Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment

Enforcement, Sanctions and Monitoring

The Scottish Government do not anticipate any new burdens for businesses, local government or the third sector generated by the proposals in regard to enforcement, sanctions or monitoring. The Bill contains powers to create offences in secondary legislation but any impacts of those will be considered as part of a future BRIA when the regulation-making powers are exercised.

The 2018 Act places a duty on Scottish Ministers to report annually to the Scottish Parliament on the performance of the Scottish Social Security system during the previous financial year.

This annual report describes what the Scottish Ministers have done in that year to meet the expectations on them set out in the Charter. The Social Security Charter sets out what people are entitled to expect from the Scottish social security system, including how they should be treated and how their application will be processed. Complaints regarding Social Security Scotland can be directed to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

Audit Scotland monitor and report on the delivery of the social security system, including Social Security Scotland.

Implementation and Delivery Plan

The Scottish Government intends to take forward this legislation in the current Parliamentary session. Secondary legislation to amend existing regulations, or make new regulations will then follow, giving due consideration to consultation and engagement.