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To date, discussions on the development of the income supplement have taken place at an official level and these are ongoing as the policy continues to be developed.

Scottish Ministers have regular discussions with UK counterparts, including through the Joint Ministerial Working Group on Welfare, and we will engage with them where necessary on the income supplement through the appropriate forums as this work develops.

I refer the member to the terms contained within section 10 of the Carer’s Allowance agency agreement which relates to management information.

The relevant section of the agency agreement can be found at: .

We are keeping the contract under review. No discussions regarding an extension have been requested. However, the contract allows the possibility of extending if required.

To date, discussions on the development of the income supplement have taken place at various stages at an official level, and these are ongoing as the policy continues to be developed.

Information on the number of staff being used to develop policy on the income supplement and take forward the options appraisal is not available. This differs in teams across the organisation, and is dependent on business requirements and individual working patterns.

I refer the member to the answer to S5W-18780 on 27 September 2019. The Scottish Government does not hold further additional information.

All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Scottish Parliament's website at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Scottish Government officials have had regular discussions with their DWP counterparts about a range of issues relating to Carer benefits including the recovery of overpayments. Additionally, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People wrote to the UK Government Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 9 May 2019 to request that the individual circumstances of those who had incurred overpayments should be taken into account and no-one placed into hardship as a result or prosecuted as a result of a genuine error.

The Scottish Government will continue to review relevant reserved disability benefit regulations, guidance and case law in formulating Disability Assistance. This will continue to involve relevant officials and, where appropriate, external stakeholders.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-23045 on 16 May 2019. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at .

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-23045 on 16 May 2019. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at .