Consultation on Job Grant

Annex D: Job Grant - Island Screening Assessment

Introduction

1. The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018^[20] passed by the Scottish Parliament on 30 May 2018 introduced a new duty on Scottish Ministers and the wider public sector to have regard to island communities when exercising their functions and preparing policy, strategies and legislation.

2. The Scottish Government recognises the importance of “island-proofing”, and is committed to considering the impacts of the Job Grant on island and rural communities. In line with the Act, the Scottish Ministers will assess the extent to which Job Grant administrative scheme can be developed in such a manner as to improve or mitigate, any negative outcomes resulting from the scheme.

3. The duty to prepare an Island Impact Assessment is laid out at Part 3, Section 8 of the Act. This section is not in force yet, but is likely to be commenced in 2019. In the interests of making clear the Scottish Government’s commitment to island–proofing new polices, this impact assessment has been conducted before the duty is statutorily mandatory.

Background

4. The Scottish Government has committed to introducing a Job Grant for young people aged 16-24 years old who have been out of paid employment for six months or more. The Job Grant will comprise of a one-off cash payment of either £250 or £400, the higher amount being payable to young people who have children. It aims to help meet the initial costs of starting work, including help towards travel to work, supporting a smooth transition into employment for young people on low incomes.

5. The Job Grant is expected to help around 4,000 young people each year or 0.73% of all 16-24 year olds in Scotland. It is difficult to estimate how many people eligible for a Job Grant will live in the Islands or rural areas.

Consultation

6. The Scottish Government‘s Consultation on Social Security, a New Future ran from the 29 July 2016 to 28 October 2016. Respondents represented a wide range of individuals and organisation, including from island and communities and organisations representing island interests.

7. The Social Security in Scotland Consultation specific question “What should the Scottish Government consider in developing the Job Grant?” received 131 responses, 80 from organisations and 51 from individuals.

8. Some respondents suggested that there should be an alternative to a bus pass. This was raised particularly in relation to islands and rural areas. In light of this feedback, the Scottish Government undertook an appraisal of the key options for delivering a solution which would help meet the Job Grant client’s cost of travel to a place of work in the first 3 months. As a result of the appraisal option the anticipated travel element of the grant will also be monetised.

9. The Scottish Government is committed to engage with young people living on the islands and organisations representing their interests. Social Security Scotland in addition to their headquarters in Dundee and their base in Glasgow, are delivering their services in local communities across Scotland. The islands local delivery lead will have a pivotal role in identifying stakeholders including young people to participate in a Job Grant consultation workshops during the consultation period.

Information and reporting

10. It is the Scottish Government’s intention that as much information as possible will be available online, as well as allowing for the electronic submission of applications. However, the Scottish Government is aware that some remote and island communities may not have access to digital services nor is it everyone’s preferred choice of communication.

11. Social Security Scotland understands that people want tailored solutions to suit their different preferences and needs, and will therefore work to ensure the availability of digital, telephone and face to face communication channels where possible. Social Security Scotland will also ensure that help is available to people to explain how to complete applications.

12. The Scottish Government will collate and publish management information on the Job Grant.

Question 16 Are you aware of any impacts on island communities which are not identified here?

Question 17: If yes, please provide details