Second Report - Welfare policy in Scotland

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.

The government accepts the recommendation for promoting benefit uptake and inter-agency signposting by detailing existing initiatives, but rejects discussing it at the Joint Ministerial Working Group, stating its role is non-operational.

The government states it fully considers all data sharing requests, has established a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board, and works with the Scottish Government through a regular Chief Data Officers' forum to address data sharing processes.

The government's response details DWP's existing mechanisms for data sharing with the Scottish Government, including a dedicated board and regular forums, and states that the Scottish Government should build its own datasets. However, it does not directly address the committee's regret regarding delays to devolved benefit rollout or general collaborative working to resolve them.

The UK government redirected the recommendation, stating it is a matter for the Scottish Government to address.

The government states its commitment to safe transfer of powers and highlights existing forums like the Joint Ministerial Working Group on Welfare, whose minutes are published, as demonstrating a collaborative approach, but does not commit to a new Ministerial statement or joint policy document.

DWP states it already considers all data sharing requests, has a dedicated board and forum with the Scottish Government, and has informed them what data it can share and directed them to other data sources, implying the Scottish Government should also build its own datasets.

The government redirects responsibility for Social Security Scotland acquiring its own data to the Scottish Government, and, regarding a shared data protocol, describes existing DWP data sharing boards and forums, without committing to developing a new protocol or shared team.

The government outlined several existing initiatives to improve communication and signposting, including a Work Coach toolkit and links between UK and Scottish government websites, and noted a new Operational Reference Group established to continuously improve the benefit experience.

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.

The government stated that DWP and Social Security Scotland have established an Operational Reference Group to review service delivery issues and consider future improvements for shared customers, but did not specifically commit to developing a Scottish welfare service directory as recommended.

The UK government redirected the recommendation, stating it is a matter for the Scottish Government to address.

The UK government redirects the item, stating that it pertains to the Scottish Government's responsibilities and intentions regarding disability benefit assessments.

The government states that this is a recommendation for the Scottish Government.

The government's response is an introductory paragraph, acknowledging positive observations in the report and the efforts of DWP employees, but does not specifically address the recommendation to offer other support options.

The government rejects the recommendation for an increase in resources, stating that existing support, including a Freephone helpline, open Jobcentres, and continued funding for Citizens Advice Scotland's Help to Claim service until March 2022, is sufficient.

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.

The government rejects the recommendation to extend the £20 uplift to legacy benefits, stating there was never a plan to do so, and implies the uplift for UC was a temporary measure during the pandemic, now focusing on the 'Plan for Jobs' for economic recovery.

The government rejects the recommendation to extend work allowances to single adults, stating it has no such plans and that work allowances are targeted at those with the greatest barriers to the labour market. It highlights previous increases and annual uprating.

The government explains the existing advance payment system, including extended repayment periods, and rejects non-repayable advances due to fraud risk, administrative burden, and high costs.

The government rejects alternative arrangements like a 'starter payment', defending its existing New Claim Advances system and citing increased fraud risk, administrative burden, and high costs for non-repayable grants.

The government describes existing procedures for work coaches to ensure reasonable commitments, the consideration of 'good reason' before sanctioning, and avenues for appeal and hardship payments, implying these measures address concerns.

The government rejects the recommendation to pause sanctioning, stating that Work Coaches already ensure claimant commitments are reasonable and consider Covid-19 circumstances, and existing appeal and hardship payment processes are in place.

The government describes its current communication methods for Scottish Choices, including journal invitations and support from Citizens Advice Scotland, while explaining why initial online advertising is not aligned with policy.

The government states that the Scottish Government's policy is to offer Scottish Choices from the second assessment period to allow for Alternative Payment Arrangements, effectively rejecting the recommendation to make them available from the start and not addressing the other recommendations on advertising and collaboration.

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.

The government recognises the Committee's observation regarding the constructive relationship and effective collaboration between the UK and Scottish Governments on social security devolution.

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.

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.

The government's response focuses on the DWP's work during the pandemic and its agency agreements, rather than addressing the committee's observation regarding Scottish Government programme delays.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The government's response was a general introductory statement for the report, acknowledging mutual respect and devolution efforts, and praising DWP's pandemic response, but it did not specifically address the need for improved data sharing.

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.

The DWP outlines its process for handling data sharing requests, including its role as the Data Controller, which implicitly confirms the power dynamic described in the conclusion without addressing the committee's observation about an unequal relationship.

The DWP states it fully considers all data sharing requests, has a dedicated Data Sharing Board and forum, and shared its Data Sharing Policy Statement to ensure consistent processing, but does not address the Scottish Government's specific concerns about current processes, timelines, or the inability to fulfil policy proposals.

The DWP describes its general process for handling data sharing requests via a dedicated Board and forum, but does not specifically address the identified hurdles or reported change in attitude regarding data for the Scottish Child Payment rollout for older children.

The DWP states it already fully considers all data sharing requests, has established a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board and a regular forum with the Scottish Government, and shared its Data Sharing Policy Statement to ensure consistent processing.

The government reiterates that DWP fully considers and responds to data sharing requests from the Scottish Government through an established Devolution Data Sharing Board and regular forums, ensuring compliance with legal and data protection obligations.

The DWP states it fully considers all data sharing requests, has established a dedicated Data Sharing Board and a regular forum with the Scottish Government, and shared its Data Sharing Policy Statement to ensure consistency and legal compliance for all requests.

The government's response reiterates DWP's existing processes for considering and responding to data sharing requests, including the Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board and regular forums, but does not directly address the concern about the Scottish Government announcing policies before confirming data availability.

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.

The government explains that DWP has established processes and a dedicated Devolution Data Sharing Board to fully consider and respond to all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government, ensuring legal compliance and claimant rights.

The DWP states it fully considers all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government through a dedicated Data Sharing Board, a regular forum, and a Data Sharing Policy Statement, ensuring consistency and legal compliance for all requests.

The government states that DWP already fully considers and responds to all data sharing requests, has a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board, and works with the Scottish Government through established forums and policies to manage data sharing efficiently and legally.

The DWP states it fully considers and responds to all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government through a dedicated Data Sharing Board, a regular Chief Data Officer forum, and a Data Sharing Policy Statement, ensuring consistency and legal compliance for all requests.

The government outlines DWP's existing processes for considering data sharing requests, including the Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board and established forums, but does not specifically detail how these mechanisms address the three operational issues identified by the committee.

The government states DWP already fully considers and responds to data sharing requests through a dedicated board and regular forums, ensuring claimant rights and data quality. It also clarifies that the Scottish Government should establish data availability before policy design and build its own datasets for data DWP does not hold.

The government details its processes for handling data sharing requests with the Scottish Government, including a dedicated board and regular forums, and advises the Scottish Government to establish its own datasets, but does not directly address the committee's regret over benefit rollout delays.

The UK government states this recommendation is for the Scottish Government, indicating it is not within their remit.

The government states its commitment to safe transfer of powers and highlights existing forums like the Joint Ministerial Working Group on Welfare, whose minutes are published, as demonstrating a collaborative approach, but does not commit to a new Ministerial statement or joint policy document.

The government outlines existing data sharing efforts but states data for older children are not always readily available and redirects responsibility to the Scottish Government to establish data needs and consider acquiring their own data from other sources.

DWP stated it already has robust data sharing mechanisms in place, including a dedicated board and forum with the Scottish Government's Chief Data Officers. It advised the Scottish Government to establish data availability with DWP before finalising policy and noted that Social Security Scotland acquiring its own data is a matter for the Scottish Government.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The government states that DWP and Social Security Scotland have recently established an Operational Reference Group to continuously improve the benefits experience for shared customers and review service delivery issues, addressing the need for better inter-agency collaboration.

The government states that DWP and Social Security Scotland have established an Operational Reference Group to continuously improve the benefits experience and review service delivery issues for future benefit delivery.

The government states that DWP and Social Security Scotland have recently established an Operational Reference Group to continuously improve the benefits experience for shared customers and review service delivery issues.

The DWP and Social Security Scotland have established a regular Operational Reference Group to improve communications and continuously enhance the benefits experience for shared customers.

The government established a regular Operational Reference Group with Social Security Scotland to review service delivery issues and consider improvements for the shared benefits experience.

The government established an Operational Reference Group with Social Security Scotland to review service delivery issues and consider improvements to the benefits experience, including accessibility challenges.

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.

The government stated that DWP and Social Security Scotland have established an Operational Reference Group to review service delivery issues and consider future improvements for shared customers, deferring direct action on communication and Jobcentre reviews.

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.

The government stated that DWP and Social Security Scotland have established an Operational Reference Group to review service delivery issues and consider future improvements for shared customers, but did not specifically commit to developing a Scottish welfare service directory.

The UK government redirected the recommendation, stating it is a matter for the Scottish Government to address.

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.

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.

The government confirms the rollout of the Child Disability Payment later this month and the Adult Disability Payment in 2022, which will replace the UK Government's PIP.

The government highlights its ambitious policies and the introduction of Scottish disability benefits, including Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment, but does not address the committee's specific observation about the benefit rates remaining the same as equivalent UK benefits.

The government states that this item is a recommendation for the Scottish Government.

The UK government states this observation is for the Scottish Government, indicating it is not within their remit.

The government stated that this item is a recommendation for the Scottish Government, indicating it is not within their remit.

The government redirects responsibility by stating that this is a recommendation for the Scottish Government.

The government stated that this item is a recommendation for the Scottish Government, indicating it is not within their remit.

The UK Government states that this recommendation is for the Scottish Government, thereby redirecting responsibility for providing more information on data gathering and impact.

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.

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.

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.

The government's response highlights DWP's positive pandemic response, Universal Credit's resilience, the increase in Work Coaches and specialist disability employment advisors in Scotland, and expresses appreciation for DWP employees, but does not address the committee's descriptive conclusion about the digital-by-default design of Universal Credit.

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.

The government states existing resources are sufficient, highlighting the Freephone helpline, continued Jobcentre face-to-face support, Wi-Fi access, additional Work Coaches in Scotland, and continued funding for Citizens Advice Scotland's "Help to Claim" service which offers phone support and public access terminals for online claims.

The government stated that existing resources are sufficient, citing the Freephone helpline, open Jobcentres with Wi-Fi and computers, increased Work Coaches, and continued funding for Citizens Advice Scotland's 'Help to Claim' service, which provides phone support and public access terminals for digitally excluded claimants.

The government asserts that existing resources are sufficient and outlines current provisions such as Freephone helplines, open Jobcentres with internet access, additional Work Coaches, and funding for Citizens Advice Scotland's Help to Claim service, including public access terminals.

The government states that existing resources are sufficient and details current support available, including a freephone helpline, Jobcentre face-to-face support, Wi-Fi and computers in Jobcentres, and continued funding for Citizens Advice Scotland's 'Help to Claim' service.

The government stated that its existing resources are sufficient to help claimants make and maintain their Universal Credit claims, citing the Freephone helpline, Jobcentres with Wi-Fi and computers, increased Work Coaches, and continued funding for Citizens Advice Scotland's 'Help to Claim' service.

The government asserted that existing resources are sufficient for both making and maintaining Universal Credit claims, citing the Freephone helpline, Jobcentres with Wi-Fi and computers, and Work Coaches. It also noted continued funding for Citizens Advice Scotland's 'Help to Claim' service for new applications.

The government's response did not address the committee's observation regarding the successful video call pilot for Universal Credit claimants. Instead, it described existing support resources such as the Freephone helpline, open Jobcentres, and Citizens Advice Scotland's "Help to Claim" service.

The government claimed its existing resources and assistance, including the Freephone helpline, open Jobcentres, and funded "Help to Claim" service via Citizens Advice Scotland, are sufficient to support Universal Credit claimants.

The government rejects the call for increased resources, stating existing provisions are sufficient, including the Freephone helpline, Jobcentre support, recruitment of additional Work Coaches, and continued funding for Citizens Advice Scotland's Help to Claim service.

The government reiterated that Universal Credit provided a vital safety net during the pandemic and that its 'Plan for Jobs' aims to help people into work, but it did not address the observed insufficiency of current support payments to cover essential bills.

The government's response discusses the work allowance in Universal Credit and states it has no plans to extend it to single adults, which does not directly address the committee's factual observation about various additional Universal Credit elements.

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.

The government stated that the Universal Credit uplift was temporary, focusing instead on supporting people back into work through schemes like Kickstart rather than a permanent increase in benefits.

The government reiterated that Universal Credit provided a vital safety net during the pandemic and that its 'Plan for Jobs' aims to help people into work, but it did not address the observed insufficiency of current support payments to cover essential bills.

The government states the Universal Credit uplift was a temporary measure during the pandemic, and that its ambition is to help people into work as the economy recovers through initiatives like the Plan for Jobs, rather than addressing concerns about the uplift's removal.

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.

The government rejected making the £20 uplift permanent or extending it to legacy benefits, stating the uplift was temporary and focused on Universal Credit/Working Tax Credit claimants due to the pandemic's specific economic shock. Instead, the government emphasized its Plan for Jobs.

The government rejects the view that the Universal Credit uplift should be made permanent and extended to legacy benefits, stating it was a temporary measure and there was no plan to extend it, focusing instead on helping people into work through its Plan for Jobs.

The government reiterated that the Universal Credit uplift was a temporary measure during the pandemic, and its strategy focuses on supporting people back into work through initiatives like the Plan for Jobs and Kickstart Scheme.

The government explicitly states it has no plans to extend the work allowance to single adults, explaining its current policy of targeting those with the greatest barriers to the labour market and detailing past increases.

The government explains the purpose and targeting of Universal Credit work allowances, confirming they are increased annually and reiterating that there are no plans to extend them to single adults.

The government defends its policy of targeting the work allowance to those with the greatest barriers to the labour market, stating it has no plans to extend it to single adults, and highlights past increases to work allowances.

The government rejects extending the work allowance to single adults, stating it is targeted at those with the greatest barriers to the labour market and is increased annually as part of the normal uprating process.

The government describes ongoing initiatives with the Scottish Government to ensure effective delivery of reserved and devolved benefits, including new Work Coach toolkits, online service cohesion, and an operational reference group.

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.

The government rejects the recommendation, stating the £20 uplift was always a temporary measure for Universal Credit claimants and there was never a plan to extend it to legacy benefits, instead focusing on helping people into work.

The UK Government rejects extending the work allowance to single adults and states that work allowances are increased annually as part of normal uprating, highlighting a past increase in 2018, but does not commit to a specific new raise beyond routine adjustments.

The government explained how Universal Credit Advance payments function to mitigate the five-week wait, including an extended repayment period, and rejected the introduction of non-repayable advances due to fraud risks, administrative burden, and significant costs.

The government details the existing repayable advance system and rejects the introduction of non-repayable advances, citing increased fraud risk, potential for inappropriate gain, and estimated costs between £2.2 and £2.8 billion.

The government's response details the repayment terms for Universal Credit advances and rejects the idea of non-repayable advances due to fraud risk, administrative burden, and high costs, without addressing the committee's descriptive conclusion about the payment process.

The government outlines the terms for Universal Credit advances, including extended repayment periods for new advances, and rejects non-repayable advances citing fraud risks and costs, but does not address the committee's concerns about the five-week wait and existing advance system causing hardship.

The government stated that claimants can access advances on their Universal Credit payment, detailing the repayment terms and recent changes. It rejected the idea of non-repayable advances, citing increased fraud risk, administrative burden, and significant costs.

The government outlines the existing repayable advance system, including the extended 2-year repayment period for advances, and rejects the introduction of non-repayable advances due to fraud risks, potential for inappropriate gain, and significant costs.

The government explained that New Claim Advances allow claimants to access their estimated Universal Credit payment upfront, with repayment now spread over 2 years for advances issued from April 2021. It rejected the introduction of non-repayable advances, citing fraud risk, administrative burden, and estimated costs of £2.2-£2.8 billion.

The government details the existing repayable advance system, including recent changes, and rejects the introduction of non-repayable advances, citing fraud risks, potential for inappropriate gain, and significant costs between £2.2 and £2.8 billion.

