as if a claimant approaches ‘one agency and tell[s] them something, that information is …
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A solution offered in the evidence for providing this service to claimants in Scotland was for there to be a “no wrong door policy” explained by Kirsty McKechnie of the Child Poverty Action Group to us as if a claimant approaches ‘one agency and tell[s] them something, that information is then passed on, or if they apply for a benefit to the wrong agency, that is protected as a date of claim.’129 She took this further by suggesting there should be an improvement of communications and knowledge sharing across the social security system in Scotland with agencies being able to ‘deliver proper information to claimants, particularly about how they [benefit agencies] all interact with each other’.130 Professor McKendrick, Glasgow Caledonian University, also highlighted to us that claimants should be able to access a ‘seamless totality of advice for social security and they don’t get bits from here and bits from there’.131 Neil Cowan of the Poverty Alliance echoed this concern and told us ‘What we do not want is people having to go to multiple different agencies to access multiple pieces of advice about different systems.’132
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Government response AI summary
The government provides a general acknowledgement of the committee's observations regarding UK and Scottish Government collaboration and social security devolution, without specifically addressing the 'no wrong door' policy or seamless advice.
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Scotland Office
66
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
Taking all these concerns into account we were happy to hear of the increase in the number of work coaches by 13,500 across the UK to boost jobseeker support as a response to the covid-19 pandemic.164 We were very pleased to hear that as a result of this recruitment drive …
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Taking all these concerns into account we were happy to hear of the increase in the number of work coaches by 13,500 across the UK to boost jobseeker support as a response to the covid-19 pandemic.164 We were very pleased to hear that as a result of this recruitment drive there are an additional 862 work coaches in Scotland whilst the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work also said there was an increase in ‘specialist disability employment advisers to make sure the level of personalisation, knowledge and understanding is there to support those particular challenges.’165 The Scottish Government did highlight that the real test of whether this increase in work coaches is successful will be what difference the work coaches are able to make in terms of the service they can offer.166 The Cabinet Secretary warned that with such a high number of claimants each, the success of these new work coaches will be whether they can ‘deliver the standard of service that a client requires and should have a right to.’167
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's positive highlighting of DWP's response to the pandemic, confirming the increase in work coaches and specialist disability employment advisors in Scotland improved access to reserved benefits.
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Scotland Office
68
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
We also note the increase in the number of work coaches (by 13,500) and specialist disability employment advisers in recent months as a result of the UK Government’s recent recruitment campaign. We see this as a very welcome step in ensuring that access to reserved benefits is improved for claimants …
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We also note the increase in the number of work coaches (by 13,500) and specialist disability employment advisers in recent months as a result of the UK Government’s recent recruitment campaign. We see this as a very welcome step in ensuring that access to reserved benefits is improved for claimants in Scotland.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the committee's positive remarks about the increase in work coaches and specialist disability employment advisors in Scotland, stating these helped improve access to reserved benefits.
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Scotland Office
71
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
The Scottish Government are set to begin taking responsibility for the payment of benefits to disabled people in Scotland this year via the new Scottish Social Security agency. This transfer of powers was due to take place in 2020, however, the process was delayed. The Cabinet Secretary for Social Security …
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The Scottish Government are set to begin taking responsibility for the payment of benefits to disabled people in Scotland this year via the new Scottish Social Security agency. This transfer of powers was due to take place in 2020, however, the process was delayed. The Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, announced168 the delay of these benefits in April 2020 and then went on to say, in November 2020, that the new target for delivering these benefits was summer 2021 for Child Disability Payment, and summer 2022 for Adult Disability Payment.169 The Cabinet Secretary confirmed when speaking to us that the covid-19 pandemic and the knock on effects this had on the Scottish Government, the DWP, health and social care services and local authorities meant it was not possible to roll out the new benefits to the timetable the Scottish Government had originally planned.170
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation by providing an update on the progress of delivering Child Disability Payment later this month and Adult Disability Payment in 2022.
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Scotland Office
72
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
The Child Disability Payment171 will be replacing the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (Child)172 benefit. People who are eligible will be between three months and 18 years of age and have: • lived with a disability for at least three months and who can expect to continue to have this disability …
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The Child Disability Payment171 will be replacing the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (Child)172 benefit. People who are eligible will be between three months and 18 years of age and have: • lived with a disability for at least three months and who can expect to continue to have this disability for at least six months - unless they are regarded as terminally ill.173 • qualifying children aged three months or over will be entitled to a payment for their care. Children over three years old can also get a payment to help with their mobility needs.174
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the description of the Child Disability Payment, confirming its imminent introduction in three local authority areas and full national rollout in autumn, followed by Adult Disability Payment in 2022.
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Scotland Office
81
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
We realise the huge amount of work done by DWP employees during the difficult time since the covid-19 pandemic started and pay tribute to their hard work. We understand that many DWP employees were ‘redeployed at very short notice’200 to the Universal Credit processing teams to help with the number …
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We realise the huge amount of work done by DWP employees during the difficult time since the covid-19 pandemic started and pay tribute to their hard work. We understand that many DWP employees were ‘redeployed at very short notice’200 to the Universal Credit processing teams to help with the number of new claims that were being made through the on-line application process for Universal Credit. 76,000 claims were made for Universal Credit in Scotland in April 2020 alone.201 In Scotland the number of people claiming Universal Credit has doubled with 490,000 people now receiving Universal Credit (as of March 2021) as compared to 260,000 people receiving the benefit back in February 2020.202 The Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince MP, highlighted in his evidence how employees at DWP had ‘strained every sinew’203 over the past year to help with claims processing and that this effort by the Department had been ‘unprecedented’.204
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's tribute to DWP employees for their hard work during the pandemic, highlighting that Universal Credit successfully handled increased claims and access to benefits was improved by additional staff.
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Scotland Office
82
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
Throughout the inquiry we heard evidence from stakeholders who said the Universal Credit application system had coped with the quick expansions of applications over the past year. David Eiser of The Fraser of Allander Institute, an economic research organisation, noted that ‘in general the Universal Credit system seemed to cope …
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Throughout the inquiry we heard evidence from stakeholders who said the Universal Credit application system had coped with the quick expansions of applications over the past year. David Eiser of The Fraser of Allander Institute, an economic research organisation, noted that ‘in general the Universal Credit system seemed to cope pretty well with this surge in claims.’205 Suzanne Lavelle from Southside Housing Association also mentioned that the system had proved robust under the pressure of the weight of claims being made for Universal Credit in the first few months of the covid-19 pandemic. They said the system had ‘held up well for the people who have digital skills. The DWP has to be commended for the amount of work that has been put into processing the huge influx of claims that it had.’206
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges DWP's effective response to the pandemic, noting Universal Credit's ability to manage increased claims and highlighting the addition of work coaches and specialist disability employment advisors in Scotland.
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Scotland Office
83
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
The Minister for Welfare Delivery highlighted that he felt the Universal Credit digital application system ‘stood up to the challenge’207 that the pandemic presented and that the previous legacy benefits system, which more heavily relied on paper-based administration, separate benefits and application processes, and need for in-person applications ‘would have …
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The Minister for Welfare Delivery highlighted that he felt the Universal Credit digital application system ‘stood up to the challenge’207 that the pandemic presented and that the previous legacy benefits system, which more heavily relied on paper-based administration, separate benefits and application processes, and need for in-person applications ‘would have fallen over’208 under the pressure exerted on the welfare system by the pandemic. He went on to explain that the system working as it had done and with the efforts of DWP staff payment timeliness for Universal Credit in Scotland ‘remains over 90%’.209 Universal Credit – digital by default system
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged and welcomed the committee's positive highlighting of DWP's effective response and the resilience of the Universal Credit system during the pandemic, noting it stood up to the challenge with increased claimant numbers and improved access to benefits.
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Scotland Office
85
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
Chris Birt of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation commented that this digital by default system meant that for some claimants ‘being able to [apply for Universal Credit] online is far simpler and that is obviously welcome.’211 Neil Cowan of The Poverty Alliance agreed saying that with the digital system ‘some people …
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Chris Birt of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation commented that this digital by default system meant that for some claimants ‘being able to [apply for Universal Credit] online is far simpler and that is obviously welcome.’211 Neil Cowan of The Poverty Alliance agreed saying that with the digital system ‘some people do find it more straightforward’.212 Accessing Universal Credit
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the positive comments about DWP's pandemic response and highlights increased work coaches and specialist disability employment advisors in Scotland to improve access to benefits.
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Scotland Office
97
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
We heard evidence from various stakeholders that this amount of money was not adequate to ensure that claimants remain out of poverty and pay their essential bills. The Trussell Trust told us that ‘benefit issues and low benefit income are a reason behind four in five visits to food banks …
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We heard evidence from various stakeholders that this amount of money was not adequate to ensure that claimants remain out of poverty and pay their essential bills. The Trussell Trust told us that ‘benefit issues and low benefit income are a reason behind four in five visits to food banks in the Trussell Trust network’.234 Polly Jones of The Trussell Trust said they have ‘seen a 30% increase in food parcels in areas where Universal Credit has been rolled out in the local authority, so there is a strong correlation between Universal Credit and demand for food parcels.’235 David Eiser from The Fraser of Allander Institute described the UK’s out of work and low-income benefit rates as ‘pretty meagre on many measures’236 in comparison to other countries.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges concerns about Universal Credit's adequacy by highlighting its role as a vital safety net during the pandemic and reaffirming its focus on employment initiatives to reduce poverty.
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Scotland Office
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Conclusion
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Acknowledged
Many of the witnesses we heard from recommended to the UK Government that the £20 a week uplift be made permanent for Universal Credit claimants. Many stakeholders wanted to take this further as well and said the increase should also be extended to legacy benefit claimants (people who claim benefits …
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Many of the witnesses we heard from recommended to the UK Government that the £20 a week uplift be made permanent for Universal Credit claimants. Many stakeholders wanted to take this further as well and said the increase should also be extended to legacy benefit claimants (people who claim benefits such as Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit). Organisations such as The Joseph Rowntree 240 Q31 241 Q31 242 Scottish Affairs Committee, Welfare Policy in Scotland survey, March 2021 243 Joseph Rowntree Foundation (WPS0019) 244 HM Treasury, The Chancellor Rishi Sunak provides an updated statement on coronavirus, 20 March 2020 245 Q64 246 Q83 247 Citizens Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 248 Q109 249 The benefit freeze here refers to the period between April 2016 and April 2020 when most working age benefits and tax credit elements were kept at the same cash amount as in 2015/16 via the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016.For more information on this see: Benefits uprating 2019, House of Commons Library, March 2019 250 Q24 40 Welfare policy in Scotland Foundation,251 One Parent Families Scotland,252 Southside Housing Association253 and the Trussell Trust254 explicitly told us in their oral evidence that they wanted to see the £20 uplift extended to legacy benefit recipients.
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Government response AI summary
The government reiterates that the £20 uplift was a temporary measure for Universal Credit claimants and was never planned to be extended to legacy benefits, instead focusing on helping people into work through schemes like the Plan for Jobs.
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Scotland Office
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Conclusion
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Acknowledged
We note the wealth of evidence we have received as part of this inquiry that the payment award for claimants of Universal Credit is not enough to tackle poverty in Scotland and provide claimants with a stable support base from which they can access the job market. We welcome the …
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We note the wealth of evidence we have received as part of this inquiry that the payment award for claimants of Universal Credit is not enough to tackle poverty in Scotland and provide claimants with a stable support base from which they can access the job market. We welcome the extension of the £20 uplift until September 2021 and the positive effect this has had throughout the pandemic.
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Government response AI summary
The government reiterates that the £20 uplift was a temporary measure for Universal Credit claimants during the pandemic and was never planned for legacy benefits, emphasizing its Plan for Jobs to help people into work.
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Scotland Office
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Conclusion
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Acknowledged
There are two further Scottish Choices options that are yet to be rolled out. These are: • Split Payments: To split the Universal Credit household payment between members of a couple. • Removal of the spare room subsidy: To remove the underoccupancy charge (Bedroom Tax) at source in Universal Credit.326
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There are two further Scottish Choices options that are yet to be rolled out. These are: • Split Payments: To split the Universal Credit household payment between members of a couple. • Removal of the spare room subsidy: To remove the underoccupancy charge (Bedroom Tax) at source in Universal Credit.326
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government welcomes the recommendation, suggesting the Scottish Government should work with DWP to agree details and administration ahead of announcing potential changes to the listed options.
