Recommendation 3

We note that while intergovernmental relations on the devolution of welfare appear to be working well, the evidence received by the Committee highlights that there are operational issues around data sharing that need to be resolved to the satisfaction of both governments. We note that there is an expectation that the DWP would prioritise and look for all ways to expedite the sharing of data it does hold. However, we also note that the Scottish Government cannot reasonably expect the DWP to share data they do not hold or that would breach their data protection obligations.