Social security improvements

17th October 2019

New measurements will monitor progress towards a Scottish social security system that works for all who use it.

The measures will look at how Social Security Scotland operates and delivers benefits, including how the agency treats clients, if staff are well supported and how systems are working.

They will also look at Scottish Government policy, what the new system is doing as a whole and what is being achieved over the longer term.

Information will be gathered from staff, stakeholders and clients themselves to show how well the new social security system is delivering through its charter.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:"We have an opportunity to do things differently by creating a new social security system that puts dignity, fairness and respect at its heart.

“This financial year we will invest £447 million on benefits and when fully operational Social Security Scotland will support 1.8 million children and adults.

“Clearly setting out what everyone can expect from the new service is important but it is also critical that the people of Scotland know we are delivering on those promises.

“These new measures will provide us with information that will not only let us check the pulse of our social security system but can be used to constantly improve what we are doing."