Government can deliver promises
Government to boot out private firms
THE SNP promised to put the humanity into social security.
And on the basis of promises made yesterday, some good ideas are beginning to take shape.
Scotland isn’t starting from a difficult place – the UK system of benefits too often appears designed to put people off.
Even when claimants are eligible, the hoops they have to jump through are ridiculous, if not downright inhumane.
Underpinning the new Scottish system is the transfer of major powers to Holyrood.
The SNP might not shout about it for fear of alienating a certain demographic but those powers were handed over because of the Vow.
Without it, unionist parties would have been in no hurry to boost Scotland’s powers.
But with those new responsibilities, the SNP – or whoever is in power – can tailor social security in a way that should make Tories at Westminster blush with embarrassment.
It should not be groundbreaking to put benefits claimants at the centre of decisions about their lives.
It’s ridiculous that the idea of giving greater freedom to claimants is seen as groundbreaking.
But that’s where we are. And it is an overwhelmingly more positive place to be.
The promises have been made, the foundations are in place. Now the Scottish Government must deliver.
BENEFITS claimants could be assessed at home under plans to overhaul the system and drive out controversial private sector assessors.
The SNP Government unveiled four changes for social security, helping with travel and the appeals process.
It follows an earlier pledge to stop firms determining whether applicants are eligible for support, after more powers were devolved to Holyrood.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “It is clear that the UK Government are content with an approach that sees private sector assessment providers prioritise profits over people.
“We will not farm out assessments to private companies. Under the Scottish Government system, people will be given greater choice and control over their assessment through four actions I have committed to today.
“People will be invited at a time that suits them and to a location that suits them. For those with difficulty travelling, the assessor will come to them.
“In addition, we will introduce audio recordings of assessments as standard to ensure accuracy and transparency. And we will also allow the social security appeals tribunal to access the audio recording to help inform their decision.”
Powers to deliver devolved benefits were made possible thanks to The Vow published by the Daily Record, just before the 2014 independence referendum.
The Record revealed in February that the SNP will ban private firms from the process.
Campaigners applauded the move, with Citizens Advice Scotland saying the changes were “badly needed”.
Spokesman Rob Gowans said: “We welcome the announcement that people will have greater control over the location of assessments, which will mean that clients do not have to travel many miles for an assessment as is currently often the case.”