Social Security Bill goes out to public views

The Scottish Government's Social Security Bill, which represents one of the biggest transfers powers since devolution and will affect more than 1.4m people in Scotland, has begun its public consultation stage at the Scottish Parliament.

Holyrood's Social Security Committee has issued its call for evidence on the bill, which will generate expenditure of £2.9bn a year, as it begins its stage 1 scrutiny.

The bill covers 11 devolved benefits including disability living allowance, attendance allowance, winter fuel payment, maternity grants, carer’s allowance and discretionary housing payments. It also sets out seven principles on which the Scottish social security system will be based.

In its call for evidence the committee asks for views on the statement of principles as well as the benefits contained in the bill.

Committee convener Sandra White MSP commented: “This bill will have a huge effect on the daily lives of millions of people across Scotland. It will impact on some of the most vulnerable in our society and so it is vital that our committee makes sure any bill works and delivers for ordinary Scots.

“It is clear from the principles within the bill that the Scottish Government wants people to be at the heart of the new system. But our committee wants to know what impact these principles will have and what these will mean for claimants who will have to live with the effects of this bill."

She added: “There is no doubt that this bill marks a major change for Scotland in how the 11 benefits will be delivered. This is why we want to hear directly from those people to hear their views on whether the bill will make a difference.”

As part of the committee’s scrutiny it will hold a workshop with a group of witnesses who have direct experience of social security in a "Your say" session, with some of the group giving formal evidence on 7 September 2017."

Click here to view the call for evidence. Written submissions are due by 23 August 2017.