More Social Security Powers A local government perspective A local government perspective

Context of the Scotland Bill Limits to the scope of new powers Key powers in many areas remain reserved e.g. –UK social security structure –Universal Credit –Sanctions and conditionality Scale of welfare cuts and reforms Constraints as well as opportunities Limits to the scope of new powers Key powers in many areas remain reserved e.g. –UK social security structure –Universal Credit –Sanctions and conditionality Scale of welfare cuts and reforms Constraints as well as opportunities

Constraints Getting UC flexibilities but UC remains reserved Getting benefits for additional costs of disability but not income replacement benefits for sickness/disability (ESA) Move to PIP likely to be advanced (20% saving?) by time of transfer UK Spending Review impact on block grant Practical limits to revenue raising powers Getting UC flexibilities but UC remains reserved Getting benefits for additional costs of disability but not income replacement benefits for sickness/disability (ESA) Move to PIP likely to be advanced (20% saving?) by time of transfer UK Spending Review impact on block grant Practical limits to revenue raising powers

Opportunities Be creative and innovative Focus on synergy with already devolved areas Focus on outcomes and what we want to achieve Strengthen and broaden integration Simplify access Develop more local and personal services Experience of local government in delivering support – social care and SWF Be creative and innovative Focus on synergy with already devolved areas Focus on outcomes and what we want to achieve Strengthen and broaden integration Simplify access Develop more local and personal services Experience of local government in delivering support – social care and SWF

Key Messages Scotland should use its devolved powers to support and improve outcomes for the most vulnerable people in our local communities. There is a potentially valuable opportunity to develop integrated services at the local level which better support those with disabilities, caring needs and chronic health conditions. Where we have flexibilities these should be used sensibly to offset the risks where possible. A national framework for improving employability should be accompanied by local delivery which is accountable to local communities and maximises use of already localised services and EU funds Scotland should use its devolved powers to support and improve outcomes for the most vulnerable people in our local communities. There is a potentially valuable opportunity to develop integrated services at the local level which better support those with disabilities, caring needs and chronic health conditions. Where we have flexibilities these should be used sensibly to offset the risks where possible. A national framework for improving employability should be accompanied by local delivery which is accountable to local communities and maximises use of already localised services and EU funds

Supporting those with disabilities Integration in health and social care – focus on single system, shared objectives, effort and delivery Maximisation of service investment and access to support Recognition that care and benefits are part of one system on how the state (through the different sphere’s of government) supports people with the impact of their disability There is increased convergence e.g. similar objectives; move to self directed care We could work towards a simpler local response to needs bringing together all elements – benefits, services, ILF etc. Integration in health and social care – focus on single system, shared objectives, effort and delivery Maximisation of service investment and access to support Recognition that care and benefits are part of one system on how the state (through the different sphere’s of government) supports people with the impact of their disability There is increased convergence e.g. similar objectives; move to self directed care We could work towards a simpler local response to needs bringing together all elements – benefits, services, ILF etc.

A possible future? Work towards full alignment of disability benefits with health and social care A single gateway Vs multiple assessments Administered by local authorities as part of Joint Boards Appropriate levels of financial support based on need and agreed personal outcomes Work towards full alignment of disability benefits with health and social care A single gateway Vs multiple assessments Administered by local authorities as part of Joint Boards Appropriate levels of financial support based on need and agreed personal outcomes

Challenges? Complex? – Yes it would take some years to achieve and agree funding mechanisms But we have an historic opportunity Need to open up dialogue with all stakeholders particularly DPOs Key question - What is it we want to achieve? Rising level of need – deepening integration rather than a more costly Scottish benefits system – potentially only viable option Complex? – Yes it would take some years to achieve and agree funding mechanisms But we have an historic opportunity Need to open up dialogue with all stakeholders particularly DPOs Key question - What is it we want to achieve? Rising level of need – deepening integration rather than a more costly Scottish benefits system – potentially only viable option