Fairer Scotland Duty (FSD) for Scottish Welfare Fund Statutory Guidance amendments: April 2026

Stage 4 – decision

The decision stage allows deputy directors (or above) to consider the assessment process from stages 2 and 3. They can also agree changes to the policy, proposal or decision and confirm that due regard to meeting the Fairer Scotland Duty has been achieved.

What changes, if any, will be made to the proposal as a result of the assessment? Why are these changes being made and what are the expected outcomes?

If no changes are proposed, please explain why.

No changes are proposed beyond those set out in Stage 3.

The changes to the statutory guidance being proposed are in line with the Independent Review recommendations derived from a comprehensive review of the functioning of the SWF and from the views of those working in the fund and accessing the scheme. A standing multi-stakeholder Statutory Guidance Review Committee has reviewed the proposals. The statutory guidance will continue to be reviewed on an annual basis through a standing committee including a duty to actively consider what more can be done to reduce the inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage.

Sign off of the Fairer Scotland Assessment template

Name: Dougie McLaren

Job title: Deputy Director – Social Security Policy