Recommendations & Conclusions
27 items
4
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
The delays to the rollout of the devolved benefits until 2025 are highly regrettable. Although this delay can be blamed in part on covid-19, the largest delays were announced in 2019—a delay from 2021 to 2024. The Committee regrets that the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland have been unable …
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The delays to the rollout of the devolved benefits until 2025 are highly regrettable. Although this delay can be blamed in part on covid-19, the largest delays were announced in 2019—a delay from 2021 to 2024. The Committee regrets that the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland have been unable to become fully operational within the originally proposed timeline. We acknowledge the organisational complexities which contribute to these delays and support greater collaborative working to resolve them. We welcome the pragmatic approach of the Scottish Government financing the DWP to administer devolved benefits, and the DWP’s cooperation to utilise agency agreements to ensure people still receive their benefits despite the delays to developing the devolved capacity. (Paragraph 51) 4 Welfare policy in Scotland
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details DWP's existing mechanisms for data sharing with the Scottish Government, including a dedicated board and regular forums, and states that the Scottish Government should build its own datasets. However, it does not directly address the committee's regret regarding delays to devolved …
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Scotland Office
15
Recommendation
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
We pay tribute to the DWP employees during this very difficult time in managing and handling the huge increase of people accessing welfare because of the covid-19 pandemic. The digital by default system has withstood the pressure placed on it during the pandemic, although, the DWP should look to offer …
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We pay tribute to the DWP employees during this very difficult time in managing and handling the huge increase of people accessing welfare because of the covid-19 pandemic. The digital by default system has withstood the pressure placed on it during the pandemic, although, the DWP should look to offer other options of support for those who require it—especially with expected job losses set to increase as the year progresses and the anticipated conclusion of the furlough scheme at the end of September 2021—which will likely bring further demands on Universal Credit through natural migration (and managed migration if and when that process starts) of individuals still in receipt of legacy benefits.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response is an introductory paragraph, acknowledging positive observations in the report and the efforts of DWP employees, but does not specifically address the recommendation to offer other support options.
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Scotland Office
25
Recommendation
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
The Scottish Government and the DWP should work together and seek agreement before announcing further Scottish Choices options to ensure there is no delay in roll out. We therefore recommend the following: a) That Scottish Choices be made available to a claimant from the start of their Universal Credit claim. …
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The Scottish Government and the DWP should work together and seek agreement before announcing further Scottish Choices options to ensure there is no delay in roll out. We therefore recommend the following: a) That Scottish Choices be made available to a claimant from the start of their Universal Credit claim. b) That both the Scottish Government and the DWP better advertise the availability of Scottish Choices through the initial online claim process, through the Citizens Advice Scotland Help to Claim service, and through the first meeting with the work coach. c) That discussions about Scottish Choices between claimants and work coaches happen frequently throughout a claimant’s time on Universal Credit. We understand that these conversations could take place via journal entries if the claimant is happy with this approach. d) That the Scottish Government and the DWP work together and agree details and administration before announcing further Scottish Choices options. This would ensure that there are no delays as has been seen with the roll out of split payment and removal of the underoccupancy charge Scottish Choices options. (Paragraph 148) 8 Welfare policy in Scotland 1 Introduction
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the Scottish Government's policy is to offer Scottish Choices from the second assessment period to allow for Alternative Payment Arrangements, effectively rejecting the recommendation to make them available from the start and not addressing the other recommendations on advertising and collaboration.
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Scotland Office
30
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
The Scottish Government has claimed that delays were due to covid-19, however there were already significant delays before the pandemic. Indeed, in 2019, in a statement to the Scottish Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary delayed the programme from being fully operational in 2021, until 2024. This three year delay is more …
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The Scottish Government has claimed that delays were due to covid-19, however there were already significant delays before the pandemic. Indeed, in 2019, in a statement to the Scottish Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary delayed the programme from being fully operational in 2021, until 2024. This three year delay is more than the one year delay caused by covid-19. Agency Agreements
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on the DWP's work during the pandemic and its agency agreements, rather than addressing the committee's observation regarding Scottish Government programme delays.
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Scotland Office
35
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
We heard that improvement in data sharing between the Scottish Government and DWP was needed. Policy in Practice, a policy analysis company, highlighted in their evidence to us that Universal Credit data (caseload management data, including client details) is not shared with the Scottish Government. They consider that if this …
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We heard that improvement in data sharing between the Scottish Government and DWP was needed. Policy in Practice, a policy analysis company, highlighted in their evidence to us that Universal Credit data (caseload management data, including client details) is not shared with the Scottish Government. They consider that if this data was shared this would allow the Scottish Government to ‘facilitate improved analysis and modelling of future policy to target support to those most in need.’89 This point was echoed in oral evidence by Suzanne Lavelle of Southside Housing Association. She highlighted there were lessons to learn from the data sharing that had been set up between DWP and Glasgow City Council for the administration of Council Tax Reduction. They argued that data on Universal Credit ‘could be picked up [by] the Scottish Government and used going forward.’90 Commenting on their data sharing relationship with the DWP, Councillor Bell, Treasurer of Glasgow City Council, said that to make data sharing with the DWP successful a ‘lot of it is about the processes.’91 He explained to us that the council ‘have 80 Q191 81 Q153 82 Q153 83 Q191 84 Q191 85 Q191 86 Q7 87 Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland (WPS0009) 88 Citizens Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 89 Policy in Practice (WPS0010) 90 Q133 91 Q134 Welfare policy in Scotland 21 a very good relationship with the DWP, and our senior managers meet with their senior managers every month, but it is about how we get that process up and running so that the data sharing is much more fluid and straightforward and easily accessible for everybody.’92 Scottish Government perspective on data sharing
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Government response AI summary
The government's response was a general introductory statement for the report, acknowledging mutual respect and devolution efforts, and praising DWP's pandemic response, but it did not specifically address the need for improved data sharing.
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Scotland Office
37
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
Oral evidence we received from the Scottish Government highlighted an unequal relationship between it and the DWP in relation to sharing existing data. The Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People highlighted that it must make individual and formal data requests to the DWP, and if they …
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Oral evidence we received from the Scottish Government highlighted an unequal relationship between it and the DWP in relation to sharing existing data. The Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People highlighted that it must make individual and formal data requests to the DWP, and if they ‘make a request for data and the DWP decides not to do it, that is the end of the matter.’95 The Cabinet Secretary did note that disputes can be escalated through the framework that is in place via the memorandum of understanding between Scottish Ministers and the DWP on social security and employment services in Scotland96 but ultimately the sharing of data with the Scottish Government is ‘a decision finally for the DWP.’97
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Government response AI summary
The DWP outlines its process for handling data sharing requests, including its role as the Data Controller, which implicitly confirms the power dynamic described in the conclusion without addressing the committee's observation about an unequal relationship.
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Scotland Office
38
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted her disapproval of the current processes used for data sharing between the governments. She described the current system of looking at data sharing opportunities on a benefit-by-benefit basis as a ‘work-in-progress’98 which may need to change to ensure swifter delivery of devolved benefits. The Cabinet …
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The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted her disapproval of the current processes used for data sharing between the governments. She described the current system of looking at data sharing opportunities on a benefit-by-benefit basis as a ‘work-in-progress’98 which may need to change to ensure swifter delivery of devolved benefits. The Cabinet Secretary commented that in some cases she is ‘concerned about the timelines’99 to agree data sharing for particular benefits. Building on this point the Cabinet Secretary told us that when data sharing arrangements become problematic between the governments this leaves the Scottish Government in a position where it is unable to fulfil its policy proposals.
