Referral of draft regulations from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice

Social Commision on Social Security
c/o Secretariat

By Email: info@socialsecuritycommission.scot

11 August 2023

Dear SCoSS Secretariat,

Removal of income thresholds for Best Start Foods

I am writing to provide SCoSS with a draft set of regulations that we intend to lay in December in order to remove the income thresholds which apply to some qualifying benefits for Best Start Foods.

I enclose a draft copy of the Welfare Foods (Best Start Foods) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024, 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.

In addition to removing the income thresholds, the regulations make several other changes to Best Start Foods. These changes are intended to further align eligibility with Best Start Grant and Scottish Child Payment. They also make technical changes to how we make payments.

Following engagement with a range of stakeholders, my officials have prepared draft versions of the relevant impact assessments, which are also attached. Please note that these impact assessments are live documents and will continue to be updated as we gather more data and intelligence from stakeholders.

Finally, I want to extend my thanks to the Commission for considering these regulations. As you are aware, the five family payments are a key part of this government’s national mission to tackle child poverty. These regulations, and your work in scrutinising them, are an important part of that that work.

Yours sincerely,

SHIRLEY-ANNE SOMERVILLE