Annual Report and Accounts for year ended 2023-24

We are pleased to present the fifth annual report and accounts for the Scottish Commission on Social Security (SCoSS) for the financial year 2023-24.

In the five years since SCoSS was established, our work has focused on providing independent scrutiny of draft regulations which set up the 13 benefits that Social Security Scotland is now delivering. In particular, we welcome the number of our scrutiny recommendations which have been accepted by the Scottish Government and which we consider will make a positive contribution to improving outcomes for the people of Scotland.

In 2023-24, we expanded our engagement with stakeholders and people with lived experience to inform our scrutiny of legislation and we look forward to more engagement as we look at how the social security system is delivering for people in practice. Throughout the year, the Commission was pleased to have regularly provided evidence, on our scrutiny report findings, to the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee.

During 2023-24, we have sought to improve our governance arrangements through continuing to implement the recommendations of the independent review of SCoSS. In addition, the Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill progressing through Parliament, includes proposals to expand the range of draft regulations that will fall within SCoSS’s remit. These proposals follow recommendations from the independent review and will be a welcome enhancement to our scrutiny role. Alongside Social Security Scotland’s task of delivering new benefits and taking over awards transferred from the DWP, there is also a continual focus on looking for ways to improve the system, making sure it delivers with dignity and respect. SCoSS has a role in advising on whether people are getting the service they are entitled to expect under ‘Our Charter’. In 2023-24, SCoSS began to develop this role and we plan to expand this area of scrutiny activity in 2024-25.

SCoSS is able to provide effective advice thanks to the expertise of our members and the engagement of stakeholders with our scrutiny work. Accordingly, we want to thank Jackie Gulland for her contribution to the work of the Commission and welcome our new Chair, Ed Pybus, and new Board member, Adam Bennett, who took up their positions on 1 August 2024 to the Commission.

Our annual report and accounts for 2023-24 demonstrate that SCoSS is utilising the public monies we are allocated in an effective and responsible manner that is achieving best value and bringing about positive change for those who receive social security assistance. The SCoSS Board has reviewed this report and is satisfied that it provides an accurate account of its work and finances over the period.

Judith Paterson and Dr Mark Simpson, Interim Co-Chairs, Scottish Commission on Social Security