Question reference: S4W-12864
- Asked by: Annabelle Ewing, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 5 February 2013
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Current status: Answered by Margaret Burgess on 28 February 2013
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has about what action each local authority is taking to raise awareness of the impact of the proposed welfare reforms.
Answer
Local authorities are engaged in a range of actions to prepare for the reforms, such as establishing arrangements for the Scottish Welfare Fund in their area and work to introduce the Council Tax Reduction scheme. Several local authorities are also involved in pilots that provide an opportunity to help prepare for the introduction of universal credit.
We are working in partnership with COSLA and funding the improvement service to gather intelligence and information about the preparedness of councils and their partners as they prepare to implement the reforms and support those affected by the changes. This will help local authorities to shape their individual responses to the emerging priorities in their areas, including actions required to raise awareness on the expected impacts.