Welfare policy in Scotland

Scottish Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 14 Oct 2020 Closed: 17 Feb 2022 Parliament page
The inquiry will examine the effect of welfare policies on the lives of claimants and poverty and inequality levels more broadly in Scotland. It will: assess the effectiveness of Scottish Choices which provide a unique degree of flexibility for those on Universal Credit in Scotland explore the consequences of Universal … Read more
37 Recommendations
111 Conclusions
1 Report
6 Oral sessions
5 Letters
9 Events
Activity timeline 16 events
7 Feb
2022
Correspondence
19 Nov
2021
Report published
23 Jun
2021
Report published
17 Jun
2021
Oral evidence
13 May
2021
Correspondence
13 May
2021
Correspondence
21 Apr
2021
Formal meeting (private meeting) · Virtual meeting
25 Mar
2021
Correspondence
25 Mar
2021
Correspondence
18 Mar
2021
Oral evidence
11 Mar
2021
Oral evidence
11 Feb
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 6 sessions
17 Jun 2021
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Bless Kuri · Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Claire Mack · Scottish Renewables Lucy Whitford · RES Matthieu Hue · EDF Renewables Steven McMahon · Ofgem
18 Mar 2021
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Andrew Latto · Department for Work & Pensions Justin Tomlinson · Department for Work & Pensions Margarita Morrison · Department for Work & Pensions Will Quince · Department for Work & Pensions
11 Mar 2021
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Callum Smith · Scottish Government Catherine Reeves · Scottish Government Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP · Scottish Government
11 Feb 2021
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Councillor Richard Bell · Glasgow City Council Polly Jones · The Trussell Trust Suzanne Lavelle · Southside Housing Association
21 Jan 2021
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Kirsty McKechnie · Child Poverty Action Group Scotland Marion Davis · One Parent Families Scotland Nina Ballantyne · Citizens Advice Scotland
16 Dec 2020
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Chris Birt · Joseph Rowntree Foundation David Eiser · Fraser of Allander Institute Neil Cowan · The Poverty Alliance Professor Gráinne McKeever · Ulster University Professor John McKendrick · Glasgow Caledonian University Professor Paul Spicker · Robert Gordon University
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotland HC 55 23 Jun 2021 148 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
33 results
Clear
1 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
The evidence we have seen from the inquiry has highlighted evidence of somewhat different approaches...
The evidence we have seen from the inquiry has highlighted evidence of somewhat different approaches adopted by the governments but these differences were not jeopardising the devolution of welfare to Scotland and both governments are striving to treat claimants fairly … Read more
Government Response
The Scottish Government welcomes the report's recognition of commitment from both governments to social security devolution and states its content to support publicly restating the commitment to constructive joint working.
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10 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
We also note the increase in the number of work coaches (by 13,500) and specialist...
We also note the increase in the number of work coaches (by 13,500) and specialist disability employment advisers in recent months as a result of the UK Government’s recent recruitment campaign. We see this as a very welcome step in … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the positive highlighting of DWP's pandemic response and the increase in work coaches and disability employment advisors, providing more specific numbers for Scotland.
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17 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
We note the wealth of evidence we have received as part of this inquiry that...
We note the wealth of evidence we have received as part of this inquiry that the payment award for claimants of Universal Credit is not enough to tackle poverty in Scotland and provide claimants with a stable support base from … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's observation by highlighting Universal Credit's role during the pandemic and the temporary uplift, while reiterating its focus on employment and the Plan for Jobs as a route out of poverty.
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26 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
Many commentators highlighted how the process of the devolution of welfare powers to Scotland has...
Many commentators highlighted how the process of the devolution of welfare powers to Scotland has worked well. In their written evidence the Child Poverty Action Group said that the ‘governments appear to have mostly worked well together’53 whilst The Poverty … Read more
Government Response
The government recognises the Committee's observation regarding the effective cooperation and mutual respect between the UK and Scottish Governments in the devolution of social security.
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27 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
In the written evidence provided from the Scottish Government and the DWP, collaboration appears to...
In the written evidence provided from the Scottish Government and the DWP, collaboration appears to be working well at inter-governmental level. The Scottish Government highlight that they have a ‘constructive relationship’56 with the DWP with the Cabinet Secretary for Social … Read more
Government Response
The government recognises the Committee's observation regarding the constructive relationship and effective collaboration between the UK and Scottish Governments on social security devolution.
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28 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
It appears that this positive working relationship has been fostered despite the debate as to...
