Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotland

We recommend that DWP and Social Security Scotland work together to promote benefit up-take across all benefits in Scotland. Jobcentre staff in Scotland should be aware of the principles of both the DWP customer charter and the Scottish Social Security … Read more We recommend that DWP and Social Security Scotland work together to promote benefit up-take across all benefits in Scotland. Jobcentre staff in Scotland should be aware of the principles of both the DWP customer charter and the Scottish Social Security Charter to provide information, signposting and advice on how to apply for reserved benefits as well as Discretionary Housing Payments and the Scottish Welfare Fund. Similarly, Social Security Scotland should signpost clients towards UK Government benefits. The Committee recommends the DWP contribute to a review with the Scottish Government, Social Security Scotland and local stakeholders to determine how to do this in practice. This should be discussed at the next available opportunity in the Joint Ministerial Working Group between the governments. (Paragraph 23) Intergovernmental working and data sharing on social security in Scotland Show less

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We recommend that the Scottish Government liaise with the DWP before announcing new welfare policies. This will allow any complex issues to be ironed out before the announcement.

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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 … Read more 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. Show less

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We recommend that the DWP should prioritise delivering the six to 16-year-old data required by the Scottish Government, or work with the Scottish Government to find an alternative type of data, so that the Scottish Government are able to roll … Read more We recommend that the DWP should prioritise delivering the six to 16-year-old data required by the Scottish Government, or work with the Scottish Government to find an alternative type of data, so that the Scottish Government are able to roll out the Scottish Child Payment for this age group. Show less

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We recommend that Social Security Scotland consider all mechanisms for acquiring their own data where possible if they are requesting data which DWP does not hold. DWP and Social Security Scotland should develop a shared protocol and agreement about data … Read more We recommend that Social Security Scotland consider all mechanisms for acquiring their own data where possible if they are requesting data which DWP does not hold. DWP and Social Security Scotland should develop a shared protocol and agreement about data sharing to ensure swifter data sharing on a benefit-by-benefit basis. This protocol should be agreed as soon as possible. This could include a shared DWP-Social Security Scotland data team to examine data and produce information reports. (Paragraph 55) Accessing Social Security in Scotland Show less

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We recommend that the Joint Ministerial Working Group consider developing new communications materials and guidance in the form of a Scottish welfare service directory to be updated annually. This would allow claimants, organisations (including housing associations and Local Authorities & … Read more We recommend that the Joint Ministerial Working Group consider developing new communications materials and guidance in the form of a Scottish welfare service directory to be updated annually. This would allow claimants, organisations (including housing associations and Local Authorities & COSLA), as well as advocacy groups to keep up to date with changes and updates to social security in Scotland and would help implementation of a ‘no wrong door’ policy. Show less

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We recommend that Social Security Scotland should provide more information on how they will gather the relevant data required to make decisions on the amount of money given to claimants in order to ensure that the move away from face … Read more We recommend that Social Security Scotland should provide more information on how they will gather the relevant data required to make decisions on the amount of money given to claimants in order to ensure that the move away from face to face assessments works in practice. This ought to include evidence about how these changes impact claimants’ experiences of the benefit system. (Paragraph 80) Universal Credit: Digital by default Show less

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We recommend that there should be an increase in resources and support for claimants who struggle or cannot make a claim online—for example telephone and or video call appointments. The DWP should provide more financial resources for the Help to … Read more We recommend that there should be an increase in resources and support for claimants who struggle or cannot make a claim online—for example telephone and or video call appointments. The DWP should provide more financial resources for the Help to Claim service run by Citizens Advice Scotland to ensure it is fully equipped to deal with the rise in job losses expected as the year progresses. (Paragraph 94) Does Universal Credit reduce poverty in Scotland? Show less

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We recommend that the UK Government closely review the issue of making permanent the £20 uplift in the run up to the expiration of this policy at the end of September 2021, whilst also taking into account the significant financial … Read more We recommend that the UK Government closely review the issue of making permanent the £20 uplift in the run up to the expiration of this policy at the end of September 2021, whilst also taking into account the significant financial costs such a change would impose. We also recommend that the UK Government should again review whether 6 Welfare policy in Scotland this uplift should be extended and back-dated to legacy benefit recipients so that they do not lose out on this increase in benefits through no fault of their own due to which benefit they receive. We note that similar recommendations were made by the Work and Pensions Select Committee, the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee and the Social Security Advisory Committee within the last year. Show less

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We recommend that the DWP consider alternative arrangements to the five week wait for a first payment and associated advances system (which currently acts as an interest free loan) and should consider again the recommendation from the Work and Pensions … Read more We recommend that the DWP consider alternative arrangements to the five week wait for a first payment and associated advances system (which currently acts as an interest free loan) and should consider again the recommendation from the Work and Pensions Select Committee of implementing a ‘starter payment’ to a claimant two weeks after their initial claim. This change would assist claimants in climbing their way out of poverty and address the issues that have affected claimants as a result of the five week wait and associated advance payment system on Universal Credit. Show less

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Whilst the economy is in the midst of recovering from the covid-19 pandemic, and with the jobs market in great difficulty and 490,000 people (as of March 2021) in Scotland claiming Universal Credit, based on the overwhelming evidence from witnesses, … Read more Whilst the economy is in the midst of recovering from the covid-19 pandemic, and with the jobs market in great difficulty and 490,000 people (as of March 2021) in Scotland claiming Universal Credit, based on the overwhelming evidence from witnesses, now is not the right time to sanction claimants should they fail to meet their claimant commitment. We recommend pausing sanctioning of claimants for at least the rest of 2021 with immediate effect. However, we welcome the assurances from the DWP that the claimant commitment will take into account local and national public health guidelines. We recommend that the DWP continue this position until all restrictions ease across the entire UK. (Paragraph 129) Welfare policy in Scotland 7 Universal Credit Scottish Choices Show less

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We recommend that the Scottish Government liaise with the DWP before announcing new welfare policies. This will allow any complex issues to be ironed out before the announcement.

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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 … Read more 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. Show less

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We recommend that the DWP should prioritise delivering the six to 16-year-old data required by the Scottish Government, or work with the Scottish Government to find an alternative type of data, so that the Scottish Government are able to roll … Read more We recommend that the DWP should prioritise delivering the six to 16-year-old data required by the Scottish Government, or work with the Scottish Government to find an alternative type of data, so that the Scottish Government are able to roll out the Scottish Child Payment for this age group. Show less

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We recommend that Social Security Scotland consider all mechanisms for acquiring their own data where possible if they are requesting data which DWP does not hold. DWP and Social Security Scotland should develop a shared protocol and agreement about data … Read more We recommend that Social Security Scotland consider all mechanisms for acquiring their own data where possible if they are requesting data which DWP does not hold. DWP and Social Security Scotland should develop a shared protocol and agreement about data sharing to ensure swifter data sharing on a benefit-by-benefit basis. This protocol should be agreed as soon as possible. This could include a shared DWP-Social Security Scotland data team to examine data and produce information reports. 26 Welfare policy in Scotland 4 Accessing Social Security in Scotland Accessing and signposting social security in Scotland Show less

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We recommend that the Joint Ministerial Working Group consider developing new communications materials and guidance in the form of a Scottish welfare service directory to be updated annually. This would allow claimants, organisations (including 159 Policy in Practice (WPS0010) 160 … Read more We recommend that the Joint Ministerial Working Group consider developing new communications materials and guidance in the form of a Scottish welfare service directory to be updated annually. This would allow claimants, organisations (including 159 Policy in Practice (WPS0010) 160 Q208 161 Q208 162 Q208 163 Q208 164 “Government delivers 13,500 Work Coaches to boost Britain’s Jobs Army”, Department for Work and Pensions press release, March 2021, accessed 27 April 2021 165 Q183 166 Q145 167 Q145 Welfare policy in Scotland 31 housing associations and Local Authorities & COSLA), as well as advocacy groups to keep up to date with changes and updates to social security in Scotland and would help implementation of a ‘no wrong door’ policy. Show less

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We recommend that Social Security Scotland should provide more information on how they will gather the relevant data required to make decisions on the amount of money given to claimants in order to ensure that the move away from face … Read more We recommend that Social Security Scotland should provide more information on how they will gather the relevant data required to make decisions on the amount of money given to claimants in order to ensure that the move away from face to face assessments works in practice. This ought to include evidence about how these changes impact claimants’ experiences of the benefit system. 191 Inclusion Scotland (WPS0007) 192 Q206 193 Q206 194 Q184 195 Q184 196 Q184 197 Q184 198 Letter from Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work & Minister for Welfare Delivery, Department for Work and Pensions to Chair 22 April 2021 199 Q184 34 Welfare policy in Scotland 5 Universal Credit: Digital by default Show less

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We recommend that there should be an increase in resources and support for claimants who struggle or cannot make a claim online—for example telephone and or video call appointments. The DWP should provide more financial resources for the Help to … Read more We recommend that there should be an increase in resources and support for claimants who struggle or cannot make a claim online—for example telephone and or video call appointments. The DWP should provide more financial resources for the Help to Claim service run by Citizens Advice Scotland to ensure it is fully equipped to deal with the rise in job losses expected as the year progresses. 227 Q178 228 Q178 229 Citizens Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 230 Q208 231 Q208 232 Q208 38 Welfare policy in Scotland 6 Does Universal Credit reduce poverty in Scotland? Adequacy of Universal Credit in Scotland Show less

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We are also aware of other Parliamentary Committees and statutory bodies that have investigated the issue of making the £20 uplift permanent and extending it to legacy benefit claimants. The Work and Pensions Select Committee recommended in their Report into … Read more We are also aware of other Parliamentary Committees and statutory bodies that have investigated the issue of making the £20 uplift permanent and extending it to legacy benefit claimants. The Work and Pensions Select Committee recommended in their Report into DWP’s response to the coronavirus outbreak that the DWP should ‘increase the rates of relevant legacy benefits by the equivalent amount’255 as Universal Credit has been. This was preceded by a letter written in May 2020 to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by the Social Security Advisory Committee, an independent statutory body which advises the Secretary of State on social security and related matters. Their letter stated that it was ‘of the strong view that it is increasingly untenable for this group of claimants [legacy benefit recipients] to be excluded and to continue to have a lower level of income than those in receipt of Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit.’256 It went on to recommend that legacy benefits should be ‘brought up to the same level as those in receipt of Universal Credit as soon as it is possible to do so.’257 The House of Lords Economics Affairs Committee commented on the uplift recommending that ‘The Government should commit to making the increase in the standard allowance permanent’258 in their Report into the economics of Universal Credit. Show less

