MSPs have blasted an “alarming” lack of action after £20 billion benefits were unclaimed across Britain.
A Holyrood committee had been probing the problem after the huge sum was uncovered last year.
In their final report today, convener Bob Doris warned: “It is simply not good enough that billions in benefits continue to go unclaimed every year. Given one of the DWP’s stated aims with Universal Credit was to increase take-up, the fact they have no strategy to achieve this is deeply alarming.
“It is absolutely vital we get more accurate data on the numbers entitled to benefits so that any communications strategies can be targeted at those in need who are missing out.”
He called for the Scottish and UK governments to “work productively together” to remove any barriers to people who are missing out.
The social security committee identified £20 billion in means-tested benefits had been left unclaimed across the UK in 2016-17.
Changes in 2016 laid the foundation for a new Social Security Scotland agency which is taking some powers from DWP control.
The Scottish Government is legally required to create a strategy to ensure maximum uptake but the UK Government is not.
A spokesman for the DWP said: “The Scottish Government has significant welfare powers and we remain committed to working closely with them.
“We want everyone to claim what they are entitled to and have a wide range of channels where people can get information and advice, including our Help to Claim service.”
