Page 21 - Reforming Benefits Decision-Making

Dignity and respect

1.13 Scotland’s devolved social security powers are given effect through the Social
Security (Scotland) Act 2018. Executive competence for all the devolved
benefits was handed over as of April 2020, with the expectation that the full
transfer of claimants to the Scottish system would be completed by 2024,
however this timetable has been pushed back due to Covid-19. Phase one of
the roll-out focused on straightforward one-off payments. Phase two will
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involve the delivery of the new disability and carer benefits, including the
Adult Disability Payment which replaces PIP.

1.14 Section 1 of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 sets out eight guiding
principles that underpin the new Scottish social security system. These
include that “[s]ocial security is itself a human right” and “[r]espect for the
dignity of individuals is to be at the heart of the Scottish social security
system”. These principles are reflected in the 2019 Scottish Government
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Charter on Social Security, which was co-designed with members of the
public with experience of using the social security system, third sector advice
organisations and Scottish Government and Social Security staff. The
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charter articulates the organisational ethos of Social Security Scotland and
what claimants can expect from the Scottish system.

24 Carer’s Allowance Supplement – a supplementary payment made to carers in Scotland who already
receive full or partial Carer’s Allowance from the DWP; three Best Start Grant payments – Pregnancy
and Baby Payment, Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment; Funeral Support Payment; Job
Start Payment; Young Carer Grant; Child Winter Heating Assistance; and Scottish Child Payment.
25 The full list of principles are: a) Social security is an investment in the people of Scotland; b) Social
security is itself a human right and essential to the realisation of other human rights; c) The delivery of
social security is a public service; d) Respect for the dignity of individuals is to be at the heart of the
Scottish social security system; e) The Scottish social security system is to contribute to reducing
poverty in Scotland; f) The Scottish social security system is to be designed with the people of Scotland
on the basis of evidence; g) Opportunities are to be sought to continuously improve the Scottish social
security system in ways which— i) put the needs of those who require assistance first, and ii)
advance equality and non-discrimination; and h) The Scottish social security system is to be efficient
and deliver value for money.
26 Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland, ‘Our Charter: What you can expect from the
Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland’ (January 2019).
27 Scottish Government, ‘Developing the Social Security Charter: co-design in action’ (19 June 2019),

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