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We recommend that the UK Government closely review the issue of making permanent the £20 uplift in the run up to the expiration of this policy at the end of September 2021, whilst also taking into account the significant financial … Read more We recommend that the UK Government closely review the issue of making permanent the £20 uplift in the run up to the expiration of this policy at the end of September 2021, whilst also taking into account the significant financial costs such a change would impose. We also recommend that the UK Government should again review whether this uplift should be extended and back-dated to legacy benefit recipients so that they do not lose out on this increase in benefits through no fault of their own due to which benefit they receive. We note that similar recommendations were made by the Work and Pensions Select Committee, the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee and the Social Security Advisory Committee within the last year. Show less

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We recommend that the DWP consider alternative arrangements to the five week wait for a first payment and associated advances system (which currently acts as an interest free loan) and should consider again the recommendation from the Work and Pensions … Read more We recommend that the DWP consider alternative arrangements to the five week wait for a first payment and associated advances system (which currently acts as an interest free loan) and should consider again the recommendation from the Work and Pensions Select Committee of implementing a ‘starter payment’ to a claimant two weeks after their initial claim. This change would assist claimants in climbing their way out of poverty and address the issues that have affected claimants as a result of the five week wait and associated advance payment system on Universal Credit. DWP and sanctions Show less

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Whilst the economy is in the midst of recovering from the covid-19 pandemic, and with the jobs market in great difficulty and 490,000 people (as of March 2021) in Scotland claiming Universal Credit, based on the overwhelming evidence from witnesses, … Read more Whilst the economy is in the midst of recovering from the covid-19 pandemic, and with the jobs market in great difficulty and 490,000 people (as of March 2021) in Scotland claiming Universal Credit, based on the overwhelming evidence from witnesses, now is not the right time to sanction claimants should they fail to meet their claimant commitment. We recommend pausing sanctioning of claimants for at least the rest of 2021 with immediate effect. However, we welcome the assurances from the DWP that the claimant commitment will take into account local and national public health guidelines. We recommend that the DWP continue this position until all restrictions ease across the entire UK. 318 The Poverty Alliance (WPS0018) 319 Q101 320 Q101 321 Q101 322 Q101 323 House of Lords, Universal Credit isn’t working: proposals for reform, Second Report of the Select Committee on Economics Affairs, Session 2019–21, HL 105, Para 129 324 House of Lords, Universal Credit isn’t working: proposals for reform, Second Report of the Select Committee on Economics Affairs, Session 2019–21, HL 105, Government response, October 2020 48 Welfare policy in Scotland 7 Universal Credit Scottish Choices Show less

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The evidence we have seen from the inquiry has highlighted evidence of somewhat different approaches adopted by the governments but these differences were not jeopardising the devolution of welfare to Scotland and both governments are striving to treat claimants fairly and with respect. Our Committee was happy to see that …

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We note that while intergovernmental relations on the devolution of welfare appear to be working well, the evidence received by the Committee highlights that there are operational issues around data sharing that need to be resolved to the satisfaction of both governments. We note that there is an expectation that …

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The delays to the rollout of the devolved benefits until 2025 are highly regrettable. Although this delay can be blamed in part on covid-19, the largest delays were announced in 2019—a delay from 2021 to 2024. The Committee regrets that the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland have been unable …

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We understand that the devolution of benefits has left a ‘tricky’ landscape of Scottish social security. There should be an improvement of communications to claimants on what measures are available to them and a review of how Jobcentres work in Scotland (with a particular look into how they convey information …

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We also note the increase in the number of work coaches (by 13,500) and specialist disability employment advisers in recent months as a result of the UK Government’s recent recruitment campaign. We see this as a very welcome step in ensuring that access to reserved benefits is improved for claimants …

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We also recommend that Social Security Scotland fully engage with the independent benefit calculators currently signposted by the UK Government on its website and for both governments to learn from communications that have taken place throughout Welfare policy in Scotland 5 the covid-19 pandemic to make sure that their respective …

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We welcome the Scottish Government’s intention to move away from face to face assessments as part of the process for administering disability benefits from this summer onward, and we note the support this initiative has from mental health and inclusion charities. However, we understand that there are concerns over how …

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We pay tribute to the DWP employees during this very difficult time in managing and handling the huge increase of people accessing welfare because of the covid-19 pandemic. The digital by default system has withstood the pressure placed on it during the pandemic, although, the DWP should look to offer …

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We note the wealth of evidence we have received as part of this inquiry that the payment award for claimants of Universal Credit is not enough to tackle poverty in Scotland and provide claimants with a stable support base from which they can access the job market. We welcome the …

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We also recommend that DWP raise the work allowance for Universal Credit claimants and re-establish work allowances for single adult claimants so that they can keep more of the money they earn, to allow them to work their way out of poverty.

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We welcome the improvements made to the advance payment system, such as the doubling of the amount of time to repay, and a reduction in the rate at which deductions can be made. We also acknowledge the advance system is in place for people who require money quickly, however, the …

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We note criticism levied about sanctions in the Universal Credit system, and we are particularly concerned that sanctions do not foster a positive atmosphere for people when they are receiving Universal Credit and looking for a job. Despite this, we note the DWPs analysis that found that the risk of …

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We see Universal Credit Scottish Choices as positive and flexible options to the people of Scotland, but the policy has been let down by a lack of communication by the Scottish Government and the DWP and Jobcentre Plus network in Scotland about the availability of these choices to claimants.

