Question reference: S4W-16078
- Asked by: Jamie Hepburn, MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 26 June 2013
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 June 2013
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether local authorities will continue to deliver the Scottish Welfare Fund beyond the period of the interim arrangements.
Answer
Following the successful launch of the interim fund, we have agreed with COSLA leaders that local authorities are best placed to take on delivery of the Scottish Welfare Fund on a permanent basis. We will continue to work together to share good practice, overcome any concerns and help develop further accessibility and delivery alternatives for the fund. This includes working together to set up a new reference group to develop the necessary legislation. The group will include representatives from local authorities, Child Poverty Action Group, Citizens Advice Scotland, Poverty Alliance, Shelter, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Inclusion Scotland and the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.