Social Security Scotland: how devolved social security can be improved yet further?

Changing Realities participants were recently invited to a roundtable with the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Sommerville, and senior members of the Social Security Scotland team.

This roundtable followed on from a series of engagements with the Scottish Government that have taken place over the past 12 months, including two meetings with the First Minister at Bute House. In late 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice invited us to a follow-up meeting to explore participants’ experiences of the devolved social security system in more depth. The speeches can be read in the PDF attachment.

The discussion was structured by some of the key areas which comprise the Scottish social security system:

The Five Family Payments (Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grants & Best Start Foods)

Disability Payments (ADP)

Carer’s Support Payments

The wider Changing Realities cohort in Scotland have also answered our Big Questions of the Week - which explore different policy areas impacting low-income families - and written diary entries about their experiences of Social Security Scotland. There is a general consensus amongst participants that Scotland’s social security system is one predicated on dignity and respect, particularly in comparison to past experiences with the DWP. It is more accessible and easier to communicate with, with a less punitive approach to welfare and support. Scottish Child Payment has in particular provided a lifeline for families.

However, CR participants would like to see further improvements to devolved systems of social security support. system. Issues that have been raised include the need for higher and more sustained investments; tackling the harmful stigma that remains around social security; convoluted application processes and wait times; a better joined-up system; and the urgent need for more support for families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

Changing Realities will continue to campaign for a more just and accessible social security system that works for all families surviving on a low-income. It is vital that those with experience of the system are at the heart of decision-making in Scotland and beyond.