It appears that this positive working relationship has been fostered despite the debate as to whether the UK and Scottish governments have differing viewpoints on social security (detailed in Chapter 2). The Cabinet Secretary highlighted there were ‘a range of … Read more
Government Response
The government recognises the Committee's observation of the mutual respect and cooperative working relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments regarding social security devolution.
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29 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
Despite high-level political agreement to devolve welfare powers, there have been delays to this process.
Despite high-level political agreement to devolve welfare powers, there have been delays to this process. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation noted that ‘the timetable for full control and delivery by Scotland was originally planned for May 2021 but is now timetabled … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's observation regarding delays in welfare devolution, emphasizing the positive intergovernmental working relationship and DWP's effective response to the pandemic.
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31 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
Agency agreements between the Scottish Government and the DWP have been used during the process...
Agency agreements between the Scottish Government and the DWP have been used during the process of the devolution of welfare powers. An agency agreement is used when the DWP delivers benefits which have been devolved to the Scottish Government via … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the committee's observation regarding mutual respect and welcomed the acknowledgement of its agreement to provide services under agency arrangements during the devolution process.
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32 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
We were told by the UK and Scottish governments that these agency agreements are funded...
We were told by the UK and Scottish governments that these agency agreements are funded by the Scottish Government who reimburse the DWP for delivering the benefits 72 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 73 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 74 Scottish Government (WPS0013) 75 … Read more
Government Response
The UK Government acknowledges the Committee’s observation on mutual respect and devolution, highlights DWP's pandemic response and increased staff, and welcomes its agreement to provide services under agency arrangements, but does not specifically comment on the funding or value-for-money aspects of these agreements.
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33 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
Andrew Latto, Deputy Director, Devolution, Pensioner Benefits and Carer’s Allowance, Policy Group at the DWP...
Andrew Latto, Deputy Director, Devolution, Pensioner Benefits and Carer’s Allowance, Policy Group at the DWP highlighted that ‘there is no interest in keeping agency agreements going for longer than is absolutely necessary’.83 This is because for the duration of the … Read more
Government Response
The government's response was a general introductory statement, acknowledging mutual respect and progress towards devolution of social security, and welcoming the agency arrangements while the Scottish Government builds its capacity. It did not directly address the DWP's stated reasons for not wanting to prolong these agreements.
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34 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
Professor McKeever, Ulster University, stated that the sharing of data between the DWP and the...
Professor McKeever, Ulster University, stated that the sharing of data between the DWP and the Scottish Government and Scottish Social Security Agency is ‘very critical to rolling out the success of the benefit system.’86 This point is supported throughout the … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's general observation of mutual respect and collaboration between the UK and Scottish Governments on social security devolution, but does not specifically address the importance of data sharing.
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36 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
The Scottish Government outlined how the access to DWP-held data about claimants, caseloads, and trends...
The Scottish Government outlined how the access to DWP-held data about claimants, caseloads, and trends is necessary to develop devolved administrative systems. In their evidence they stated that data sharing to help manage the transfer of claimants from the DWP … Read more
Government Response
The UK Government recognises the Committee’s observation on mutual respect and devolution, highlights DWP's pandemic response and increased staff improving access, and acknowledges its agreement for agency arrangements, but does not specifically address the detailed concerns about data sharing complexity.
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44 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
The DWP explained their reading of the situation in regards to the Scottish Government rolling...
The DWP explained their reading of the situation in regards to the Scottish Government rolling out the Scottish Child Payment to children older than six years old. The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work noted that the data necessary … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the observation on data sharing difficulties by outlining existing mechanisms like a dedicated Data Sharing Board and Chief Data Officers forum, emphasizing DWP's commitment to responding to requests while adhering to legal accountabilities.
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56 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
The Scotland Act 2016 devolved significant new welfare powers to the Scottish Parliament.
The Scotland Act 2016 devolved significant new welfare powers to the Scottish Parliament. A consequence of the devolution process is that it is possible for people to be eligible for social security payments from four different agencies and potentially dealing … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's observation regarding the complexity of benefit payments across four agencies due to devolution and highlights DWP's response during the pandemic, including increased work coaches and agency agreements with the Scottish Government.
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57 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
As discussed in Chapter two, there are different policy approaches and choices relating to reducing...
As discussed in Chapter two, there are different policy approaches and choices relating to reducing poverty through social security policies. This diversity creates different benefit administration and communication processes and responsibilities. We heard from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security … Read more
Government Response
The UK Government recognises the Committee’s observation on the complexity of policies and highlights existing DWP efforts, such as increasing work coaches and specialist advisors, which improved access to reserved benefits in Scotland, and acknowledges agency agreements.
