Social Security Scotland

Social Security Scotland
Tèarainteachd Shòisealta Alba
Executive Agency overview
Formed 2018
Preceding agencies
Jurisdiction Scotland
Headquarters Dundee
Glasgow
Motto Dignity, fairness, respect.
Minister responsible
Deputy Minister responsible
Website Official website

Social Security Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Tèarainteachd Shòisealta Alba) is the executive agency of the Scottish Government with responsibility for social security provision.[1]

Origins

When the devolved Scottish Parliament was convened in 1999, social security benefits remained a reserved matter for Westminster. However, in 2013 the Council Tax Reduction and Scottish Welfare Fund came under control of the parliament, and following the 2014 independence referendum, the Smith Commission recommended devolution of some aspects of welfare. Subsequently, the Scotland Act 2016 was passed, devolving certain areas of social security to the Scottish Parliament, with powers to legislate.

Social Security Scotland was established as a result of the Scottish Parliament passing the Social Security (Scotland) Act in April 2018, becoming the first Scottish social security agency in the nation's history.[1][2]

Responsibilities

Social Security Scotland's remit is expanding over a number of years and is expected to be responsible for the provision of social security payments of specific welfare areas:[1]

  • Personal Independence Payments
  • Carer's Allowance
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Winter Fuel Payments
  • Cold Weather Payments
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • Industrial Injuries Disability Benefits
  • Funeral Expenses Payments (to be replaced by Funeral Expense Assistance)
  • Sure Start Maternity Grant (to be replaced by Best Start Grant)

Operations

Social Security Scotland will operate from two large bases in Dundee and Glasgow, alongside operations at a local level.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 BBC. "Holyrood approves social security bill". Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  2. ↑ Brooks, Libby (2018-04-25). "Scotland recognises social security as a human right". the Guardian. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
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