Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 59
59
A solution offered in the evidence for providing this service to claimants in Scotland was...
Conclusion
A solution offered in the evidence for providing this service to claimants in Scotland was for there to be a “no wrong door policy” explained by Kirsty McKechnie of the Child Poverty Action Group to us as if a claimant approaches ‘one agency and tell[s] them something, that information is then passed on, or if they apply for a benefit to the wrong agency, that is protected as a date of claim.’129 She took this further by suggesting there should be an improvement of communications and knowledge sharing across the social security system in Scotland with agencies being able to ‘deliver proper information to claimants, particularly about how they [benefit agencies] all interact with each other’.130 Professor McKendrick, Glasgow Caledonian University, also highlighted to us that claimants should be able to access a ‘seamless totality of advice for social security and they don’t get bits from here and bits from there’.131 Neil Cowan of the Poverty Alliance echoed this concern and told us ‘What we do not want is people having to go to multiple different agencies to access multiple pieces of advice about different systems.’132
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.