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Government response AI summary
The DWP states it fully considers all data sharing requests, has a dedicated Data Sharing Board and forum, and shared its Data Sharing Policy Statement to ensure consistent processing, but does not address the Scottish Government's specific concerns about current processes, timelines, or the inability …
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Scotland Office
39
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
The most pressing data sharing issue between the two governments relates to the planned rollout of the Scottish Child Payment to children aged six to 16, a policy priority for the Scottish Government. Currently the Scottish Government offers £10 a week to eligible families for each child under the age …
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The most pressing data sharing issue between the two governments relates to the planned rollout of the Scottish Child Payment to children aged six to 16, a policy priority for the Scottish Government. Currently the Scottish Government offers £10 a week to eligible families for each child under the age of six to help support household costs. The Cabinet Secretary used the example of rolling out the Scottish Child Payment for older children as a case where the process of data sharing faces administrative hurdles. She said the Scottish Government asked the DWP for the necessary data in the ‘summer of 92 Q134 93 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 94 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 95 Q158 96 UK Government, Memorandum of understanding: social security and employment support services in Scotland, accessed 7 May 2021 97 Q158 98 Q156 99 Q156 22 Welfare policy in Scotland 2019’.100 Catherine Reeves of the Social Security Programme Management Office, Scottish Government, told us that during discussions with the DWP over this data there was a ‘change in attitude from DWP about exactly what data it wants to share’101 with the result being that the DWP wanted to give the Scottish Government ‘less data than we need to be able to extend the payment to those children from six to 16.’102 The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that the Scottish Government ‘cannot deliver the Scottish Child Payment for six to 16 year-olds without data from the DWP’103 and this policy was ‘critical to how we deal with child poverty in Scotland.’104 UK Government perspective on data sharing
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Government response AI summary
The DWP describes its general process for handling data sharing requests via a dedicated Board and forum, but does not specifically address the identified hurdles or reported change in attitude regarding data for the Scottish Child Payment rollout for older children.
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Scotland Office
43
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
However, the DWP also highlighted difficulties they experienced responding to other data requests from the Scottish Government. The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work explained that in his opinion the Scottish Government have announced welfare policies that the Scottish Government intend to introduce before establishing with the DWP whether …
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However, the DWP also highlighted difficulties they experienced responding to other data requests from the Scottish Government. The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work explained that in his opinion the Scottish Government have announced welfare policies that the Scottish Government intend to introduce before establishing with the DWP whether the relevant data to successfully implement the policies is available to be shared. He told us that the Scottish Government ‘are announcing some of those things [policies] before they have squared these things off, which then makes it [policy delivery] impossible’.110
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Government response AI summary
The government's response reiterates DWP's existing processes for considering and responding to data sharing requests, including the Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board and regular forums, but does not directly address the concern about the Scottish Government announcing policies before confirming data availability.
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Scotland Office
49
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
The evidence we have heard on data sharing between the governments suggests that there are three main operational issues regarding data sharing: • data that the DWP may hold but may not currently share due to established processes underpinning consent and data protection, such as Universal Credit client data; • …
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The evidence we have heard on data sharing between the governments suggests that there are three main operational issues regarding data sharing: • data that the DWP may hold but may not currently share due to established processes underpinning consent and data protection, such as Universal Credit client data; • data that DWP do hold but in a format that isn’t readily transferable or amalgamated as requested by the Scottish Government; or • data that DWP don’t hold or routinely collect that the Scottish Government ideally would like.
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Government response AI summary
The government outlines DWP's existing processes for considering data sharing requests, including the Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board and established forums, but does not specifically detail how these mechanisms address the three operational issues identified by the committee.
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Scotland Office
51
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
The delays to the rollout of the devolved benefits until 2025 are highly regrettable. Although this delay can be blamed in part on covid-19, the largest delays were announced in 2019—a delay from 2021 to 2024. The Committee regrets that the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland have been unable …
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The delays to the rollout of the devolved benefits until 2025 are highly regrettable. Although this delay can be blamed in part on covid-19, the largest delays were announced in 2019—a delay from 2021 to 2024. The Committee regrets that the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland have been unable to become fully operational within the originally proposed timeline. We acknowledge the organisational complexities which contribute to these delays and support greater collaborative working to resolve them. We welcome the pragmatic approach of the Scottish Government financing the DWP to administer devolved benefits, and the DWP’s cooperation to utilise agency agreements to ensure people still receive their benefits despite the delays to developing the devolved capacity.
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Government response AI summary
The government details its processes for handling data sharing requests with the Scottish Government, including a dedicated board and regular forums, and advises the Scottish Government to establish its own datasets, but does not directly address the committee's regret over benefit rollout delays.
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Scotland Office
74
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
The rate of these benefits according to the Scottish Government ‘will remain the same as the current rate of the equivalent UK disability benefit.’178 This means that those eligible will receive between £23.60 and £141.50 per week, depending on the needs of the individual.
