MSP hosts special disability event

The event brought together disabled people, community activists, representatives from the third sector and members of the deaf community, to discuss the changes and how the system can be changed for the better for those in the most need.

With new disability benefits devolved to Scotland, Mr Griffin has sought views of key stakeholders on how the system can be fairer, and plans to take their views to the Scottish Parliament and to help shape Scottish Labour Party policy.

Holyrood is being given responsibility for 11 benefits, including disability living allowance, personal independence payments and carer’s allowance.

Their devolution is being staggered, with the benefits system due to be fully operational within three years.

Mr Griffin, who is Scottish Labour’s Social Security spokesperson, said: “Scottish Labour shaped the new Social Security Act and secured important changes, from ending Atos’ role in PIP assessments to ensuring terminally ill people get the maximum disability benefit without enduring an assessment. But there is still more to do.

“I am pleased so many people attended my special event on new devolved disability benefits, making their thoughts known and their voices heard.

“There was a unanimous view expressed that the current system is not fit for purpose and radical steps are required to ensure Scotland’s social security system has fairness and compassion at its heart.

“Sadly, the Tories are continuing to hit the poorest hardest and the SNP are consistently failing to take control of the new powers Scotland has.

“Only Labour is committed to supporting those in the most need, stopping cruel Tory PIP assessments and create a fair disability benefits system.”