Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 53
53
We recommend that that both governments take the opportunity to publicly restate their priorities for...
Recommendation
We recommend that that both governments take the opportunity to publicly restate their priorities for joint working and joint delivery of social security to those who rely on it in Scotland. This could be done via a Ministerial statement or publishing a joint policy document. This would prove that both governments are treating this issue seriously and are approaching the devolution of welfare to Scotland as a joint programme with joint delivery.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The UK Government is committed to the safe and secure transfer of powers and responsibility. As noted above, the Joint Ministerial Working Group on Welfare allows Ministers to oversee, engage with and review progress on the implementation of the devolution of social security powers set out in the Scotland Act 2016. The minutes of these meetings are published, and regularly endorse the progress made by officials in both Governments to ensure the safe and secure replacement of UK Government benefits with Scottish Government provision. There are also bilateral meetings as necessary between Ministers in DWP and the Scottish Government. These forums demonstrate a commitment from both Governments to a collaborative, accountable approach. The development of policies on how and when devolved powers are used is a matter for the Scottish Government.