Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 36
36
The Scottish Government outlined how the access to DWP-held data about claimants, caseloads, and trends...
Conclusion
The Scottish Government outlined how the access to DWP-held data about claimants, caseloads, and trends is necessary to develop devolved administrative systems. In their evidence they stated that data sharing to help manage the transfer of claimants from the DWP to the Scottish social security system, will be a ‘complex undertaking that requires extensive joint work between the Scottish Government, Social Security Scotland and the DWP.’93 It goes on to say that this area of work is ‘where the Scottish Government has a particularly high dependency on the DWP, with whom we need to work in partnership, from initial planning through to delivery, to ensure that people’s cases are safely transferred.’94
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.