Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment: final report

Foreword

As Chair of the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment, I am pleased to present the final report and recommendations following over a year of engagement with disabled people in Scotland.

This report marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to assess and enhance the effectiveness of Adult Disability Payment in meeting the needs of disabled adults across Scotland. From the outset, my goal has been to ensure that the Adult Disability Payment system is fair, transparent, and supportive, empowering those it serves to live with dignity and independence.

The transition from a reserved system of social security for disabled people to one led and managed by the Scottish Government was an historic milestone. Several welcome and positive changes are evident when the Scottish system is compared to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) process. However, the devolution of social security is an ongoing process and with a commitment to continuous improvement, the opportunity exists to create a world-leading, human rights-based system of support for disabled people. I sincerely hope that my findings and recommendations will help to:

a) build on great foundations

b) improve the overall client experience

c) improve the systems and processes adopted by Social Security Scotland to ensure (at all times) accessibility, transparency, timely communications, timely decision- making, and ease of use

d) ensure a modern and more realistic approach to determining eligibility based on the principles enshrined in the UN Convention on Human Rights.

In developing my recommendations, I have determined that some elements of change to Social Security Scotland systems or Scottish Government policies may be more readily achieved in the nearer term, than others. Some will come with a one-off cost whereas others will likely involve ongoing costs. I have used data that is available to me at the time of writing, but that tells only part of the story: as with any change, there are some gaps or limitations that require a further assessment of cost. I have endeavoured to set out some of the steps that could be used to reach a more complete view. It is worth noting that this exercise considers only the potential costs of making changes to Adult Disability Payment and work hasn’t yet been done on the potential wider benefits to the economy of making an investment in the people of Scotland.

At the time of writing this report, I cannot ignore the publication of the UK Government’s Green Paper ‘Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working’^[1] and Sir Stephen Timms’ review of the PIP assessment that is due to report in Autumn 2026. I am most concerned with how the changes at UK level may impact disabled people in Scotland especially in relation to how people in receipt of certain rates of Adult Disability Payment may be entitled to other benefits.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the members of the Advisory Group whose expertise and dedication have been instrumental in shaping this review. Their insights and commitment have been invaluable in ensuring an inclusive and comprehensive process. Similarly, I am immensely grateful to the Secretariat for their support, meticulous research, and organisational skills, which have been essential in conducting such a thorough review.

Furthermore, I wish to acknowledge and thank all the Government, Social Security Scotland and other stakeholders, including individuals and organisations, who have generously given their time to participate in this review. Your contributions, whether through meetings, surveys, or written submissions, have provided a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences that are critical to understanding the impact of Adult Disability Payment on the lives of disabled people in Scotland. My particular appreciation goes to people who have shared their personal stories and experiences. I acknowledge this is not always an easy thing to do and I am grateful that you felt able to trust me to represent your views.

Edel Harris OBE Chair, Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment