01.07.2015
A Holyrood committee is to conduct an inquiry into the proposed devolution of social security powers to Scotland.
The Welfare Reform Committee has today issued a call for views on how proposed new powers over welfare should be used to deliver a better system of social security in Scotland.
The committee is basing its inquiry on the recommendations of the Smith Commission on further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament. The Smith Commission recommended the devolution of welfare powers including:
- Attendance Allowance.
- Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payments.
- Carer’s Allowance.
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Allowance.
- Severe Disablement Allowance.
- The Regulated Social Fund.
- Discretionary Housing Payments.
- The Work Programme and Work Choice.
While the Scotland Bill makes its way through Westminster, the committee has chosen to focus its inquiry on the Smith recommendations that relate to welfare provision.
Michael McMahon MSP, committee convener, explained:
“This approach allows us to focus on the implementation of the devolved social security schemes, ensuring that the process behind the new systems is fit for purpose for claimants and service providers. It is important that our inquiry helps to build a political consensus on how Scotland’s new system of social security should be designed.
"The Smith report recommended the devolution of a number of welfare powers, including the Work Programme and Work Choice. We are particularly keen to hear from people who have taken part in these programmes.”
Mr McMahon continued:
“It is important that the introduction of these new powers receives detailed scrutiny and our inquiry provides an opportunity for people to have their say on how the new schemes should be designed.”
The deadline for submissions to the committee is Friday 28 August 2015.
Background
The committee is asking how the new welfare powers proposed by the Smith Agreement should be used to improve or change:
- Personal Independence Payments, Disability Living Allowance Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance.
- Universal Credit (housing element and administrative arrangements arrangements) and Discretionary Housing Payments.
- the Work Programme and Work Choice.
- the Regulated Social Fund, new benefits, top-ups and delivery of benefits overall.