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The Scottish Government and the DWP should work together and seek agreement before announcing further Scottish Choices options to ensure there is no delay in roll out. We therefore recommend the following: a) That Scottish Choices be made available to a claimant from the start of their Universal Credit claim. …

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Many commentators highlighted how the process of the devolution of welfare powers to Scotland has worked well. In their written evidence the Child Poverty Action Group said that the ‘governments appear to have mostly worked well together’53 whilst The Poverty Alliance note that ‘cooperation has been effective’ between the governments. …

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In the written evidence provided from the Scottish Government and the DWP, collaboration appears to be working well at inter-governmental level. The Scottish Government highlight that they have a ‘constructive relationship’56 with the DWP with the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, holding bi-lateral meetings …

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It appears that this positive working relationship has been fostered despite the debate as to whether the UK and Scottish governments have differing viewpoints on social security (detailed in Chapter 2). The Cabinet Secretary highlighted there were ‘a range of political differences between the Scottish and UK governments about social …

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Despite high-level political agreement to devolve welfare powers, there have been delays to this process. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation noted that ‘the timetable for full control and delivery by Scotland was originally planned for May 2021 but is now timetabled for 2024.’70 The Scottish Government acknowledged this delay saying that …

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The Scottish Government has claimed that delays were due to covid-19, however there were already significant delays before the pandemic. Indeed, in 2019, in a statement to the Scottish Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary delayed the programme from being fully operational in 2021, until 2024. This three year delay is more …

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Agency agreements between the Scottish Government and the DWP have been used during the process of the devolution of welfare powers. An agency agreement is used when the DWP delivers benefits which have been devolved to the Scottish Government via legislation, but Social Security Scotland is not yet in a …

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We were told by the UK and Scottish governments that these agency agreements are funded by the Scottish Government who reimburse the DWP for delivering the benefits 72 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 73 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 74 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 75 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 76 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) …

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Andrew Latto, Deputy Director, Devolution, Pensioner Benefits and Carer’s Allowance, Policy Group at the DWP highlighted that ‘there is no interest in keeping agency agreements going for longer than is absolutely necessary’.83 This is because for the duration of the agency agreement the Scottish Government are tied into the service …

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Professor McKeever, Ulster University, stated that the sharing of data between the DWP and the Scottish Government and Scottish Social Security Agency is ‘very critical to rolling out the success of the benefit system.’86 This point is supported throughout the written evidence the Committee has received for the inquiry. The …

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We heard that improvement in data sharing between the Scottish Government and DWP was needed. Policy in Practice, a policy analysis company, highlighted in their evidence to us that Universal Credit data (caseload management data, including client details) is not shared with the Scottish Government. They consider that if this …

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The Scottish Government outlined how the access to DWP-held data about claimants, caseloads, and trends is necessary to develop devolved administrative systems. In their evidence they stated that data sharing to help manage the transfer of claimants from the DWP to the Scottish social security system, will be a ‘complex …

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Oral evidence we received from the Scottish Government highlighted an unequal relationship between it and the DWP in relation to sharing existing data. The Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People highlighted that it must make individual and formal data requests to the DWP, and if they …

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The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted her disapproval of the current processes used for data sharing between the governments. She described the current system of looking at data sharing opportunities on a benefit-by-benefit basis as a ‘work-in-progress’98 which may need to change to ensure swifter delivery of devolved benefits. The Cabinet …

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The most pressing data sharing issue between the two governments relates to the planned rollout of the Scottish Child Payment to children aged six to 16, a policy priority for the Scottish Government. Currently the Scottish Government offers £10 a week to eligible families for each child under the age …

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In their written evidence to the Committee the DWP talk of examples of the work that has already been done with regards to data transfer to help to support the devolution of welfare to the Scottish Government. • DWP supplies data scans on Carer’s Allowance recipients to enable the Scottish …

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Andrew Latto, Deputy Director, Devolution, Pensioner Benefits and Carer’s Allowance Policy Group at the DWP told us told us that there are existing processes in place through which the DWP process data requests based on whether it exists, whether they are legally entitled to share it, and if it exists, …

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The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin Tomlinson MP, highlighted that effective data sharing and intergovernmental relations ensured the successful roll-out of the Scottish Child Payment for younger children aged under six years old. He said that in that instance the Scottish Government had ‘checked in advance’109 about …

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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 …

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The DWP explained their reading of the situation in regards to the Scottish Government rolling out the Scottish Child Payment to children older than six years old. The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work noted that the data necessary for this roll out was proving difficult to supply because …

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They went on to explain that the UK Government ‘do not offer maternity grant in the case of older children’113 and so the data required ‘does not necessarily exist’114 for a direct data transfer to the Scottish Government in the same process as was done for Scottish Child Payment for …

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The DWP concluded on this point that they understand that the Scottish Government is working with ‘very good intentions’116 to try to deliver supportive welfare policies to people in Scotland but the UK Government ‘worry that things are announced before they [Scottish Government] have worked through the details’ of policies.117 …

