Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 28
28
It appears that this positive working relationship has been fostered despite the debate as to...
Conclusion
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
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The UK Government recognises the Committee’s observation of the mutual respect between the UK and Scottish Governments and that both are working towards the safe and secure devolution of aspects of social security to the Scottish Government. It is positive to see DWP’s response to the pandemic highlighted in the report, reflecting on the fact that Universal Credit was able to stand up to the challenge faced during covid leading to increased number of claimants. The increase in work coaches by 1,152 in Scotland, and the increase in specialist disability employment advisors, helped to ensure access to reserved benefits was improved for claimants in Scotland. The tribute to DWP employees (referenced in Paragraphs 15, 23, 81 and 93), will be particularly appreciated by colleagues throughout the country. The UK Government also welcomes the acknowledgement of its agreement to provide services under agency arrangements while the Scottish Government builds its capacity to deliver its replacement benefits. The UK Government notes the Committee’s recommendations and responds to them below. Page and paragraph numbers from the report are used for reference.