A landmark independent review of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
has called for a simplified and more accessible application
process, urging the Scottish Government to protect and improve
access to support for disabled people.
Led by experienced charity leader, Edel Harris OBE, the review
highlights that while Adult Disability Payment is significantly
more compassionate than the UK benefit it replaced, some people
still face barriers, complexity and distress when applying for
the benefit.
While the review notes that there are several welcome changes
such as the cessation of DWP-style assessments and recognises the
compassionate approach of Social Security Scotland staff, it
concludes that there is still more that can be done to deliver a
truly human-rights based approach.
Edel Harris, Chair of the Adult Disability Payment Review, said:
“Adult Disability Payment has been described by many as a step
change - kinder in tone and more dignified in approach. But too
often, disabled people still find the system difficult to
navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing.
“I heard consistently that if we are to realise social security
as an investment in people, it is important to ensure that the
eligibility criteria fulfil this goal.
“This review highlights the importance of a system that is not
only compassionate, but practical and accessible. The
recommendations are based on real experiences and a shared
commitment to making Adult Disability Payment work better for
everyone who needs it.”
The review engaged extensively with disabled people and the
organisations that support them. It drew on evidence from a
public consultation, written submissions, in-person and online
events, and the lived experience of an advisory group made up of
third sector representatives, disabled people and people with
long-term health-conditions.
Over the course of the review, Edel Harris also met with
stakeholder groups, third sector organisations, and officials
from the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland to
understand a variety of experiences of Adult Disability Payment.
The review makes over 50 recommendations including:
- Enhancing the client experience and embedding
trauma-informed, stigma-free approaches.
- Simplifying the application form and improving the
decision-making process.
- Training, guidance, and clearer communication for staff and
clients.
- Reviewing eligibility criteria and improving fairness in
decision-making.
A key recommendation from the review is that eligibility should
be based on the real-life experience of clients and not just on a
list of activities. It also recommends that the application
process should be made easier for those with fluctuating
conditions and mental health problems and take into consideration
the environment in which the person lives.
The report also calls for sustainable funding for welfare advice
services, more inclusive communication, and automatic entitlement
in some circumstances.
Edel visited Inspire by Community Integrated Care an
Aberdeen-based charity supporting adults with learning
disabilities and additional support needs. The visit offered an
insight into the role of social security in promoting
independence, inclusion, and dignity.
Community Integrated Care's Managing Director for Scotland, Sara
Murphy, said:
“It was a privilege to welcome Edel to our Inspire by
Community Integrated Careservice and show how financial
support like Adult Disability Payment can make a visible
difference in people's lives. As a care provider, we see every
day how inclusive, person-centred support enables people to build
confidence, develop skills, and live more independently.
“We welcome the review's call for a system that truly listens to
disabled people and reflects their real-life experiences. We hope
it leads to meaningful change that makes accessing support
fairer, simpler, and more empowering for those who need it.”
Background
The full report is available at: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836918912
The review was commissioned by the Scottish Government in
February 2024 to examine the first year of Adult Disability
Payment delivery, with the aim of identifying improvements to the
eligibility framework, decision-making process and client
experience.
Implementation of the recommendations in the review will be
assessed against criteria including deliverability, cost, and
alignment with human rights principles.