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58 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
Witnesses consistently highlighted the need to reduce complexity, increase awareness, and improve access to the...
Witnesses consistently highlighted the need to reduce complexity, increase awareness, and improve access to the available benefits and support systems. Nina Ballantyne of Citizens Advice Scotland highlighted that whilst the social security landscape in Scotland may be complicated by the … Read more
Government Response
The UK Government recognises the Committee’s observation and highlights existing DWP efforts, such as increased work coaches and specialist advisors, which improved access to reserved benefits in Scotland, and acknowledges agency agreements. The response does not specifically commit to actions to reduce overall system complexity.
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59 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
A solution offered in the evidence for providing this service to claimants in Scotland was...
A solution offered in the evidence for providing this service to claimants in Scotland was for there to be a “no wrong door policy” explained by Kirsty McKechnie of the Child Poverty Action Group to us as if a claimant … Read more
Government Response
The government provides a general acknowledgement of the committee's observations regarding UK and Scottish Government collaboration and social security devolution, without specifically addressing the 'no wrong door' policy or seamless advice.
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66 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
Taking all these concerns into account we were happy to hear of the increase in...
Taking all these concerns into account we were happy to hear of the increase in the number of work coaches by 13,500 across the UK to boost jobseeker support as a response to the covid-19 pandemic.164 We were very pleased … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's positive highlighting of DWP's response to the pandemic, confirming the increase in work coaches and specialist disability employment advisors in Scotland improved access to reserved benefits.
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68 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
We also note the increase in the number of work coaches (by 13,500) and specialist...
We also note the increase in the number of work coaches (by 13,500) and specialist disability employment advisers in recent months as a result of the UK Government’s recent recruitment campaign. We see this as a very welcome step in … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the committee's positive remarks about the increase in work coaches and specialist disability employment advisors in Scotland, stating these helped improve access to reserved benefits.
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71 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
The Scottish Government are set to begin taking responsibility for the payment of benefits to...
The Scottish Government are set to begin taking responsibility for the payment of benefits to disabled people in Scotland this year via the new Scottish Social Security agency. This transfer of powers was due to take place in 2020, however, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's observation by providing an update on the progress of delivering Child Disability Payment later this month and Adult Disability Payment in 2022.
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72 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
The Child Disability Payment171 will be replacing the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (Child)172 benefit.
The Child Disability Payment171 will be replacing the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (Child)172 benefit. People who are eligible will be between three months and 18 years of age and have: • lived with a disability for at least three months … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the description of the Child Disability Payment, confirming its imminent introduction in three local authority areas and full national rollout in autumn, followed by Adult Disability Payment in 2022.
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81 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
We realise the huge amount of work done by DWP employees during the difficult time...
We realise the huge amount of work done by DWP employees during the difficult time since the covid-19 pandemic started and pay tribute to their hard work. We understand that many DWP employees were ‘redeployed at very short notice’200 to … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's tribute to DWP employees for their hard work during the pandemic, highlighting that Universal Credit successfully handled increased claims and access to benefits was improved by additional staff.
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82 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
Throughout the inquiry we heard evidence from stakeholders who said the Universal Credit application system...
Throughout the inquiry we heard evidence from stakeholders who said the Universal Credit application system had coped with the quick expansions of applications over the past year. David Eiser of The Fraser of Allander Institute, an economic research organisation, noted … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges DWP's effective response to the pandemic, noting Universal Credit's ability to manage increased claims and highlighting the addition of work coaches and specialist disability employment advisors in Scotland.
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83 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
The Minister for Welfare Delivery highlighted that he felt the Universal Credit digital application system...
The Minister for Welfare Delivery highlighted that he felt the Universal Credit digital application system ‘stood up to the challenge’207 that the pandemic presented and that the previous legacy benefits system, which more heavily relied on paper-based administration, separate benefits … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged and welcomed the committee's positive highlighting of DWP's effective response and the resilience of the Universal Credit system during the pandemic, noting it stood up to the challenge with increased claimant numbers and improved access to benefits.
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85 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
Chris Birt of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation commented that this digital by default system meant...
Chris Birt of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation commented that this digital by default system meant that for some claimants ‘being able to [apply for Universal Credit] online is far simpler and that is obviously welcome.’211 Neil Cowan of The Poverty … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the positive comments about DWP's pandemic response and highlights increased work coaches and specialist disability employment advisors in Scotland to improve access to benefits.
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97 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
We heard evidence from various stakeholders that this amount of money was not adequate to...
