Time for Fairness for MS Sufferers

This week I met with campaigners from the Multiple Sclerosis Society for Scotland to discuss the problems they currently face when applying for disability benefits.

The Tory Government introduced Personal Independence Plan (PIP) in 2013, which has resulted in tens of thousands of disabled people lost their benefits. Undoubtedly this shook Scotland to its core as 167,000 new claims made by Scottish applicants have been rejected since the introduction of PIP.

To make matters worse, 39,000 people who were originally entitled to disability benefits were reassessed for PIP in Scotland and completely lost their benefits. Clearly, the UK Government’s version of welfare reform has been disastrous as the introduction of PIP has led 30,000 people to appeal the process and challenge their decisions which have not only led to financial insecurity but also adds stress and anxiety.

I am particularly concerned by some of the abhorrent restrictions placed on individuals applying for PIP- especially through the “20-metre rule” that prevents those who can walk 20 metres from receiving the higher rate of mobility assistance. This directly discriminates against those with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) where their symptoms fluctuate. It shows once again how disconnected the Tory Government are from the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Meanwhile, the SNP are offering an alternative to those with disabilities by championing a society which promotes dignity and respect at its very core. This comes as social security is devolved to Scotland. The Scottish Government will recognise the challenges faced by people with disabilities and prioritise providing equal access to workplaces, ensuring the best support is on offer.

The recent Scottish Government budget only but confirms this. The budget is a landmark in the creation of Scotland’s new social security system. We are committing £3.4 billion in 2020/21 to go directly to the people of Scotland who need it the most.

The new system will be built completely from scratch - the most significant new public service to be created in Scotland since devolution. However, it means that by the end of this parliamentary term we will have introduced eleven benefits that will help over 800,000 people in the next year.

And by 2024 we will deliver 16 benefits and reach 1.8 million children and adults and pay out an estimated £4 billion. This is part of our commitment to ensure that our services are designed with the help of those that use it, to meet the needs of the people of Scotland now and in future.

We will also continue fighting to break down barriers that inhibit those with disabilities, through the Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund which provides funding to equality organisations. Additionally, the SNP has accredited the charity Motability Scheme, to provide wheelchair accessible vehicles at affordable rates.

These services will all be implemented through Scotland’s new social security system- which will prioritise respect- something that the Tory Government have failed to do.