The government rejects the introduction of non-repayable advances, explaining that New Claim Advances already allow claimants to receive payment upfront and arguing that non-repayable grants would increase fraud risk, impose administrative burdens, and be costly.

The government outlines existing terms for Universal Credit advances, including extended repayment periods, and rejects the introduction of non-repayable advances due to fraud risks and costs, but does not specifically address the committee's concern that current repayments still make it hard for claimants to afford essentials.

The government rejects the recommendation to consider alternative arrangements, such as a starter payment, stating that introducing non-repayable advances would increase fraud risk, allow inappropriate gain, and cost between £2.2 and £2.8 billion.

The government states that Work Coaches ensure reasonable claimant commitments, DWP assesses good reason for non-compliance, and claimants can request explanations, seek reconsideration, appeal decisions, or apply for hardship payments.

The government reiterates existing processes for Work Coaches to ensure claimant commitments are reasonable, outlines how good reasons are considered for sanction decisions, and reminds claimants of their rights to appeal and apply for hardship payments.

The government details existing procedures for Work Coaches to ensure reasonable claimant commitments, how sanction decisions are made with consideration for good reasons, and the available appeal and hardship payment processes.

The DWP reiterates its existing policies and procedures for sanctions, stating Work Coaches ensure reasonable claimant commitments, claimants have rights to explanation and appeal, and can apply for hardship payments.

The government details DWP's existing processes for managing sanctions, including ensuring reasonable claimant commitments, considering good reasons for non-compliance, claimant appeal rights, and the availability of hardship payments.

The government implicitly rejects pausing sanctions, stating that Work Coaches will continue to ensure claimant commitments are reasonable and consider 'good reason' for failures, including Covid-19 related circumstances, when deciding on sanctions.

The response describes the Scottish Government's current policy for offering Scottish Choices and their interaction with DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements, but does not directly address the committee's observation regarding the reserved nature of Universal Credit or the division of control between DWP and the Scottish Government.

The government explains its existing process for informing claimants about Scottish Choices, including invitations via the Universal Credit journal and support through Citizens Advice Scotland, in line with the Scottish Government's policy of offering choices from the second assessment period.

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.

The response details the Scottish Government's current policy to offer Scottish Choices in the second assessment period, outlining their interaction with DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements and how they operate.

The government explains the policy for offering Scottish Choices in the second assessment period and their relationship with DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements, but does not address the uptake figures presented in the conclusion.

The government described its current policy on offering Scottish Choices in the second assessment period and the availability of DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements, but did not directly address the identified barriers preventing claimants from accessing these options.

The government states it sends invitations via the Universal Credit journal and relies on Citizens Advice Scotland to inform claimants about Scottish Choices, defending its current approach to awareness despite findings of low uptake.

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.

The government explains that the Scottish Government's policy is to offer Scottish Choices in the second assessment period, allowing time for Alternative Payment Arrangements to protect vulnerable claimants, effectively justifying the current delay in access.

The government explains its current policy of offering Scottish Choices in the second assessment period to allow for consideration of DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements, without committing to changes to address the identified barrier of the five-week wait.

The government explains its current policy of offering Scottish Choices in the second assessment period, allowing time to consider DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements to protect vulnerable individuals.

The government's response outlines its policy for offering Scottish Choices and Alternative Payment Arrangements, but does not address the specific administrative issues raised regarding payment synchronization and system suitability for direct payments to landlords.

The government rejects the implied recommendation to present Scottish Choices in the first interview, stating that the current policy offers them in the second assessment period to allow claimants time to consider DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements.

The response describes the Scottish Government's current policy for offering Scottish Choices and how they operate, but does not address the committee's observation regarding the DWP's communication or prioritisation of Scottish Choices.

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.

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.

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.

The government explained the policy on Universal Credit Scottish Choices and DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements, but did not address the committee's concern about a lack of communication regarding their availability.

The government rejected the recommendation to make Scottish Choices available from the start of a Universal Credit claim, stating current policy offers it from the second assessment period to allow consideration of DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements.