Recommendation 38

The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted her disapproval of the current processes used for data sharing between the governments. She described the current system of looking at data sharing opportunities on a benefit-by-benefit basis as a ‘work-in-progress’98 which may need to change to ensure swifter delivery of devolved benefits. The Cabinet Secretary commented that in some cases she is ‘concerned about the timelines’99 to agree data sharing for particular benefits. Building on this point the Cabinet Secretary told us that when data sharing arrangements become problematic between the governments this leaves the Scottish Government in a position where it is unable to fulfil its policy proposals.