Glasgow base secured for Social Security Scotland
The High Street will be the Glasgow base for Scotland’s new social security agency, Social Security Scotland.
The agency, which will be responsible for the delivery of 11 devolved benefits to 1.4 million people a year, will share accommodation with Glasgow City Council at their building at 220 High Street.
The lease is for an initial period of 18 months with an option to extend for a further six months if required.
The Carers Allowance Supplement will be the first payments to be made by Social Security Scotland and establishing an interim location in Glasgow allows the agency to continue with work to put support and operational services in place. This will include ensuring suitable arrangements are in place for anyone who arrives at 220 High Street looking for face-to-face support in relation to accessing devolved benefits.
It is expected that 750 staff will be based in Glasgow once Social Security Scotland is fully operational. A business case for longer term property plans, including detail on how best value is being achieved, will be published by the agency within the next 18 months.