Social Security Committee

Meeting date: Thursday, November 1, 2018

Official Report 724KB pdf

Scottish Government Consultation

Draft Social Security Assistance (Investigation of Offences) (Scotland) Regulations 2018

Draft Code of Practice for Investigations

We come to agenda item 5. I refer members to paper 3, which is a note by the clerk. The committee sought written views to inform any response that it might make to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the draft regulations and code of practice. The committee’s only response was from Inclusion Scotland, which will respond directly to the Scottish Government’s consultation. Is the committee content to note the points that were made by Inclusion Scotland?

Inclusion Scotland has said:

“We believe that this would make it impossible for Third Sector Agencies, and their employees, who provide services to their clients on a confidential basis to continue to offer such services on that basis in the future.”

I appreciate that Inclusion Scotland will respond directly to the Scottish Government’s consultation, but I would be grateful if the committee would consider writing to the minister, noting that the Government should expect that response. Inclusion Scotland represents a great many people and clearly has some concern about the matter.

That is a reasonable suggestion. I do not see anyone disagreeing with it. Thank you for making that suggestion, Alison.

On that basis, are we content with the approach that has been outlined?

Members indicated agreement.