Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 58
58
Witnesses consistently highlighted the need to reduce complexity, increase awareness, and improve access to the...
Conclusion
Witnesses consistently highlighted the need to reduce complexity, increase awareness, and improve access to the available benefits and support systems. Nina Ballantyne of Citizens Advice Scotland highlighted that whilst the social security landscape in Scotland may be complicated by the number of agencies that support is available from, this does not mean that it must be a complicated process for a claimant. She argued that a system can be ‘complicated and complex without the user necessarily having to be cognisant and fully up [to date] on all that.’127 To explain the point they drew comparisons with how ‘you can 124 Q146 125 The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (WPS0019) 126 Q102 127 Q102 Welfare policy in Scotland 27 switch your light on or switch your heating on, and you do not need to know that there is a retail energy supplier, a DNO [Distribution Network Operator], a TSO [Transmission System Operator] in the system and everything else coming through the wires.’128
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.