Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill - your views

We, at the SWC, commend the key principles which underpin Scottish Social Security legislation, believing that it is vital that a person-centred approach is taken throughout decision-making. With regards to ‘Part 1’ of the Bill, we are pleased to note that ‘Childhood Assistance’, will be open to anyone who has ‘responsibility’ for a child, thereby including kinship carers. This form of care is often missed in policy discussions, which results in continued hardship for families and women, who are more likely to take on this form of care.

The proposed changes to determinations and re-determinations, should provide increased flexibility for claimants, which we believe to be vital in providing an empathetic and person-centred social security system in Scotland. Women who access social security regularly state that current DWP practices are “unfeeling”, resulting in claimants feeling like “beggars”. We, therefore, support a system which is dynamic and personal, and ultimately aims to reduce poverty in Scotland.

In cases where assistance has been given in error, it is clear that Social Security Scotland must attempt to reclaim monies. However, we would encourage an empathetic approach, which takes into consideration individual situations, working with claimants on potential repayment plans. It is also key that claimants are provided with reasonings behind a decision, such as a claim reversal, as well as advice on seeking re-determinations and/or making an alternative claim. Through these methods, Social Security Scotland can continue working to their underlying principles, while also limiting the financial strain on households.

Audits are an integral element of the social security system, particularly in the prevention of financial crime and abuse. Due to the risk presented by financial exploitation, we support the inclusion of regular auditing, proposing that auditors are trained in spotting the signs of financial abuse. In situations where financial abuse is suspected, the safety and wellbeing of potential victims must be priority, and as such safe-guarding measures should be implemented as soon as possible, including support and guidance, and in some cases further financial aid may be required.