Recommendation 133

We heard in our inquiry that Universal Credit Scottish Choices is a positive feature for people who claim it in Scotland. Neil Cowan from The Poverty Alliance highlighted that ‘anything that makes Universal Credit more responsive to people’s needs and gives people greater choice over how they are supported is a positive thing and should be welcomed.’327 Nina Ballantyne of Citizens Advice Scotland noted the demand for the Scottish Choices options, adding that 37% of people offered the more frequent payment option took it.328 Engender, a feminist policy and advocacy organisation, outlined how the choices ‘offer additional flexibility and are better able to meet individual need.’329