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Independent body to scrutinise new Scottish social security system
A new independent body will be set up by the Scottish Government to scrutinise the country’s new social security system.
Amendments to legislation currently going through Scottish Parliament would create a new Scottish Commission on Social Security, which would independently scrutinise the new social security system, according to social security minister Jeane Freeman.
The Social Security (Scotland) Bill begins its committee phase shortly. As part of the bill the Scottish Government plans to set up its own social security agency to administer the 11 benefits it now has control over, which include discretionary housing payments and personal independence payments.
Ms Freeman said: “We have said all along we will approach social security differently and our system will fulfil people’s human rights by treating them with dignity and respect. The new scrutiny body will ensure we are independently held to account for delivering on these commitments.
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“We welcome that scrutiny: it is proof we are serious about building a system that puts people first, that supports our citizens and that exists to realise rights, not to obstruct them.
“By putting this on the statute books, we are making sure that its role is protected and enforced by law. People deserve to know that ministers are being held to account, now and in the future, and that the responsibilities given by the bill in providing social security as a human right are met.
“We want to set up the Scottish Commission on Social Security as quickly as possible this year, as part of our determination to set up a new social security system that has dignity and fairness at its heart.”
