Scotland's finances 2020 to 2021: key facts and figures

Guide setting out key information about how the system of public finances in Scotland stands in 2020 to 2021, and how this system is changing.


Social Security delivering for Scotland

(Information on this page is subject to change due to covid-19)¹

Social Security Benefits Expenditure: 2020-21 Budget*

Budgeted expenditure for Social Security Scotland in 2020-21 when delivering benefits

1. Following the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People on 1 April 2020, timescales and budgets are likely to change in response to the Covid-19 epidemic

* All figures (except Job Start Payment and Young Carer Grant) based on Scottish Fiscal Commission forecast February 2020

** Scottish Child Payment is funded through the Communities and Local Government portfolio

*** Best Start Foods is funded through the Health and Sport portfolio

  • We have successfully introduced seven benefits up to March 2020, with a total of 16 to be delivered overall by Social Security Scotland
  • As of 1 April 2020, the Scottish Government has executive competence for 18 benefits, including the Scottish Welfare Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments
  • Social Security Scotland supports 1.8 million children and adults – around one in three people in Scotland
  • Once fully operational Social Security Scotland will administer £4.1 billion in payments per annum

Further Benefits to be Delivered

  • Child disability payment
  • Carer’s assistance for more than one disabled child
  • Winter heating assistance and cold spell heating assistance
  • Job start payment
  • Disability assistance for older people
  • Scottish child payment
  • Scottish carer’s allowance
  • Disability assistance for working age people
  • Employment injury assistance

 

Contact

Email: Finance.Co-ordination@gov.scot

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