Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment

Conclusion

The EQIA has found that the Bill will have a positive impact on people who use the services provided by Social Security Scotland, regardless of protected characteristics. The Bill has been considered in the context of the public sector equality duty and it has been assessed that the Bill will not discriminate against people because of any protected characteristics they have.

Provisions in the Bill intend to empower people to challenge decisions, create efficiencies and streamline processes all of which should result in an improved experience of interacting with Social Security Scotland. Evidence has shown that the proportion of Social Security Scotland clients who identify as women is much higher than the general Scottish population. In that respect women may particularly benefit from the Bill.

There will be operational considerations when measures included in the Bill are implemented to ensure that the benefits are realised and there are no unintended negative consequences in terms of discrimination. Social Security Scotland must ensure that processes introduced as a result of the Bill are person-centred and any related communications are accessible and inclusive.

Overall the EQIA has identified no significant negative impacts associated with the policy content of the Bill and the Scottish Government has concluded that no changes to the policies included in the Bill are necessary as a result.

The Scottish Government will continue to work with stakeholders and organisations with an interest in the Bill to ensure full account is taken of equality issues as the Bill progresses through Parliament.