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A related issue raised by the DWP was whether the data they collect from clients involves a consent process that limits their ability to transfer to other agencies, such as the Scottish Government. In our evidence session with the DWP, officials raised concerns that when taking a claim for Universal …

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We heard that some existing processes were in place for sharing data such as in the instance of suspected cases of domestic or financial abuse. Margarita Morrison, Area Director, Work and Health Services Scotland at the DWP stated that the Department ‘use data mining to make sure we pick up …

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The evidence we have heard on data sharing between the governments suggests that there are three main operational issues regarding data sharing: • data that the DWP may hold but may not currently share due to established processes underpinning consent and data protection, such as Universal Credit client data; • …

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We note that while intergovernmental relations on the devolution of welfare appear to be working well, the evidence received by the Committee highlights that there are operational issues around data sharing that need to be resolved to the satisfaction of both governments. We note that there is an expectation that …

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The delays to the rollout of the devolved benefits until 2025 are highly regrettable. Although this delay can be blamed in part on covid-19, the largest delays were announced in 2019—a delay from 2021 to 2024. The Committee regrets that the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland have been unable …

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The Scotland Act 2016 devolved significant new welfare powers to the Scottish Parliament. A consequence of the devolution process is that it is possible for people to be eligible for social security payments from four different agencies and potentially dealing with interactions with several of them. The four different agencies …

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As discussed in Chapter two, there are different policy approaches and choices relating to reducing poverty through social security policies. This diversity creates different benefit administration and communication processes and responsibilities. We heard from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, that ‘We can make …

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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 …

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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 …

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Citizen’s Advice Scotland stated that to achieve a ‘no wrong door policy’ it would require: efforts to ensure that people receive information about other benefits they might be entitled to that are delivered by a different agency–for instance if someone is unable to work due to a health condition or …

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We heard how a wide range of organisations supported people to understand their eligibilities and access benefits and poverty relief. Local Authorities have invested funds and developed services to help people experiencing poverty navigate the various benefits 128 Q102 129 Q102 130 Q102 131 Q8 132 Q44 133 Citizens Advice …

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We heard how these agencies adapted during covid-19 lockdowns; Glasgow Life, an arm’s length organisation who deliver Universal Credit support on behalf of Glasgow City Council, ‘set up a universal support service freephone helpline number’140 and Health and Social Care Partnership Welfare Rights Officers provided financial and benefits advice to …

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To successfully support people experiencing poverty many of these agencies require good collaborations and communications with the DWP and Social Security Scotland. Professor McKeever, Ulster University, emphasised the need for a ’better systemic approach’142 at the organisational level ‘of what each organisation needs to make the system work more smoothly’.143 …

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As discussed in detail in Chapter five, most people applying to the DWP for Universal Credit in Scotland will initially apply through an online digital process. Once a claim is processed, they will meet with an assigned Jobcentre Plus work coach as part of their Claimant Commitment contract. The evidence …

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Policy in Practice submitted written evidence outlining how there are practical issues for claimants to address in accessing job centres and their services in the more rural areas of Scotland. In their research, Policy in Practice found that uptake of benefits in rural areas decreases by up to 7% in …

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Taking all these concerns into account we were happy to hear of the increase in the number of work coaches by 13,500 across the UK to boost jobseeker support as a response to the covid-19 pandemic.164 We were very pleased to hear that as a result of this recruitment drive …

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We understand that the devolution of benefits has left a ‘tricky’ landscape of Scottish social security. There should be an improvement of communications to claimants on what measures are available to them and a review of how Jobcentres work in Scotland (with a particular look into how they convey information …

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We also note the increase in the number of work coaches (by 13,500) and specialist disability employment advisers in recent months as a result of the UK Government’s recent recruitment campaign. We see this as a very welcome step in ensuring that access to reserved benefits is improved for claimants …

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We also recommend that Social Security Scotland fully engage with the independent benefit calculators currently signposted by the UK Government on its website and for both governments to learn from communications that have taken place throughout the covid-19 pandemic to make sure that their respective web pages are clear and …

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The Scottish Government are set to begin taking responsibility for the payment of benefits to disabled people in Scotland this year via the new Scottish Social Security agency. This transfer of powers was due to take place in 2020, however, the process was delayed. The Cabinet Secretary for Social Security …

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The Child Disability Payment171 will be replacing the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (Child)172 benefit. People who are eligible will be between three months and 18 years of age and have: • lived with a disability for at least three months and who can expect to continue to have this disability …

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The Adult Disability Payment175 will be replacing the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).176 Those eligible for the payment are: • people who are age 16 to state pension age (which in 2021 will be 65); • people who have difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) and 168 Cabinet …

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The rate of these benefits according to the Scottish Government ‘will remain the same as the current rate of the equivalent UK disability benefit.’178 This means that those eligible will receive between £23.60 and £141.50 per week, depending on the needs of the individual.

