Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018

Principles

1 The Scottish social security principles

The Scottish social security principles are—

(a) social security is an investment in the people of Scotland,

(b) social security is itself a human right and essential to the realisation of other human rights,

(c) the delivery of social security is a public service,

(d) respect for the dignity of individuals is to be at the heart of the Scottish social security system,

(e) the Scottish social security system is to contribute to reducing poverty in Scotland,

(f) the Scottish social security system is to be designed with the people of Scotland on the basis of evidence,

(g) opportunities are to be sought to continuously improve the Scottish social security system in ways which—

(i) put the needs of those who require assistance first, and

(ii) advance equality and non-discrimination,

(h) the Scottish social security system is to be efficient and deliver value for money.

2 Effect of the principles

(1) The Scottish social security principles are set out in section 1 so that—

(a) they can be reflected in the Scottish social security charter as required by section 15(3), and

(b) the Scottish Commission on Social Security can have regard to them as required by section 97(6).

(2) A court or tribunal in civil or criminal proceedings may take the Scottish social security principles into account when determining any question arising in the proceedings to which the principles are relevant.

(3) Breach of the principles does not of itself give rise to grounds for any legal action.