Bill to Make System More Efficient & Effective
Improving the way the Scottish system of social security delivers for people in need of support is at the heart of new legislation.
The Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill enhances the rights of Social Security Scotland clients in a number of ways, following a public consultation last year.
Titled ‘Scotland’s Social Security system: Enhanced administration and compensation recovery’, this ran from 4 August to 27 October 2022 and a majority of the respondents supported the proposals.
The Bill will bring in a right to late re-determinations and appeals in exceptional circumstances, the right to withdraw a request for redetermination, and the right to challenge a decision that someone is liable in a situation where an overpayment has been made.
It will also continue to enhance the design of the system, maximising choice for those who use it while delivering good value for money.
Additionally, the legislation will enable the Scottish Government to recover the cost of devolved social security benefits from compensation awards in situations where someone has had to claim payments as a result of a third party’s fault.
I welcome the introduction of this Bill to enhance welfare rights in Scotland.
GRAEME
This Scottish Government continues to build a devolved better benefits system that works better than what came before it, with dignity, fairness and respect at its heart.
These legislative changes will go some way to improving the aspect of fairness.
While Tory welfare policy continues to hurt the most vulnerable in society, and with Labour offering no real alternative, the SNP remains determined to do all it can to protect people from poverty.
The changes proposed by this legislation are part of our commitment to continuously improve the Scottish social security system in ways which put the needs of those who require assistance first.
SOCIAL JUSTICE SECRETARY, SHIRLEY-ANNE SOMERVILLE
They will help make the social security system more efficient and effective, contributing to our mission to tackle poverty and protect people from harm.
The measures it contains advance equality and non-discrimination and ensure the system is efficient and delivers value for money.
Background
The Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill
A public consultation, titled ‘Scotland’s Social Security system: Enhanced administration and compensation recovery’ ran from 4 August to 27 October 2022 and a majority of the respondents supported the proposals.