We heard evidence from various stakeholders that this amount of money was not adequate to ensure that claimants remain out of poverty and pay their essential bills. The Trussell Trust told us that ‘benefit issues and low benefit income are … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges concerns about Universal Credit's adequacy by highlighting its role as a vital safety net during the pandemic and reaffirming its focus on employment initiatives to reduce poverty.
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101 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
Many of the witnesses we heard from recommended to the UK Government that the £20...
Many of the witnesses we heard from recommended to the UK Government that the £20 a week uplift be made permanent for Universal Credit claimants. Many stakeholders wanted to take this further as well and said the increase should also … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterates that the £20 uplift was a temporary measure for Universal Credit claimants and was never planned to be extended to legacy benefits, instead focusing on helping people into work through schemes like the Plan for Jobs.
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110 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
We note the wealth of evidence we have received as part of this inquiry that...
We note the wealth of evidence we have received as part of this inquiry that the payment award for claimants of Universal Credit is not enough to tackle poverty in Scotland and provide claimants with a stable support base from … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterates that the £20 uplift was a temporary measure for Universal Credit claimants during the pandemic and was never planned for legacy benefits, emphasizing its Plan for Jobs to help people into work.
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132 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
There are two further Scottish Choices options that are yet to be rolled out.
There are two further Scottish Choices options that are yet to be rolled out. These are: • Split Payments: To split the Universal Credit household payment between members of a couple. • Removal of the spare room subsidy: To remove … Read more
Government Response
The UK Government welcomes the recommendation, suggesting the Scottish Government should work with DWP to agree details and administration ahead of announcing potential changes to the listed options.
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137 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
The Scottish Government released its own evaluation of Universal Credit Scottish Choices in March 2021.
The Scottish Government released its own evaluation of Universal Credit Scottish Choices in March 2021. The evaluation did accept that ‘overall awareness of the term ‘Scottish choices’ among the people on Universal Credit interviewed for this research was low.’334 The … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the recommendation, likely referring to the Scottish Government's suggestion for improved Scottish Choices, stressing the importance of the Scottish Government working with DWP to agree on details and administration before any further changes are announced.
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144 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
The lack of rolling out the remaining two Scottish Choices options (split payment between couples...
The lack of rolling out the remaining two Scottish Choices options (split payment between couples on Universal Credit, and removing the underoccupancy charge (Bedroom Tax) at source in Universal Credit) was identified by witnesses and in written evidence as issues … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the recommendation, particularly for the Scottish Government to work with DWP to agree details and administration ahead of announcing any further potential changes regarding Scottish Choices options.
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145 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
The Scottish Government told us that they believe the roll out of the two further...
The Scottish Government told us that they believe the roll out of the two further Scottish Choices options is being delayed because the DWP is not prioritising this work in the devolution programme. The Cabinet Secretary explained that she accepts … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the recommendation, particularly for the Scottish Government to work with the DWP to agree details and administration ahead of announcing any further changes to Scottish Choices options.
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146 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Welfare policy in …
The Minister for Welfare Delivery responded to this by telling us that the Scottish Government...
The Minister for Welfare Delivery responded to this by telling us that the Scottish Government had announced their intention to roll out the further option of split payments for Universal Credit claimants in Scotland but had ‘no clear intention or … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the committee's report, welcoming the implied recommendation for the Scottish Government to work with DWP on agreeing details and administration for split payments before announcing further changes.
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Government Response AI assessment · 148 of 37 classified
Accepted 40
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 33
Deferred 20
Not Addressed 27
Rejected 27
Total 37 recs + 111 conclusions
Correspondence 5 letters
7 Feb 2022 Correspondence with Chloe Smith MP, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, and David Rutley MP, Minister for Welfare Delivery, Department for Work and Pensions, on welfare policy in Scotland, dated 22 November 2021 and 27 January 2022
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13 May 2021 To committee Letter from the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin Tomlinson MP, and the Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince MP, Department for Work & Pensions, follow-up to oral evidence session on 18 March about welfare policy in Scotland, 22 April 2021
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13 May 2021 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Department for Work and Pensions Ministers, Will Quince MP and Justin Tomlinson MP, relating to the oral evidence session on 18 March about welfare policy in Scotland, 30 March 2021
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25 Mar 2021 To committee Letter from Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, on a report the Scottish Government has published on the links between Universal Credit and homelessness in Scotland, 17 March 2021
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25 Mar 2021 To committee Letter from Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, on publication of the first evaluation of the Universal Credit (UC) Scottish choices, 5 March 2021
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