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The rate of these benefits according to the Scottish Government ‘will remain the same as the current rate of the equivalent UK disability benefit.’178 This means that those eligible will receive between £23.60 and £141.50 per week, depending on the needs of the individual.
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Government response AI summary
The government highlights its ambitious policies and the introduction of Scottish disability benefits, including Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment, but does not address the committee's specific observation about the benefit rates remaining the same as equivalent UK benefits.
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Scotland Office
84
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
Unlike previous benefit systems Universal Credit is designed to be a digital by default system, meaning that digital mechanisms are the DWP’s primary approach for the application and processing of Universal Credit. This process has reformed benefit administration; online applications and regional Service Centres have replaced in-person 200 Q182 201 …
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Unlike previous benefit systems Universal Credit is designed to be a digital by default system, meaning that digital mechanisms are the DWP’s primary approach for the application and processing of Universal Credit. This process has reformed benefit administration; online applications and regional Service Centres have replaced in-person 200 Q182 201 Q204 202 Scottish Government, Universal Credit Scotland Bulletin – April 2021, accessed 13 May 2021 203 Q182 204 Q182 205 Q66 206 Q118 207 Q182 208 Q182 209 Q204 Welfare policy in Scotland 35 ‘signing-on’ processes in local job centres. People who want to claim do so by creating an online account (usually from their own devices such as laptops and mobile phones) and from there fill out an online application form and carry out other tasks such as: • keeping a record of the things they’ve done to prepare or look for work • have conversations with their work coach • report a change of circumstances • record childcare costs • provide details about a health condition or disability • see how much their Universal Credit payments are • check what they have agreed to do in their Claimant Commitment210
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Government response AI summary
The government's response highlights DWP's positive pandemic response, Universal Credit's resilience, the increase in Work Coaches and specialist disability employment advisors in Scotland, and expresses appreciation for DWP employees, but does not address the committee's descriptive conclusion about the digital-by-default design of Universal Credit.
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Scotland Office
92
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
We heard in evidence from the DWP of their pilot of using video calls as a way of supporting people with their Universal Credit claim especially during the pandemic when people have not been able to travel. They stated this would also continue in ordinary times for individuals who would …
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We heard in evidence from the DWP of their pilot of using video calls as a way of supporting people with their Universal Credit claim especially during the pandemic when people have not been able to travel. They stated this would also continue in ordinary times for individuals who would find it difficult to travel in rural areas. A pilot trial in Inverness, Dingwall and Invergordon was taking place during our inquiry and we were told by the Minister for Welfare Delivery that this has been so successful that he believes this innovation ‘has potential to be rolled out across the United Kingdom.’230 Officials from the DWP explained that they knew there ‘will always be customers that will need to come in and see us’231 but this video call service allows those with the right skills and who know what they ‘wanted to do and, therefore, were able to do that over video.’232 As we understand it this pilot does not accommodate for Universal Credit claims to be made via this service but instead allows for claimants to meet with their work coach and discuss their situation whilst they are claiming Universal Credit.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response did not address the committee's observation regarding the successful video call pilot for Universal Credit claimants. Instead, it described existing support resources such as the Freephone helpline, open Jobcentres, and Citizens Advice Scotland's "Help to Claim" service.
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Scotland Office
95
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
Throughout our inquiry we received a significant amount of evidence that suggested the amount of money provided by Universal Credit is insufficient for reducing poverty in Scotland. Below is a table highlighting the standard allowance that a claimant of Universal Credit can expect to receive according to the UK Government’s …
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Throughout our inquiry we received a significant amount of evidence that suggested the amount of money provided by Universal Credit is insufficient for reducing poverty in Scotland. Below is a table highlighting the standard allowance that a claimant of Universal Credit can expect to receive according to the UK Government’s website:233 Table 3: Standard allowances on Universal Credit Claimant situation Standard Allowance per month Single claimant age under 25 £344 Single claimant aged 25 or over £411.51 Joint claimants both under 25 £490.60 Joint claimants either aged 25 or £596.58 over
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Government response AI summary
The government reiterated that Universal Credit provided a vital safety net during the pandemic and that its 'Plan for Jobs' aims to help people into work, but it did not address the observed insufficiency of current support payments to cover essential bills.
