Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment: final report - summary

Chapter 5: Final Thoughts

It is worth highlighting that many people gave positive feedback about Adult Disability Payment and Social Security Scotland, speaking highly of staff interactions, describing feeling respected during the application process and welcoming the lack of medical assessments. I heard the word “kindness” on many occasions. I also witnessed first-hand the culture and values at the heart of the organisation, the willingness to listen to feedback and the genuine desire to improve the client experience.

I recognise that designing a system that captures the whole range of real-world activities, and the barriers and costs that come with them, could potentially result in an unwieldly process and one that becomes more, rather than less, intrusive. There is a balance to be struck to achieve a system that is individualised and curious but not overly burdensome for the individual.

Whatever follows this Review, I would encourage the continuation of the emphasis on client voice and the co-design of any permanent changes. A partnership with Adult Disability Payment clients, others likely to be affected by any changes and those who are currently excluded from the system, would be ideal. I would expect the Scottish Government to deploy a range of participatory methods, with a focus on the most effective ways to include those who face the biggest barriers and seldom-heard voices.

If social security is indeed viewed as an investment in society by the Scottish Government, I hope Ministers will use the findings of the Review to design a truly world-leading, holistic and person-centred disability payment system, that is fair, equitable and supportive of disabled people’s needs now, and in the future.