Government warns benefit changes may not meet target time

WELFARE: Plans to introduce payments were impacted by outbreak of Covid-19

The Scottish Government has warned its target to devolve some welfare benefits before the end of the year could be delayed if data from the Department for Work and Pensions are not handed over in time.

Members of Holyrood’s social security committee heard yesterday how plans to introduce the Scottish Child Payment and Winter Heating Assistance before the end of 2020 had been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Social Security Secretary Shirleyanne Somerville told the committee ministers intend to press on with plans to seize control of the payments but this was “subject to the DWP’S ability to work with us and provide the necessary data on time”.

The Scottish Government is also working to introduce Scottish disability payments from next year as part of 11 key benefits devolved from Westminster to Holyrood, although the process has so far been mired in problems.

Ms Somerville said the coronavirus

“...subject to the DWP’S ability to work with us and provide the necessary data on time. SHIRLEY-ANNE SOMERVILLE

crisis had presented “challenging circumstances” for the rollout of this year’s tranche and resources had been reduced as some staff have been transferred to support the government’s Covid-19 response.

It comes as the UK benefits system strains under a “huge increase” in demand following a spike in unemployment during lockdown.

In response to a question from Green MSP Alison Johnstone, Ms Somerville admitted the necessary client data has not yet been received from the DWP and no arrangement had been put in place for them to be transferred.

She said payments will be moved over to Dundee-based Social Security Scotland “as soon as we can safely and reliably do so” but this is “reliant” on replanning work carried out by the DWP to cope with the surge in applicants.

Ms Somerville said her own officials were in “very close contact” to ensure no changes as part of the work could hold up this year’s rollout of payments, and insisted officials still intend to open applications for the benefits before Christmas.

Meanwhile, the committee heard the coronavirus lockdown had left many disabled people “at the end of their tether” as they struggle to access personal care.

Some people have been living in their beds for long periods of time and have had difficulty buying food and medicine, according to Inclusion Scotland.