Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Paragraph: 147
We see Universal Credit Scottish Choices as positive and flexible options to the people of...
Conclusion
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.
Paragraph Reference:
147
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
As stated in the response to Recommendation 14, advertising the availability of Scottish Choices in the initial online claim process would not support the Scottish Government’s policy of offering them in the second assessment period. Every claimant eligible for a Scottish Choice is sent an invitation, via their Universal Credit journal, with an offer to apply one or both of the Scottish Choices. The wording of this offer has been researched and tested with users. Help to Claim, delivered by Citizens Advice Scotland, is designed to offer support to claimants until they receive their first full Universal Credit payment. During this time, Citizens Advice Scotland Advisers will identify vulnerable claimants and provide support to access a DWP Alternative Payment Arrangement. DWP meet regularly with Citizens Advice Scotland and would expect their Help to Claim advisers to answer any queries about Universal Credit, including the Scottish Choices.