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The DWP’s preferred approach for administering disability benefits in the UK centres on a contracted-out assessment process, involving face to face assessments to gain information and assess a claimant’s capability for work to determine the level of entitlement. The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin Tomlinson MP, told …

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The Cabinet Secretary told us in her evidence that the Scottish Government were, in this instance, moving away from the DWP’s system of using contracted out face to face assessments as part of the information gathering process to administrate disability benefits. She told us that, following feedback from the Scottish …

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The Scottish Association for Mental Health ‘welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment that no one will be subject to a face to face reassessment’190 once the Scottish 177 Scottish Government, Social Security, Disability Assistance, accessed 26 April 2021 178 Scottish Government, Social Security, Disability Assistance, accessed 26 April 2021 179 Q206 …

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The UK Government’s Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, however, told us that he had reservations about the Scottish Government’s ‘potential changes to adult PIP [Personal Independence Payment]’192 and how he felt the potential changes ‘would replicate the limitations and failings of DLA [Disability Living Allowance]’.193 In particular, the …

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We welcome the Scottish Government’s intention to move away from face to face assessments as part of the process for administering disability benefits from this summer onward, and we note the support this initiative has from mental health and inclusion charities. However, we understand that there are concerns over how …

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We realise the huge amount of work done by DWP employees during the difficult time since the covid-19 pandemic started and pay tribute to their hard work. We understand that many DWP employees were ‘redeployed at very short notice’200 to the Universal Credit processing teams to help with the number …

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Throughout the inquiry we heard evidence from stakeholders who said the Universal Credit application system had coped with the quick expansions of applications over the past year. David Eiser of The Fraser of Allander Institute, an economic research organisation, noted that ‘in general the Universal Credit system seemed to cope …

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The Minister for Welfare Delivery highlighted that he felt the Universal Credit digital application system ‘stood up to the challenge’207 that the pandemic presented and that the previous legacy benefits system, which more heavily relied on paper-based administration, separate benefits and application processes, and need for in-person applications ‘would have …

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Unlike previous benefit systems Universal Credit is designed to be a digital by default system, meaning that digital mechanisms are the DWP’s primary approach for the application and processing of Universal Credit. This process has reformed benefit administration; online applications and regional Service Centres have replaced in-person 200 Q182 201 …

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Chris Birt of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation commented that this digital by default system meant that for some claimants ‘being able to [apply for Universal Credit] online is far simpler and that is obviously welcome.’211 Neil Cowan of The Poverty Alliance agreed saying that with the digital system ‘some people …

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Throughout the inquiry we heard evidence that highlighted that the digital by default system, whilst working for some claimants, was not a suitable way for many claimants in most need of social security payments to access Universal Credit in Scotland both prior to and during the pandemic.

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Marion Davis of One Parent Families Scotland noted that there ‘are huge and significant problems around digital access for parents who do not have a PC or a tablet’.213 Nina Ballantyne at Citizens Advice Scotland agreed saying that ‘a lot of people just do not have access to devices. If …

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Furthermore, once a claimant does manage to access a device suitable for navigating the Universal Credit system Scotland’s geography and rurality present further digital access issues. Nina Ballantyne of Citizens Advice Scotland highlighted that rural areas in Scotland make up ‘about 48% of the entire land mass. Only 40% has …

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On top of having a device and a good internet connection a claimant is also expected to have the necessary IT skills to access the Universal Credit system. A digital-literacy barrier was highlighted in the evidence we heard. Neil Cowan of The Poverty Alliance noted that for people with IT …

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We have heard about support programmes designed for claimants who don’t have the confidence, or the skills required to make an application for and maintain their Universal Credit claim provided by local organisations who have stepped in to deliver what they feel is essential support not being provided by the …

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In 2018 the DWP responded to previous concerns about access and support for Universal Credit applications by funding the ‘Help to Claim’ service. This is administered in Scotland on DWP’s behalf by Citizens Advice Scotland. The Minister for Welfare 218 Q75 219 Q120 220 Q49 221 Q75 222 Q105 223 …

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We heard in evidence from the DWP of their pilot of using video calls as a way of supporting people with their Universal Credit claim especially during the pandemic when people have not been able to travel. They stated this would also continue in ordinary times for individuals who would …

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We pay tribute to the DWP employees during this very difficult time in managing and handling the huge increase of people accessing welfare because of the covid-19 pandemic. The digital by default system has withstood the pressure placed on it during the pandemic, although, the DWP should look to offer …

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Throughout our inquiry we received a significant amount of evidence that suggested the amount of money provided by Universal Credit is insufficient for reducing poverty in Scotland. Below is a table highlighting the standard allowance that a claimant of Universal Credit can expect to receive according to the UK Government’s …

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Claimants may also be eligible for additional elements of Universal Credit including those for children, housing, health and disabilities, and for carers.

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We heard evidence from various stakeholders that this amount of money was not adequate to ensure that claimants remain out of poverty and pay their essential bills. The Trussell Trust told us that ‘benefit issues and low benefit income are a reason behind four in five visits to food banks …

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Many of the stakeholders told us that increasing the amount of money that claimants receive through Universal Credit would be effective in reducing poverty in Scotland. We heard from Kirsty McKechnie at the Child Poverty Action Group that ‘the way to alleviate poverty is to give people more money and …

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Our survey on the experiences of people with social security in Scotland found that a majority (68%) felt that the money they received in support payments would not cover their bills for rent, food, internet, council tax and utilities. One respondent to the survey said that whilst on benefits “I’m …

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At the start of the covid-19 pandemic Universal Credit was uplifted by £20 a week (£1,040 a year).244 The evidence we have heard has been very supportive of this policy and the change has helped Universal Credit claimants enormously during this time. Chris Birt from The Joseph Rowntree Foundation said …

