Referral of the Draft Social Security (Up-rating) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 to SCoSS for scrutiny

Dear Dr Witcher,

I am pleased to submit a draft of ‘The Social Security (Up-rating) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2021’ to the Scottish Commission on Social Security for consideration as part of the ‘super-affirmative’ procedure outlined in section 97 of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018. I also attach the ‘Section 77 Report’ which explains the Scottish Government’s approach to uprating for the financial year 2021-22.

In addition to the proposed increase to the Funeral Support Payment, Young Carer Grant, Best Start Grant and Child Winter Heating Assistance, I have also taken the opportunity, through the uprating regulations, to make a few minor technical amendments that make some corrections to regulations.

As you are aware, the postponement of the UK Autumn Budget and the subsequent delay to the Scottish Budget has placed additional time constraints upon the Scottish Government to ensure that the legislation completes the Scottish Parliamentary process in time for the uprating to come into effect for 1 April 2021.

I understand that you have already had some discussions with my officials regarding the content of the draft Regulations, and I have asked them to agree an appropriate timescale for this work with you.

I have asked my officials to send a copy of this letter to the Convener of the Social Security Committee in order to notify them that our proposals have been submitted to the Commission for consideration.

I look forward to receiving your report in due course.

Yours sincerely,

Shirley-Anne Somerville