Social security: Implementing the devolved powers

Social security: implementing the devolved powers

Caroline Gardner, the Auditor General for Scotland, said: "The government has done well to date but has had to work flat out to reach this point, leaving little time to draw breath and plan for the challenges ahead.

"The social security team is doing the right things to address that issue, but it hasn't yet got a clear understanding of what's needed to deliver the more complex benefits to come, or how much it will cost. Many decisions about future benefits are still to be made and it's critical that detailed plans are now put in place."

Oral evidence session 16 May 2019

The Committee took evidence from the Auditor General for Scotland and Audit Scotland.

Please read the Official Report of 16 May 2019.

Meeting papers for 16 May 2019 (364KB pdf)

Minutes from 16 May 2019

Meeting correspondence and follow-up

Letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People to Convener, 2 May 2019 (396KB pdf)

Oral Evidence session 5 September 2019

The Committee took evidence from Lesley Fraser, Interim Director-General for Organisational Development and Operations, Stephen Kerr, Social Security Director, Alison Byrne, Social Security Deputy Programme Director, Kevin Stevens, Head of Strategic and Programme Finance and Andy McClintock, Chief Digital Officer, Scottish Government and David Wallace, Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland.

The Committee then took evidence from the Auditor General for Scotland, Gemma Diamond, Audit Director and Kirsty Ridd, Senior Auditor, Performance and Best Value, Audit Scotland.

Please read the Official Report of 5 September 2019 here.

Meeting papers for 5 September 2019

Minutes of meeting 5 September 2019

The Committee agreed to write to the Social Security Committee highlighting the key themes arising from its scrutiny of the report.