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Many of the witnesses we heard from recommended to the UK Government that the £20 a week uplift be made permanent for Universal Credit claimants. Many stakeholders wanted to take this further as well and said the increase should also be extended to legacy benefit claimants (people who claim benefits …

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The Scottish Government in their evidence to us highlighted that they had a ‘number of concerns around the adequacy of the payment [on Universal Credit] even before coronavirus.’259 The Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People also said that the Scottish Government’s view on whether the £20 uplift should …

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The UK Government announced in the Budget in March 2021 that the £20 uplift would remain until the end of September 2021.265 In explaining to us why the uplift was not made permanent the Minister for Welfare Delivery noted the expense of the policy saying that the ‘cost of extending …

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We have heard in evidence that there are other levers that the DWP could pull to change the Universal Credit system to help to tackle poverty in Scotland alongside increasing adequacy of payments. One option that Citizens Advice Scotland and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation recommended was that the DWP could …

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A work allowance is the amount that a claimant can earn before their Universal Credit payment is affected. Once a claimant starts work their Universal Credit amount will gradually decrease as the claimant earns more money through their job. The work allowance is currently set at: • £293–if a claimant’s …

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Should a claimant earn more than their work allowance, their Universal Credit payments will be reduced at a rate (known as a taper rate) of 63p for every £1 earned.275 However, since 2015 ‘only people with limited capability for work, or, people with a child or children are entitled to …

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Neil Cowan from The Poverty Alliance told us that with current work allowance arrangements have led to employment ‘becoming less, rather than more, reliable as a route out of poverty.’279 Nina Ballantyne of Citizens Advice Scotland called for the work allowance to be increased so that people can take on …

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DWP was keen to highlight its approach to tackling poverty in Scotland and around the UK. It argues that the welfare reforms carried out since 2010 have brought a ‘holistic approach to supporting individuals and households’283 with their ‘fundamental principle of being better off working than not, unless you cannot …

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We note the wealth of evidence we have received as part of this inquiry that the payment award for claimants of Universal Credit is not enough to tackle poverty in Scotland and provide claimants with a stable support base from which they can access the job market. We welcome the …

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We also recommend that DWP raise the work allowance for Universal Credit claimants and re-establish work allowances for single adult claimants so that they can keep more of the money they earn, to allow them to work their way out of poverty. Universal Credit and the five week wait for …

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Beyond the adequacy of the Universal Credit system we heard further evidence highlighting that there were other issues with how Universal Credit works and that these issues were causing hardship for claimants in Scotland. A particular issue was the five week wait for a first payment of Universal Credit for …

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Universal Credit is paid once a month, usually into a claimant’s bank, building society or credit union account. After applying for Universal Credit, it usually takes around five weeks for a new claimant to get their first payment. Universal Credit is paid monthly and in arrears. This is a deliberate …

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An example of the process is provided on the Gov.uk website: • You make a new Universal Credit claim on 1 September. 287 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) 288 Department for Work and Pensions (WPS0021) 289 Citizens Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 290 Department for Work and Pensions, Universal Credit: How …

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We heard evidence of how the five week wait for Universal Credit and the associated advance payment system is causing a lot of difficulty for claimants in Scotland. Chris Birt of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation said it can ‘force people into destitution’292 whilst Polly Jones of The Trussell Trust highlight …

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The Poverty Alliance in their written evidence to us highlighted that from their research they found that the five week wait was ‘the most negative aspect of Universal Credit for many people.’295 They argue that the policy is a major driver of poverty and destitution and has forced people into …

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Should a claimant require money before the five week wait has been completed they can apply for an advance payment. This means a claimant can receive an advance worth the amount of their first estimated payment on Universal Credit.299 According to the Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince MP, these …

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Again, the UK Government provides an example on their website: • Your first estimated payment is £344 and you get £344 as an advance. 291 Department for Work and Pensions, Universal Credit: How you’re paid, accessed 14 April 2021 292 Q46 293 Q115 294 The Trussell Trust (WPS0006) 295 The …

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The advance payment system was commented on critically by our witnesses. Kirsty McKechnie of the Child Poverty Action Group said that advances ‘contribute to the ongoing hardship that people experience on Universal Credit and the difficulty in making ends meet from one end of the month to the next.’303 Nina …

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Our colleagues on the Work and Pensions Select Committee recently held an inquiry entitled Universal Credit: the wait for a first payment. They recommended the DWP should: pay all first time claimants of Universal Credit a “starter payment” equivalent to three weeks of the Standard Allowance of Universal Credit. This …

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We welcome the improvements made to the advance payment system, such as the doubling of the amount of time to repay, and a reduction in the rate at which deductions can be made. We also acknowledge the advance system is in place for people who require money quickly, however, the …

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Some of our contributors discussed the use of sanctions on claimants who fail to maintain their claimant commitment. A claimant commitment is an agreement between a claimant and the DWP. It is a record of the responsibilities (to prepare for and look for work) that a person accepts in return …

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Kirsty McKechnie of The Child Poverty Action Group highlighted that this policy caused a lot of stress to claimants, since whether or not a claimant had met their claimant commitment was ‘very much at the work coach’s discretion. It depends very much with different work coaches, different jobcentres and different …

