Linda Jackson, Lynn Gallacher and Shirley Barratt at Holyrood House at Her Majesty The Queen's Royal Garden Party in July 2017.
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Social Care Inquiry - Scottish Parliament - complete by 20th February
Following closures of residential care facilities and general funding issues with independent, voluntary and council run facilities, the Health and Sport Committee has agreed to undertake an inquiry into social care for adults over 18 years.
Please follow this link to complete the online form. Please note it is a 'free text' style form, and, due to the nature of the questions, may take quite some time to complete. There is the option to save and return later.
Please follow this link to complete the online form. Please note it is a 'free text' style form, and, due to the nature of the questions, may take quite some time to complete. There is the option to save and return later.
Changes to benefits system
Starting next year, we will see some key changes to the existing DLA, PIP and Carer's Allowance in Scotland. The full details of how these new benefits will be administered are still being worked out.
For further details about the Scottish Government’s proposed timetable for the devolved Social Security benefits: https://bit.ly/2rhmHaF
For further details about the Scottish Government’s proposed timetable for the devolved Social Security benefits: https://bit.ly/2rhmHaF
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Southern Reporter article (October 2019)
Results from Disability Assistance Public Consultation
Thank you to all of you who took time to respond to the survey.
The results and analysis can be seen here and will help Scottish Government to design a new approach to disability benefits in Scotland.
Shirley Anne Somerville MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People) said "When we asked the people of Scotland what they thought of the current UK administered social security system they said it was stressful, complicated and often inhumane. That message has been reflected in many of the responses to the consultation, and I am clear that we will not repeat the same mistakes.
We have a real opportunity to do things differently with disability benefits – some disabled people feel that they have been failed by the current system, and it is clear from the responses to the consultation that there is a real desire to see change. I want to make sure that we can deliver that change in a way that is safe, sustainable and most importantly protects the interests of disabled people without risking existing entitlements."
The results and analysis can be seen here and will help Scottish Government to design a new approach to disability benefits in Scotland.
Shirley Anne Somerville MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People) said "When we asked the people of Scotland what they thought of the current UK administered social security system they said it was stressful, complicated and often inhumane. That message has been reflected in many of the responses to the consultation, and I am clear that we will not repeat the same mistakes.
We have a real opportunity to do things differently with disability benefits – some disabled people feel that they have been failed by the current system, and it is clear from the responses to the consultation that there is a real desire to see change. I want to make sure that we can deliver that change in a way that is safe, sustainable and most importantly protects the interests of disabled people without risking existing entitlements."
Consultation on Availability of Information and Support for Memory Problems in the Scottish Borders
The Active Voice of people with dementia and carers is about upholding rights and driving change. It supports the delivery of everything else we aim to do by holding to account organisations that people living with dementia rely on – particularly the Integration Joint Boards.
Alzheimer Scotland have launched a new consultation in the Borders from September to gather the views of people in the whole area accessing support and information. Please take some time to complete this document.
New Funeral Benefit launched
A new benefit providing help for people on low incomes to meet the costs of a funeral is now available.
Funeral Support Payment will be delivered by Social Security Scotland and will replace the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Funeral Expense Payment for people living in Scotland.
The changes mean around 40% more people will be eligible for financial support at the point of bereavement. People will be able to apply over the phone, by post or online for the first time. And, once Social Security Scotland is fully operational, face-to-face pre-application support will be available across the country.
As with all Scottish Government benefits, Funeral Support Payment has been developed with input from those with experience of the present DWP system. This has helped identify parts of the DWP application process that people currently find difficult or distressing, helping us improve our new process and remove barriers to apply.
Find the documents here.
Funeral Support Payment will be delivered by Social Security Scotland and will replace the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Funeral Expense Payment for people living in Scotland.
The changes mean around 40% more people will be eligible for financial support at the point of bereavement. People will be able to apply over the phone, by post or online for the first time. And, once Social Security Scotland is fully operational, face-to-face pre-application support will be available across the country.
As with all Scottish Government benefits, Funeral Support Payment has been developed with input from those with experience of the present DWP system. This has helped identify parts of the DWP application process that people currently find difficult or distressing, helping us improve our new process and remove barriers to apply.
Find the documents here.
