Dumfries and Galloway residents to help shape Scotland’s social security system

South Scotland SNP MSP Joan McAlpine has called on local people to sign up and help shape Scotland’s new social security system before the close of a Scottish Government campaign to learn from the experiences of those currently using the service.

                                                                                 

At least 2,000 people with experience of the current social security system are being recruited to help shape Scotland’s new system.  The panels will work with the expert advisory group on disability and carers’ benefits.

 

Ms McAlpine has said that it marks an important step on the Scottish Government’s plans to build a social security system based on dignity and respect.

 

Commenting, Ms McAlpine said:

 

“The Scottish Government has been clear that it intends to build a fairer and more respectful social security system once the full powers are devolved over this area.

 

“I hope people across Dumfries and Galloway take this opportunity to sign up to the Scottish Government’s panels and play their part in creating a social security system with fairness at its heart before the campaign ends.

 

“Any government system, be it in education, health, immigration or social security, needs to take fully into account the views and experiences of the people who have used this service at the frontline. 

 

“We have seen for too long the damage that has been wrought by the callous and ideological system operated by the Tories at Westminster – they have done all they can to scapegoat and stigmatise those that need the safety net of welfare.

 

“The Scottish Government is committed to building a new social security system based on dignity and respect for people across Dumfries and Galloway, and contributing to the panels is an important step on the way to achieving this.”

 

Notes:

 

People can register for the panels online: www.gov.scot/socialsecurity