Issues being investigated under Term of Reference 2(j)

ToR 2(j) requires the Inquiry to investigate the strategic elements of the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland relating to:

“welfare assistance programmes, for example those relating to benefits or the provision of food, provided or supported by public agencies”.

In relation to ToR 2(j) the Inquiry will examine:

1. Impacts on individuals in the context of welfare assistance programmes, such as those relating to personal finances, fuel poverty, housing, food, mental health and wellbeing. 
2. Design of welfare assistance programmes made available during the pandemic, including: pre-pandemic planning and the statutory framework for welfare assistance programmes; the extent, timing and sufficiency of consultation by the Scottish Government with interested parties and relevant advisory and resilience groups in relation to welfare assistance programmes; the identification and use of partners for the provision of welfare assistance programmes; the nature, extent and adequacy of welfare assistance programmes; and monitoring the scope and sufficiency of welfare assistance programmes. 
3. Implementation of welfare assistance programmes, including: accessibility of welfare assistance programmes for potential providers (communication of their availability, enrolment processes and qualification thresholds for potential providers of welfare assistance programmes); timing of support; guidance for, and regulation of, welfare assistance programmes; administrative burdens on providers; service delivery; and requirements for feedback and monitoring. 
4. Access to welfare assistance programmes, including: accessibility of welfare assistance programmes for potential recipients (communication of availability, application processes and qualifications for welfare assistance programmes) and guidance issued in respect thereof; and monitoring of the impacts of welfare assistance programmes. 
5. Disparities arising in the implementation or impacts of welfare assistance programmes, including by geography, digital inclusion and protected characteristics.