Scottish Government: Social Security Benefits

Lord Cameron of Lochiel Excerpts

Wednesday 24th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

There is a lot in what the noble Baroness says. I obviously agree with her, as I often do, on the matter of the European Union. I agree with what she says; it is very much worth looking at.

[Lord Cameron of Lochiel (Con)]

My Lords, the Minister may be aware that it has cost the taxpayer more than £650 million to set up Social Security Scotland, yet there are countless examples of claimants who are on benefits administered by both Social Security Scotland and the Department for Work and Pensions who have had money deducted because of a lack of communication between the two agencies. What action can the UK Government take to improve communication between both departments to make sure that those in genuine need of support are not penalised?

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

I did not know about what the noble Lord says. I am more than happy to take that back to my DWP colleagues and to discuss it with them.