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There were also questions raised as to the effectiveness of sanctions in encouraging claimants to find work. The Poverty Alliance said that ‘sanctions are both ineffective in their stated purpose of encouraging entry into employment and act only to exacerbate poverty and income crisis.’318 Marion Davis of One Parent Families …

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We did not ask the DWP to comment on its sanctions policy as part of this inquiry. However, we are aware that it has commented on this matter recently, in response to the House of Lords Economics Affairs Committee’s inquiry into The Economics of Universal Credit. In their response to …

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We note criticism levied about sanctions in the Universal Credit system, and we are particularly concerned that sanctions do not foster a positive atmosphere for people when they are receiving Universal Credit and looking for a job. Despite this, we note the DWPs analysis that found that the risk of …

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The Scotland Act 2016 afforded the Scottish Government the opportunity to make changes to the way in which Universal Credit is administered to claimants in Scotland. However, Universal Credit remains a reserved benefit which means the DWP retain control of Universal Credit, and it is paid to claimants by the …

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There are currently two Universal Credit Scottish Choices in operation: • Twice-monthly payments, whereby Universal Credit is paid twice a month (may not necessarily be every two weeks) rather than monthly; and • Direct Payments, whereby claimants can opt for their rent to be deducted from their Universal Credit and …

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There are two further Scottish Choices options that are yet to be rolled out. These are: • Split Payments: To split the Universal Credit household payment between members of a couple. • Removal of the spare room subsidy: To remove the underoccupancy charge (Bedroom Tax) at source in Universal Credit.326

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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 …

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According to DWP figures from November 2020, 35,608 Universal Credit claimants had chosen the Scottish Choices option of having their rent paid directly to their landlord, whilst 77,100 people had chosen to receive the more frequent payment option whilst receiving Universal Credit.330 Uptake of Scottish Choices

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Throughout the inquiry we heard evidence that there were a number of barriers that were preventing claimants from accessing the options provided by Scottish Choices: • Lack of awareness of the Choices. • The wait for Scottish Choices to be available. • Hampering of uptake due to initial administrative errors. …

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We heard that not enough claimants know about the Choices and that this has meant that their uptake is lower than what it could be. Neil Cowan from The Poverty Alliance mentioned in evidence that their research showed that claimants ‘did not know that they could take up their choices, …

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The Scottish Government released its own evaluation of Universal Credit Scottish Choices in March 2021. The evaluation did accept that ‘overall awareness of the term ‘Scottish choices’ among the people on Universal Credit interviewed for this research was low.’334 The Scottish Government thought that Scottish Choices could be ‘better publicised.’335 …

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Another barrier to people signing up to Scottish Choices is that claimants cannot access the choices immediately, instead having to wait until they have received their first Universal Credit payment before taking up one or both options. Citizens Advice Scotland highlighted to our predecessor Committee on their inquiry on welfare …

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This point was illustrated further by Kirsty McKechnie of the Child Poverty Action Group. They argued that the initial five-week wait for a first payment would put claimants off opting for the twice-monthly choice as it would leave claimants with too little money to get by: 331 Q56 332 Q86 …

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The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations also highlights that the policy choice of building in this wait time for Scottish Choices does not align with other DWP policies: the rationale given by the DWP for the one month wait to take up the Choices is on ‘the basis that it …

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We heard evidence that there were administration issues with the direct payment to landlords option. Citizens Advice Scotland told us that it ‘has been tricky for DWP, social landlords and all the other various parts of the system—the Scottish Government as well— to align’342 the direct payments to landlords Scottish …

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Polly Jones from The Trussell Trust told us that: There are quite complicated discussions and arrangements between DWP and Scottish Government on how this is managed and how many minutes a work coach can spend talking about Scottish Choices in the second assessment interview.348 They recommend that instead: ‘It would …

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The Minister for Welfare Delivery, said that ‘information is available through gov.uk [UK Government website] as part of the Universal Credit application, which outlines what Scottish Choices are and how they operate.’352 Margarita Morrison, Area Director, Work and Health Services Scotland of the DWP, also explained that whilst the Department …

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The lack of rolling out the remaining two Scottish Choices options (split payment between couples on Universal Credit, and removing the underoccupancy charge (Bedroom Tax) at source in Universal Credit) was identified by witnesses and in written evidence as issues that should be resolved as a priority. Citizens Advice Scotland’s …

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The Scottish Government told us that they believe the roll out of the two further Scottish Choices options is being delayed because the DWP is not prioritising this work in the devolution programme. The Cabinet Secretary explained that she accepts that the ‘devolution programme is but one of the aspects …

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The Minister for Welfare Delivery responded to this by telling us that the Scottish Government had announced their intention to roll out the further option of split payments for Universal Credit claimants in Scotland but had ‘no clear intention or basis on how it could be delivered or operationalised.’364 He …

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We see Universal Credit Scottish Choices as positive and flexible options to the people of Scotland, but the policy has been let down by a lack of communication by the Scottish Government and the DWP and Jobcentre Plus network in Scotland about the availability of these choices to claimants.

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The Scottish Government and the DWP should work together and seek agreement before announcing further Scottish Choices options to ensure there is no delay in roll out. We therefore recommend the following: a) That Scottish Choices be made available to a claimant from the start of their Universal Credit claim. …

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