Submission: Social Justice and Social Security Committee Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2023-24

The Commission is the National Human Rights Institution for Scotland and is independent of the Scottish Government and Parliament in the exercise of its functions. [...] In responding to questions posed by the Committee, the Commission will focus on the importance of language; the process of resource generation, allocation and spend; meaningful analysis and the availability of fiscally transparent data. [...] Although there is a narrative on the National Performance Framework (NPF) and National Outcomes present within the Equality and Fairer Scotland Statement (EFSS) that accompanies the RSR, and the Equalities and Fairer Scotland Budget Statement (EFSBS) that accompanies the budget, it does not explore the prioritisation of resources through the lens of Scotland’s National Outcomes. [...] The more detailed the information, the more in-depth the analysis can be and the clearer a causal connection can be made between budgetary decision-making and the progressive realisation of rights. [...] It is an important element in the effective management of public finances, and it helps to build the confidence of the general public in the work of public bodies, thereby contributing to the sustainability of public policy implementation.