Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 33
33
Andrew Latto, Deputy Director, Devolution, Pensioner Benefits and Carer’s Allowance, Policy Group at the DWP...
Conclusion
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
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.