Estimating fraud and error in the Scottish social security system: Consultation

Ministerial foreword

Since the establishment of Social Security Scotland in 2018, Scotland has built a social security system that is rooted in dignity, fairness, and respect, which has grown rapidly. Today, Social Security Scotland delivers seventeen benefits, including seven unique to Scotland. In 2025 it supported around one in three people in Scotland. This is substantial investment in Scotland’s wellbeing, and a clear demonstration of social security as a human right and collective good.

Last year we created new powers through the Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2025 allowing Social Security Scotland to require that a small subset of individuals receiving benefits provide information needed to audit the system.

This consultation seeks further views on the detail of regulations required to implement those powers. Your feedback will help shape a system that continues to uphold Scotland’s social security principles while meeting the highest standards of integrity, accountability and efficiency.

Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice