Time is running out if you wish to submit your views on the new social security Bill making its progress through the Scottish Parliament. Opinions on the Bill are being taken by the Social Security Committee. The changes will affect more than 1.4 million people at a cost of £2.9 billion a year. August 23rd is the closing date for submissions.

The benefits transferred as a result of the Bill are:

• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance and Industrial Injuries Scheme
• Carer’s Allowance
• Sure Start Maternity Grants
• Funeral Payments
• Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Payments
• Discretionary Housing Payments

The Bill also includes the founding principles upon which the Scottish Parliament will build the Scottish social security system. The seven principles are:

1. Social security is an investment in the people of Scotland.
2. Social security is a human right. It is essential to accessing other human rights.
3. Respect for the dignity of individuals is at the heart of the Scottish social security system.
4. The Scottish Government has a role in making sure that people are given the social security assistance they are eligible for.
5.  The Scottish social security system will be designed with the people of Scotland, and based on evidence.
6.  The Scottish social security system should always be trying to improve. Any changes should put the needs of those who require social security first.
7.  The Scottish social security system is efficient and delivers value for money.

How to submit evidence

Written submissions should be concise, no more than 4 sides of A4 and it is helpful if they are set out in numbered paragraphs (in Word format).

You can use the call for evidence response form. Social_Security_(Scotland)_Bill_Response_Form

All submissions should be sent electronically to: socialsecuritycommittee@parliament.scot.

For any questions, the Social Security Committee clerking team can be contacted on the same email address or on 0131 348 5320.

Submissions already received can be viewed here

Social Security Scotland Bill can be viewed here

Reporter: Fiona Grahame

Related story: Scotland’s Social Security Agency: A New Hope