Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent representations his Department has (a) received and (b) made to the Scottish Government on its approach to funeral expenses.

My Department has been working closely with Scottish Government officials to facilitate the effective handover of powers and responsibilities under the Scotland Act 2016. The progress we have made is testament to the constructive approach we are taking; we have already commenced the vast majority of the welfare powers and discussions are underway on the steps that we will take to commence the remaining sections including funeral expenses.