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Archive

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Social Security in Scotland

The Scottish Government is committed to working with people across Scotland, to determine how best to use the new social security powers which will be devolved by the Scotland Act 2016. 

People should be treated with dignity and respect and we believe that there should be opportunities for everyone to participate in the debates and decisions.  This means being involved in the design and operation of the system.

Our top priority is to ensure the safe and secure transition of devolved benefits without people experiencing any interruption of their services. 

Background
  • November 2014:  Smith Commission published Heads of Agreement on devolution of further powers to Scotland.
  • January 2015:  UK Government Command Paper published with draft legislative clauses.
  • May 2015:  Scotland Bill published.
  • March 2016:  Scotland Bill and Fiscal Framework agreed by the Scottish Parliament.
  • March 2016:  Scottish Government published its 'Vision' for the future of social security in Scotland, including five principles that will govern our decisions on policy and delivery.
  • March 2016:  Scottish Government announces its intension to establish a social security agency.
  • July - October 2016:   Consultation on the first Social Security Bill