29.09.2017
The roll out of the devolution of welfare powers to Scotland and concerns over Universal Credit will be raised by the Scottish Parliament’s Social Security Committee when it takes evidence from Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Rt Hon David Gauke MP.
The meeting, which will take place in early January 2018, comes as the Committee considers one of the biggest transfers of powers from Westminster to the Scottish Parliament in the shape of the Social Security Bill. This Bill will see the devolution of 11 benefits leading to expenditure of £2.9 billion a year.
Committee Convener, Sandra White MSP said:
“There is a process of huge change taking place with social security. Not only have we seen changes made by the Westminster Government but we also have the Social Security Bill before us. Amongst all of this change it is vital that we don’t lose sight of those most affected.
“This is why it was crucial that the Secretary of State appear before our Committee in order that we can explore the UK Government’s approach to welfare and the impact it has on people in Scotland and what is being done to ensure the handover of powers happens smoothly. We will also use this meeting to raise the many concerns we have heard around the roll out of Universal Credit.”
The meeting is due to take place in January 2018, with more details to be published nearer the time.
The previous Secretary of State, Rt Hon Damian Green MP appeared before the Committee on 3 November 2016. More information about that meeting can be found here.
A copy of the Committee’s invitation to the Secretary of State, and his response, can be found here: