By George Scotland can achieve on its own
It’s been another busy week in the constituency and, despite the dismal weather, I’ve enjoyed getting out and about in the town and getting the chance to meet and catch up with you all.
Summer recess is one of my favourite times as it reminds me why I do this job – to represent the people of Paisley and do the best I can for our great town.
As you know, I operate an open-door policy in the office on weekdays from 9am to 6pm so I can accommodate and help as many of you when you need it most.
I think we all can use a bit of help and advice during these uncertain and often difficult times!
Something I deal with quite a lot in the office is issues with the DWP and the harsh benefit system operated by the UK Government.
While I ultimately have no control over the DWP and their operating practices, my staff and I try our best to support the constituents who come to us and it frankly shocks me the way Westminster are content to treat the most vulnerable in our society.
All too often I’m told of families, disabled people, and those going through illness being callously thrown aside and denied the benefits they so desperately need.
As many of you know, my wife Stacey has MS so I am especially passionate about those with longterm conditions and disabilities being treated fairly and with the dignity and respect they deserve, yet the DWP frequently target this demographic when they need to make cut backs and continue pushing austerity.
Too often, I hear of people in a similar situation to Stacey, where they have progressive or terminal illnesses that are not going to get better, having their benefits cut or taken off them after being deemed, unjustly, fit for work.
This is frankly shocking from a UK Government that claims to want the best for its people.
That’s why I am delighted with the upcoming Scottish social security system and I really look forward to the Scottish Government taking responsibility for Disability Assistance next year.
With Scottish control, disabled people will have more choice in how they apply for benefits and will be able to able to apply online for the first time ever.
Under the current DWP system, people can only apply for Disability Assistance by post or telephone.
Under the new Scottish system however, applicants will be able to choose to apply for the payment in a way that suits their needs – online or face-to-face, as well as by phone or post.
I know I’m biased, but I’m incredibly proud to be part of a country and parliament that’s continuing to build a social security system that is inclusive and puts people at its heart.
Bringing in an online system might seem like a small change, but for many who are housebound or struggling with mobility it could really be a game changer.
Also, by giving people more choice and flexibility about how to apply for assistance, I hope more people who are eligible for benefits will be encouraged to apply and get the money they are entitled to as I know many busy families have been put off by the lengthy and tedious DWP process in the past.
The new social security system is the largest piece of public sector delivery since devolution and I am so pleased of the progress made so far.
By the end of this year
Social Security Scotland will be delivering seven benefits, and alongside the new online application system, additional work is being carried out on the internal systems to manage and deliver benefits to all those who need it as painlessly and efficiently as possible.
I don’t know about you, but I think this is a testament to what Scotland can achieve when allowed to flourish on its own.
I can’t wait until the day we are an independent nation and can deliver every new piece of legislation, policy or initiative with dignity and respect – with the Scottish people squarely front and centre.