Bid to bar ‘unnecessary’ benefits assessments

A last-ditch attempt is being made to change Scotland’s new social security laws to ban any “unnecessary” assessments for those claiming disability benefits.

MSPs are expected to grant final approval to the Scottish Government’s Social Security Bill when it comes before Holyrood on Wednesday.

The legislation paves the way for the creation of a new benefit regime in Scotland, which will run alongside the UK welfare state.

Green MSP Alison Johnstone said the new system must ensure that “much-hated” assessments are only carried out when there is not enough pre-existing medical evidence to support a claim.

The Lothian MSP argued the medical checks can cause “serious disruption and stress” to those trying to claim benefits. She said: “I am bringing an amendment that seeks to ban assessments from being undertaken unless the Scottish Government can demonstrate that already existing evidence from GPs, social workers and other professionals is not sufficient to corroborate a claim.

“This will have the effect of significantly reducing the muchhated assessments, a move described by Citizens Advice Scotland as ‘the highest priority for the Scottish social security system’.”

Her amendments will also require those undertaking the assessments to inform claimants of the consideration they have given to any preference they might have about how and where the assessments should be carried out.

The Lothian MSP said: “The aim of my amendments is to ensure that respect for the dignity of individuals is at the heart of the Scottish social security system.”