18.09.2016
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions the Rt Hon Damian Green MP is to be questioned by MSPs on the Scottish Parliament’s Social Security Committee in early November.
This is the first time a UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will appear in front of a Scottish Parliament Committee to account for the UK Government’s approach to welfare and the impact it has had on people in Scotland.
The previous Welfare Reform Committee previously took evidence from people in Scotland about the impact welfare reform has had on them as part of their ‘Your Say’ sessions.
Convener of the Committee Sandra White MSP said:
“The previous Welfare Reform Committee of this Parliament tried and failed 11 times to secure the appearance of a UK Government Minister to appear in front of them.
“I am particularly pleased that the Secretary of State has agreed to come and that the Committee will have the opportunity so early on in this Parliament to question the Secretary of State on their approach to welfare reform.
“The timing of this session is especially important as the UK Government hands over certain welfare powers over to the Scottish Government. This Committee will play a key role in making sure that people in Scotland are not negatively impacted upon through this transition.”
Among the issues that the Committee will want to explore with the Secretary of State include the devolution of welfare powers to Scotland, how the two Government’s will work together to deliver a benefits system across the UK, the operation of Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payments and sanctions.
Background
The session will go ahead on the morning of Thursday 3 November and will be broadcast live