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Scotland Office
96
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
Claimants may also be eligible for additional elements of Universal Credit including those for children, housing, health and disabilities, and for carers.
Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the work allowance in Universal Credit and states it has no plans to extend it to single adults, which does not directly address the committee's factual observation about various additional Universal Credit elements.
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Scotland Office
99
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
Our survey on the experiences of people with social security in Scotland found that a majority (68%) felt that the money they received in support payments would not cover their bills for rent, food, internet, council tax and utilities. One respondent to the survey said that whilst on benefits “I’m …
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Our survey on the experiences of people with social security in Scotland found that a majority (68%) felt that the money they received in support payments would not cover their bills for rent, food, internet, council tax and utilities. One respondent to the survey said that whilst on benefits “I’m struggling to eat properly, can’t afford to heat my home, and I’ve accumulated debt in my gas bills”.242 Written evidence from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation concurs: their research in summer 2020 showed that ‘7 in 10 families with children receiving Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit (CTC) in Scotland were already having to cut back on essentials’.243 Universal Credit and the covid-19 crisis: £20 uplift
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Government response AI summary
The government reiterated that Universal Credit provided a vital safety net during the pandemic and that its 'Plan for Jobs' aims to help people into work, but it did not address the observed insufficiency of current support payments to cover essential bills.
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Scotland Office
100
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
At the start of the covid-19 pandemic Universal Credit was uplifted by £20 a week (£1,040 a year).244 The evidence we have heard has been very supportive of this policy and the change has helped Universal Credit claimants enormously during this time. Chris Birt from The Joseph Rowntree Foundation said …
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At the start of the covid-19 pandemic Universal Credit was uplifted by £20 a week (£1,040 a year).244 The evidence we have heard has been very supportive of this policy and the change has helped Universal Credit claimants enormously during this time. Chris Birt from The Joseph Rowntree Foundation said that the uplift was ‘very welcome’.245 Nina Ballantyne of Citizens Advice Scotland added that ‘I heard somebody interviewed for the news the other day talking about the £20 a week making it barely enough to get by and that taking that away would mean not even having enough to get by’.246 They mentioned in written evidence that ‘Without the additional £20 a week, 8 in 10 CAB [Citizens Advice Bureaux] complex debt clients will be unable to meet their living costs’.247 Suzanne Lavelle of the Southside Housing Association said ‘The £20 uplift to Universal Credit did help, but the fact that that decision was made shows the inadequacy of the current benefits.’248 Professor McKeever, Ulster University explained to us that the reason the £20 uplift was so important to claimants was because ‘the benefit freeze249 that existed for so long [had] undervalued the worth of Universal Credit.’250
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Government response AI summary
The government states the Universal Credit uplift was a temporary measure during the pandemic, and that its ambition is to help people into work as the economy recovers through initiatives like the Plan for Jobs, rather than addressing concerns about the uplift's removal.
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Scotland Office
115
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
An example of the process is provided on the Gov.uk website: • You make a new Universal Credit claim on 1 September. 287 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) 288 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) 289 Citizens Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 290 Department for Work and Pensions, Universal Credit: How …
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An example of the process is provided on the Gov.uk website: • You make a new Universal Credit claim on 1 September. 287 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) 288 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) 289 Citizens Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 290 Department for Work and Pensions, Universal Credit: How you’re paid, accessed 14 April 2021 44 Welfare policy in Scotland • Your first assessment period runs for one month to 30 September, with a new assessment period beginning on 1 October. • You get paid on 7 October and on the 7th of each month after that.291
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details the repayment terms for Universal Credit advances and rejects the idea of non-repayable advances due to fraud risk, administrative burden, and high costs, without addressing the committee's descriptive conclusion about the payment process.
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Scotland Office
116
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
We heard evidence of how the five week wait for Universal Credit and the associated advance payment system is causing a lot of difficulty for claimants in Scotland. Chris Birt of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation said it can ‘force people into destitution’292 whilst Polly Jones of The Trussell Trust highlight …
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We heard evidence of how the five week wait for Universal Credit and the associated advance payment system is causing a lot of difficulty for claimants in Scotland. Chris Birt of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation said it can ‘force people into destitution’292 whilst Polly Jones of The Trussell Trust highlight that the five week wait is a ‘huge driver of food bank use’.293 The Trussell Trust go on to explain this in their written evidence; according to their research the five week wait is ‘the most common problem’294 as to why Universal Credit claimants are referred to food banks.
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Government response AI summary
The government outlines the terms for Universal Credit advances, including extended repayment periods for new advances, and rejects non-repayable advances citing fraud risks and costs, but does not address the committee's concerns about the five-week wait and existing advance system causing hardship.
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Scotland Office
122
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
We welcome the improvements made to the advance payment system, such as the doubling of the amount of time to repay, and a reduction in the rate at which deductions can be made. We also acknowledge the advance system is in place for people who require money quickly, however, the …
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We welcome the improvements made to the advance payment system, such as the doubling of the amount of time to repay, and a reduction in the rate at which deductions can be made. We also acknowledge the advance system is in place for people who require money quickly, however, the weight of evidence received suggests that this policy poses 302 Department for Work and Pensions, Universal Credit: Get an advance on your first payment, accessed 14 April 2021 303 Q76 304 Q76 305 The Trussell Trust (WPS0006) 306 Money Advice Moray (WPS0002) 307 Citizens Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 308 Work and Pensions Committee, Third Report of Session 2019–21, Universal Credit: The wait for first payment, HC 204, Para 68 309 Work and Pensions Committee, Third Report of Session 2019–21, Universal Credit: The wait for first payment, HC 204, Para 68 310 Work and Pensions Committee, Third Special Report of Session 2019–21, Universal Credit: The wait for a first payment: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report, HC1117, Page 4 46 Welfare policy in Scotland more problems than it solves in terms of people addressing poverty in Scotland with claimants having to pay back their advance payment in monthly instalments meaning their Universal Credit payment is less, making paying for essentials much harder.
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Government response AI summary
The government outlines existing terms for Universal Credit advances, including extended repayment periods, and rejects the introduction of non-repayable advances due to fraud risks and costs, but does not specifically address the committee's concern that current repayments still make it hard for claimants to afford …
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Scotland Office
130
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
The Scotland Act 2016 afforded the Scottish Government the opportunity to make changes to the way in which Universal Credit is administered to claimants in Scotland. However, Universal Credit remains a reserved benefit which means the DWP retain control of Universal Credit, and it is paid to claimants by the …
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The Scotland Act 2016 afforded the Scottish Government the opportunity to make changes to the way in which Universal Credit is administered to claimants in Scotland. However, Universal Credit remains a reserved benefit which means the DWP retain control of Universal Credit, and it is paid to claimants by the DWP, not the Scottish Government.
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Government response AI summary
The response describes the Scottish Government's current policy for offering Scottish Choices and their interaction with DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements, but does not directly address the committee's observation regarding the reserved nature of Universal Credit or the division of control between DWP and the Scottish …
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Scotland Office
134
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
According to DWP figures from November 2020, 35,608 Universal Credit claimants had chosen the Scottish Choices option of having their rent paid directly to their landlord, whilst 77,100 people had chosen to receive the more frequent payment option whilst receiving Universal Credit.330 Uptake of Scottish Choices
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According to DWP figures from November 2020, 35,608 Universal Credit claimants had chosen the Scottish Choices option of having their rent paid directly to their landlord, whilst 77,100 people had chosen to receive the more frequent payment option whilst receiving Universal Credit.330 Uptake of Scottish Choices
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Government response AI summary
The government explains the policy for offering Scottish Choices in the second assessment period and their relationship with DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements, but does not address the uptake figures presented in the conclusion.
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Scotland Office
135
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
Throughout the inquiry we heard evidence that there were a number of barriers that were preventing claimants from accessing the options provided by Scottish Choices: • Lack of awareness of the Choices. • The wait for Scottish Choices to be available. • Hampering of uptake due to initial administrative errors. …
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Throughout the inquiry we heard evidence that there were a number of barriers that were preventing claimants from accessing the options provided by Scottish Choices: • Lack of awareness of the Choices. • The wait for Scottish Choices to be available. • Hampering of uptake due to initial administrative errors. 325 Scottish Government, Universal Credit: Scottish Choices, 2019 326 Citizens Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 327 Q56 328 Q85 329 Engender (WPS0016) 330 Data from Stat-Xplore on Department for Work and Pensions, Statistics at DWP Welfare policy in Scotland 49 • Issues related to when and how the Choices are discussed with claimants. We discuss the evidence we received on each in turn. Lack of awareness of Choices
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Government response AI summary
The government described its current policy on offering Scottish Choices in the second assessment period and the availability of DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements, but did not directly address the identified barriers preventing claimants from accessing these options.
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Scotland Office
141
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
We heard evidence that there were administration issues with the direct payment to landlords option. Citizens Advice Scotland told us that it ‘has been tricky for DWP, social landlords and all the other various parts of the system—the Scottish Government as well— to align’342 the direct payments to landlords Scottish …
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We heard evidence that there were administration issues with the direct payment to landlords option. Citizens Advice Scotland told us that it ‘has been tricky for DWP, social landlords and all the other various parts of the system—the Scottish Government as well— to align’342 the direct payments to landlords Scottish Choice. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations highlighted in written evidence that initially there were issues with the ‘DWP’s reliance on an older payment system, totally unsuited for the administration of direct payments to landlords’343 as these payments ‘were not synchronised with the calendar monthly date their tenant received their Universal Credit award.’344 As such, ‘this made it difficult for landlords to accurately manage their income and increased the risk of cash flow shortages for smaller housing associations, and tenants were ending up in administrative rent arrears through no fault of their own.’345 This was such a major issue at the time that organisations, including housing associations, advised claimants against taking up this option as it was leaving claimants unable to pay rent. Suzanne Lavelle from Southside Housing Association told us: we were one of the RSLs [Registered Social Landlords] that were telling people not to take that choice up, because it was so difficult. It could have been in excess of eight weeks after somebody had the payment deducted from their universal credit that that money hit their rent account. They were getting letters through no fault of their own about rent arrears and non-payment.346 338 Q86 339 Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (WPS0017) 340 Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (WPS0017) 341 Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (WPS0017) 342 Citizens Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 343 Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (WPS0017) 344 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 345 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 346 Q123 Welfare policy in Scotland 51 The Scottish Federation of Housi
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Government response AI summary
The government's response outlines its policy for offering Scottish Choices and Alternative Payment Arrangements, but does not address the specific administrative issues raised regarding payment synchronization and system suitability for direct payments to landlords.
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Scotland Office
143
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
The Minister for Welfare Delivery, said that ‘information is available through gov.uk [UK Government website] as part of the Universal Credit application, which outlines what Scottish Choices are and how they operate.’352 Margarita Morrison, Area Director, Work and Health Services Scotland of the DWP, also explained that whilst the Department …
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The Minister for Welfare Delivery, said that ‘information is available through gov.uk [UK Government website] as part of the Universal Credit application, which outlines what Scottish Choices are and how they operate.’352 Margarita Morrison, Area Director, Work and Health Services Scotland of the DWP, also explained that whilst the Department hoped that Work Coaches would make claimants aware of the Scottish Choices,353 the priority for the Department was ‘getting to know the customer’ and ensuring that their first Universal Credit payment was in place and only then would the Department ‘discuss Scottish Choices thereafter.’354 Future roll out of further Scottish Choices
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Government response AI summary
The response describes the Scottish Government's current policy for offering Scottish Choices and how they operate, but does not address the committee's observation regarding the DWP's communication or prioritisation of Scottish Choices.
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Scotland Office
147
Conclusion
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotl…
Not Addressed
We see Universal Credit Scottish Choices as positive and flexible options to the people of Scotland, but the policy has been let down by a lack of communication by the Scottish Government and the DWP and Jobcentre Plus network in Scotland about the availability of these choices to claimants.
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We see Universal Credit Scottish Choices as positive and flexible options to the people of Scotland, but the policy has been let down by a lack of communication by the Scottish Government and the DWP and Jobcentre Plus network in Scotland about the availability of these choices to claimants.
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Government response AI summary
The government explained the policy on Universal Credit Scottish Choices and DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements, but did not address the committee's concern about a lack of communication regarding their availability.
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Scotland Office