THE SNP have hailed an independent review that found the Scottish Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is “significantly more compassionate” than benefits on offer in the rest of the UK.
The ADP was introduced in 2022, and the party described it as a “cornerstone” of Social Security Scotland, the devolved benefits agency.
We previously told how the review made more than 50 recommendations, including that eligibility for ADP should be based on the real-life experience of clients and not just on a list of activities.
It comes after the UK Government had to U-turn on proposed cuts to the eligibility for the equivalent payment in the rest of the UK – Personal Independence Payments.
Earlier this year, ministers were forced to drop plans to review PIP eligibility after a backbench rebellion. They have now said that any changes will be made following a review. Initial plans would have changed the eligibility process for future claimants, which led to the UK Government being accused of creating a “two-teir” benefits system.
The Scottish Government said it would not be following in the footsteps of the UK on the issue.
And now, the 18-month long review into ADP was led by Edel Harris, an experienced charity leader, who found that claimants described the system as a “step change – kinder in tone and more dignified in approach”.
She added: “But too often, disabled people still find the system difficult to navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing.”
In response, SNP MSP Collette Stevenson said: “This review highlights the [[SNP]] [[Scottish Government]]’s compassionate approach to providing social security which is based on dignity, fairness and respect.
“In sharp contrast, the UK Labour Government is slashing support for the most vulnerable people in our society by cutting vital support for disabled people.
“Analysis has shown that despite Keir Starmer’s U-turns, Labour’s planned cuts will push 50,000 disabled people into poverty by the end of the decade.
“The SNP will never accept Labour’s approach of balancing the books on the back of disabled people and will continue our work in providing a more compassionate approach to welfare which supports rather than punishes the most vulnerable people in our society.”
We told how Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said she felt “very encouraged” to read the feedback from disabled people about their positive interactions with Social Security Scotland.
“While the UK Government seeks to make cuts to the vital support disabled people rely on, I want to make clear that we will not cut Adult Disability Payment,” she added.
