Policy paper

Terms of Reference

Published 2 June 2021

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

Applies to England and Scotland

© Crown copyright 2021

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terms-of-reference-joint-ministerial-working-group-on-welfare/terms-of-reference

1. Purpose

The Joint Ministerial Working Group is established to provide a forum for discussion and decision-making to ensure the implementation of welfare-related aspects of the Smith Commission Report.

2. Terms of Reference

  • To promote the exchange of information required for the transfer of powers between relevant Government Departments
  • To ensure a smooth transition of the new responsibilities to the Scottish Government and that they are delivered in a way that is coherent from the perspective of those who seek to benefit from them
  • To discuss policy and operational practice in areas where responsibility is due to transfer, all in the context of respecting the principle of “no pre-emptive action.”
  • To work cooperatively to deliver the transfer of powers in relation to the spirit of the Smith agreement and to ensure that the emerging Bill is fit for purpose
  • To allow for open discussions that seek to provide a resolution of contentious and challenging issues

As far as possible discussions should be open, transparent and accessible with the aim of keeping stakeholders fully informed of progress (recognising the confidentiality of some aspects of the negotiations).

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