A fundamental review of disability assistance in Scotland must be initiated by the Scottish Government during the next parliament, according to a coalition of organisations campaigning for a long-term improvements to social security for disabled people.
Following the devolution of powers over disability and ill-health benefits to the Scottish Government, the Scottish Campaign on Rights to Social Security, has launched its long-term vision for disability assistance in Scotland.
The Scottish Campaign on Rights to Social Security (SCoRSS) includes Citizens Advice Scotland, Inclusion Scotland, the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland, the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers (NAWRA), Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS), MS Society Scotland and the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA).
Amongst its recommendations, the campaign is calling for:
- a fully independent and resourced review of disability assistance accountable to and co-produced with those currently entitled and those not entitled to disability assistance
- a human rights-based approach to be taken in the development of disability assistance
- social security for disabled people that supports their right to independent living (including revising eligibility criteria and assessment processes)
- the support provided to be adequate so disability assistance takes into account the extra costs associated with an impairment if a person is to fully enjoy their right to equal participation.
Over half a million people in Scotland (almost 533,000) currently receive support through social security payments due to a disability or long-term health conditions through Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance.
