Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 35
35
We heard that improvement in data sharing between the Scottish Government and DWP was needed.
Conclusion
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
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.