The Scottish government has begun consulting on how best to provide free advocacy support for disabled claimants beginning in the summer of 2020.
In yet another sign that claimants in Scotland are to be treated with a degree of dignity and respect that is almost entirely absent south of the border, the consultation will look at how to ensure that disabled claimants receive the highest standards of service when applying for Social Security Scotland benefits.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:
“Our social security service provides dignity, fairness and respect. Advocacy support for those applying for Scottish benefits is an integral part of delivering those principles.
“To protect disabled applicants’ rights and ensure everyone is fully involved in the decisions that affect them, advocacy support will be provided where necessary.
“To make sure this support is of the same high quality across Scotland, the consultation launched today is asking for people’s views on draft service standards. The responses will ensure services meet the needs of people.
“I believe this is important additional help we can give that’s not currently available in the Department for Work and Pensions administered system.”
