MSPs in call for views on benefit system

Political Correspondent MSPs want people who claim social security benefits to tell them how the system affects them as Scotland gets ready to deliver benefits under new powers.

The Scottish Government will take over responsibility for 11 benefits and has set out a range of principles to underpin how they are delivered.

The Scottish Parliament Social Security Committee wants to ensure the Government is getting it right from the start and is seeking views of claimants.

Around 1.4m people across the country are affected by the benefits that Holyrood will be responsible for under the transfer of powers from Westminster.

The benefits i nclude Disability Living Allowance, Winter Fuel Payment and Carer’s Allowance.

Attendance allowance, funeral payments, Sure Start maternity payments and Discretionary Housing Payments are also devolved to Holyrood under the new system.

The principles set out by ministers include that the Scottish Social Security system must be based on dignity and respect.

Committee Convener, Sandra White MSP said: “This Bill will have a huge effect on the daily lives of millions of people across Scotland.

“It will impact on some of the most vulnerable in our society and so it is vital that our Committee make sure any Bill works and delivers for ordinary Scots.

“It is clear from the principles within the Bill that the Scottish Government want people to be at the heart of the new system. But our Committee want to know what impact these principles will have and what these will mean for claimants who will have to live with the effects of this Bill.”

The principles of the new system state social security is an investment in the people of Scotland.

The Government has said that respect for the dignity of individuals will be at the heart of everything we do

It wants to strive for continuous improvement in all policies, processes and systems, putting the user experience first.

Ms White added: “There is no doubt that this Bill marks a major change for Scotland in how the 11 benefits will be delivered.

“This is why we want to hear directly from those people to hear their views on whether the Bill will make a difference.”

The Committee will hold a workshop with a group of witnesses who have direct experience of social security in a ‘Your Say’ session with some of the group giving formal evidence in September.