Referral of draft regulations from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice

Judith Paterson and Dr Mark Simpson
Social Commission on Social Security
c/o Secretariat
Area 1C South, (Mail Point 6)
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ

By Email: info@socialsecuritycommission.scot

19 March 2024

Dear Judith and Mark

Funeral Support Payment Amendment Regulations

I am writing to provide SCoSS with a draft of the Funeral Expense Assistance (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024, made under sections 34 and 95 of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018.

I enclose a draft set of regulations, including a table of amendments and I request that the Commission prepare and submit a report to the Scottish Ministers in accordance with their function under section 22(1)(b) of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018.

These draft regulations make several changes in order to introduce improvements to the Funeral Support Payment. These changes will further support bereaved families and include an element of future proofing.

Following engagement with a range of stakeholders, my officials have prepared draft versions of the relevant impact assessments, which are also attached for your scrutiny. These impact assessments are live documents and will continue to be updated as we gather more data and intelligence from stakeholders before the Regulations are formally laid before Parliament.

Finally, I want to extend my thanks to the Commission for considering these regulations. As you are aware, Funeral Support Payment is a key part of this government’s commitment to supporting low-income families. These regulations, and your work in scrutinising them, are an important part of that work. I look forward to receiving your report in due course.

Yours sincerely,

SHIRLEY-ANNE SOMERVILLE