Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 43
43
However, the DWP also highlighted difficulties they experienced responding to other data requests from the...
Conclusion
However, the DWP also highlighted difficulties they experienced responding to other data requests from the Scottish Government. The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work explained that in his opinion the Scottish Government have announced welfare policies that the Scottish Government intend to introduce before establishing with the DWP whether the relevant data to successfully implement the policies is available to be shared. He told us that the Scottish Government ‘are announcing some of those things [policies] before they have squared these things off, which then makes it [policy delivery] impossible’.110
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
DWP considers fully and responds to all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government. It has established a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board, which brings together DWP experts to fully consider any requests and ensure that responses are managed consistently and efficiently. This Board considers any legal constraints and how these could be mitigated, ensuring there is protection of claimants’ rights, clarity of purpose, proportionality of data shared, and a consideration of whether DWP is the most appropriate source for the highest quality, most up-to- date data available. DWP is already working with the Scottish Government to ensure a clearer understanding of data processes. To do this, the Chief Data Officers of DWP and the Scottish Government have previously established a regular forum to address all aspects of sharing data across the two organisations. DWP’s Data Sharing Policy Statement has been shared with the Scottish Government to enable clear understanding between both organisations, and to ensure consistency. Each data sharing request must be examined, and the data decisions must be made and discharged by DWP, as the relevant Data Controller, in line with its legal accountabilities.