Referral of the draft Social Security (Up-rating) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2022 to SCoSS for scrutiny

Dear Sally,

I am pleased to submit a draft of ‘The Social Security (Up-rating) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2022’ to the Scottish Commission on Social Security for consideration as part of the affirmative procedure outlined in section 97 of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018. I also attach ‘Devolved Social Security Assistance: Uprating for Inflation: A report in fulfilment of section 86A: Duty to consider effects of inflation’ which explains the Scottish Government’s approach to uprating for the financial year 2022-23.

The regulations increase the amounts of Child Disability Payment, Adult Disability Payment, Funeral Support Payment, Young Carer Grant by the rate of inflation. Child Winter Heating Assistance is increased by 5% and Scottish Child Payment is doubled to £20 per week. The opportunity has also been taken through these regulations to make amendments to The Welfare Foods (Best Start Foods) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 to increase the income thresholds for Best Start Foods to take account of the increases in the National Living Wage and the increased levels of Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

I understand that you will be having 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 will also send a copy of this letter to the Convener of the Social Justice and 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.

Best regards,

Ben Macpherson