From Principles to Practice: Social Security in the Scottish Laboratory of Democracy

Abstract

The enactment of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 is an important milestone in the development of the second devolved-level social security system within the UK. While the development of the new devolved benefits will continue for several years, the social security principles contained in the Act represent a statement of intent that an emerging Scottish model will be based on a different philosophy to the UK’s. This article takes an early look at the challenge the Scottish Government faces in living up to these principles, with a focus on the commitment to put respect for the dignity of individuals at the heart of the system, and work to date towards doing so.

Keywords: social security, devolution, dignity, respect, scotland, welfare state, social rights

JEL Classification: K39