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Scotland Office
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Conclusion
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Acknowledged
The Scottish Government released its own evaluation of Universal Credit Scottish Choices in March 2021. The evaluation did accept that ‘overall awareness of the term ‘Scottish choices’ among the people on Universal Credit interviewed for this research was low.’334 The Scottish Government thought that Scottish Choices could be ‘better publicised.’335 …
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The Scottish Government released its own evaluation of Universal Credit Scottish Choices in March 2021. The evaluation did accept that ‘overall awareness of the term ‘Scottish choices’ among the people on Universal Credit interviewed for this research was low.’334 The Scottish Government thought that Scottish Choices could be ‘better publicised.’335 The evaluation also noted that there was confusion on the twice monthly payment option around payment dates, such as when the second payment in the month would be made and the amounts being paid as well as how the direct payment to landlord option works for those whose Universal Credit housing element does not cover full rent.336 Waiting to access Scottish Choices
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Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the recommendation, likely referring to the Scottish Government's suggestion for improved Scottish Choices, stressing the importance of the Scottish Government working with DWP to agree on details and administration before any further changes are announced.
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Scotland Office
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Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
The lack of rolling out the remaining two Scottish Choices options (split payment between couples on Universal Credit, and removing the underoccupancy charge (Bedroom Tax) at source in Universal Credit) was identified by witnesses and in written evidence as issues that should be resolved as a priority. Citizens Advice Scotland’s …
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The lack of rolling out the remaining two Scottish Choices options (split payment between couples on Universal Credit, and removing the underoccupancy charge (Bedroom Tax) at source in Universal Credit) was identified by witnesses and in written evidence as issues that should be resolved as a priority. Citizens Advice Scotland’s written evidence notes that removing the underoccupancy charge at source would limit the need for its mitigation through Discretionary Housing Payments, thereby reducing complexity.355 However it notes that this will ‘require IT changes from DWP to ensure that if the charge is removed then people are not then affected by the Benefit Cap’.356 The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations noted that: ‘As split payments were originally meant to ensure 347 Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (WPS0017) 348 Q123 349 Q123 350 Q123 351 Q167 352 Q197 353 Q198 354 Q197 355 Citizen’s Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 356 Citizen’s Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 52 Welfare policy in Scotland that members of a household would be protected from financial abuse by a partner, this extremely low level of use must raise grave concern’,357 a point also raised in the Scottish Government’s written evidence.358
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Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the recommendation, particularly for the Scottish Government to work with DWP to agree details and administration ahead of announcing any further potential changes regarding Scottish Choices options.
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Scotland Office
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Conclusion
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Acknowledged
The Scottish Government told us that they believe the roll out of the two further Scottish Choices options is being delayed because the DWP is not prioritising this work in the devolution programme. The Cabinet Secretary explained that she accepts that the ‘devolution programme is but one of the aspects …
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The Scottish Government told us that they believe the roll out of the two further Scottish Choices options is being delayed because the DWP is not prioritising this work in the devolution programme. The Cabinet Secretary explained that she accepts that the ‘devolution programme is but one of the aspects that the DWP works on’359 but that the Scottish Government would have preferred to see ‘much faster movement’360 on the two further Scottish Choices options. The Cabinet Secretary went on to highlight that the Scottish Government ‘cannot influence overall welfare policy’361 on reserved benefits such as Universal Credit and that if the DWP ‘doesn’t like what we [Scottish Government] would like to do it does not have to implement our intended solutions’.362 The Cabinet Secretary even went as far as suggesting that the split payment Scottish Choice may not be realised at all because the DWP do not wish to implement this choice.363
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Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the recommendation, particularly for the Scottish Government to work with the DWP to agree details and administration ahead of announcing any further changes to Scottish Choices options.
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Scotland Office
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Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Acknowledged
The Minister for Welfare Delivery responded to this by telling us that the Scottish Government had announced their intention to roll out the further option of split payments for Universal Credit claimants in Scotland but had ‘no clear intention or basis on how it could be delivered or operationalised.’364 He …
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The Minister for Welfare Delivery responded to this by telling us that the Scottish Government had announced their intention to roll out the further option of split payments for Universal Credit claimants in Scotland but had ‘no clear intention or basis on how it could be delivered or operationalised.’364 He went on to say that whilst this was possible, as split payments are available on a ‘manual basis on request’365 at present, making it available ‘as part of any automated process is far more complex.’366 The Minister for Welfare Delivery did make it clear that the Department was working to make this policy a reality despite the difficulties that he raised. He said the UK Government ‘stand ready to support the Scottish Government to implement that policy, but my understanding is that we are yet to find a way in which it could be operationalised at scale.’367
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the committee's report, welcoming the implied recommendation for the Scottish Government to work with DWP on agreeing details and administration for split payments before announcing further changes.
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Scotland Office