SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, has called on local people to sign up and help shape Scotland’s new social security system – with the Scottish Government seeking to learn from the experiences of those crrently using the service.
At least 2,000 people with experience of the current social security system are being recruited to help shape Scotland’s new system – allowing the Scottish Government to learn from mistakes made in the past. The panels will work with the expert advisory group on disability and carers’ benefits.
A member of the Social Security Committee, Ben Macpherson MSP said that it marks an important step on the Scottish Government’s plans to build a social security system based on dignity and respect.
He said: “The Scottish Government has been clear that it intends to build a fairer and more respectful social security system with the limited but meaningful powers that are being devolved in this area – and it is good to see them continue to make good on this promise.
“I hope people across Edinburgh take the opportunity to sign up to the Scottish Government’s panels and play their part in creating a social security system with fairness at its heart.
“Any government system, be it in education, health, immigration or social security, needs to fully take into account the views and experiences of the people who have used the service at the frontline – and asking 2,000 people with service experience for their views is a clear example of the Scottish Government doing exactly that.
“We have seen for too long the damage that has been caused by the often callous and uncaring system operated by the Tories at Westminster – which too frequently, wrongly and shamefully stigmatises those that need, and are entitled to, welfare.
“The Scottish Government is committed to building a new social security system based on dignity and respect for people across Scotland, and the development of these panels is an important step on the way to achieving this.”
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