SCOTTISH ministers are to scrap rules that stop people applying for benefits having someone accompany them to assessments and meetings.
The proposal were announced yesterday as one of the first key amendments to the Social Security (Scotland) Bill, that sets out how the new Scottish social security agency will deliver the 11 benefits the Scottish Government now have responsibility for.
Commenting on the amendment, social security minister Jeane Freeman said: “We know the current DWP system can make people nervous about health assessments when accessing benefits.
“People can feel that instead of being about assessing needs and what support is necessary, assessments can feel like a barrier to accessing benefits and help.”
The amendment makes provision for individuals to attend any meetings and assessments with a supporter, such as a family member, friend or voluntary worker, and for that supporter to make representations on their behalf. Freeman added: “We have all been in situations where we could do with a helping hand from someone who knows us, or just a bit of moral support.
“This is proof that Scotland will do things differently and one of the first ways we can show people we mean exactly what we say.”
The bill is expected to reach the end of its second stage in March, with a final vote on the legislation due before the end of the parliamentary year.
Rob Gowans from Citizens Advice Scotland, who last year, helped people claim almost £90 million in benefits that they were entitled to, welcomed the move, saying it could only help.
Gowans said: “The guarantee of a right to be accompanied to appointments, recognising the critical role of independent advice in the process and creating a duty for the Scottish Government to promote benefit take-up are all positive steps that should help more of Scotland’s citizens get access to the social security support that they’re entitled to.”
While the DWP welcomed the move, they said it was wrong to suggest people couldn't already bring a friend, family member or support worker, along to assesments.
A DWP spokesman said: “We’re very clear that people are free to bring someone along to their assessment, and welcome the move by the Scottish Government to uphold this existing right.”
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