Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent representations she has received from the Scottish Government on its preparations for (a) welfare devolution and (b) the establishment of a Scottish social security agency.

We continue to work closely with the Scottish Government on the transfer of welfare powers covered by the Scotland Act 2016. The Joint Ministerial Working Group on Welfare was set up to oversee the devolution of social security powers and meets regularly to discuss progress and resolve issues. The group is attended by ministers from both Governments and includes the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities. The next meeting is due to take place on 14 June.

The establishment of the Social Security Agency is a matter for the Scottish Government.