Scam Warning
Action Fraud has received 63 reports about a scam in which fraudsters target people with offers of “low cost” loans or “free” government grants. What the victims aren’t told is that the money they’ll receive is actually an advance payment for Universal Credit. The criminals use the personal information they’ve obtain under false pretences to make an application in the victim’s name. After the fraudsters have taken their “fee” from the advance payment, the victim is then left to pay back the total amount once their repayments begin.
How you can protect yourself:
How you can protect yourself:
- Never share your personal or financial information with someone you don’t know and trust, especially if it’s in response to an offer of “free money” or a “free grant”.
- Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) staff will never approach you in the street or ask for your personal/financial details over social media.
- If you have concerns about your benefits, you should visit www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus
- If you suspect your identity may have been stolen, you can check your credit rating quickly and easily online. You should do this every few months anyway, using a reputable service provider and following up on any unexpected or suspicious results.
Falls and Fracture Prevention Strategy for Scotland, 2019-2024
The Scottish Government aims to help people sustain and improve their health, independence and wellbeing. This Strategy will provide an opportunity to present an achievable vision of a joined up, whole system approach to falls and fracture prevention and management which will help to deliver on strategic objectives to support people to age well.
Harm from falls and fear of falling affect large numbers of people both directly and indirectly, having a significant impact on wellbeing and prevent many people from experiencing healthy ageing. The Scottish Government want the strategy to reflect the views of people who experience falls and fragility fractures as well as people involved in planning, delivery, researching and improving care and support to prevent and manage harm from falls.
Please read the consultation paper and complete the consultation here.
Harm from falls and fear of falling affect large numbers of people both directly and indirectly, having a significant impact on wellbeing and prevent many people from experiencing healthy ageing. The Scottish Government want the strategy to reflect the views of people who experience falls and fragility fractures as well as people involved in planning, delivery, researching and improving care and support to prevent and manage harm from falls.
Please read the consultation paper and complete the consultation here.
Social Security Experience Panels - Open to new panel members now
The Scottish Government Experience Panels are 2,400 volunteers who are helping build a new social security system for Scotland. Panel members have real experience of the benefits coming to Scotland. Their insight and assistance is helping to make sure that the new service works for the people who will use it.
If you have experience of the benefits coming to Scotland and you want to contribute to the way they are delivered in Scotland, Scottish Government are recruiting for more Experience Panel members now. They are looking for people with personal experience of:
You can find out more about the Experience Panels and register to join at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/social-security-experience-panels-faqs/ or by calling the Freephone number 0800 029 4974. People can register online, over the phone or by post.
Being a panel member is voluntary, and panel members will receive regular invitations to take part in focus groups, interviews and surveys. There is no obligation to complete any amount of work and panel members can participate as little or as often as they wish. Work with panel members informs key decisions in the design of social security in Scotland.
If you have experience of the benefits coming to Scotland and you want to contribute to the way they are delivered in Scotland, Scottish Government are recruiting for more Experience Panel members now. They are looking for people with personal experience of:
- Personal Independence Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Funeral Expenses Payment
- Cold Weather Payment
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Industrial Injuries Disability Benefit
You can find out more about the Experience Panels and register to join at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/social-security-experience-panels-faqs/ or by calling the Freephone number 0800 029 4974. People can register online, over the phone or by post.
Being a panel member is voluntary, and panel members will receive regular invitations to take part in focus groups, interviews and surveys. There is no obligation to complete any amount of work and panel members can participate as little or as often as they wish. Work with panel members informs key decisions in the design of social security in Scotland.
Poppy Scotland launch a new Welfare Support Service
Poppyscotland has launched a new service for the Armed Forces community in Scotland. A team of six will deliver the new, enhanced offering, which will enhance Poppy Scotland’s current range of support across the country. The Welfare Support Service will be available to the Armed Forces community across the whole of Scotland, but, crucially, it will have a strong local focus and will be tailored to the needs of each individual. The Welfare Support Service team will be made up of four Welfare Support Officers and two Independent Living Advisers, each working within a designated geographical area.
For more information, visit the Poppy Scotland's website here.
For more information, visit the Poppy Scotland's website here.
Disabled Living Foundation
Free online advice to help people live independently for longer. Search for online self-assessment tools to identify equipment and a database of all the equipment on the market and free help leaflets on various topics:
https://asksara.dlf.org.uk/
https://www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/
https://www.youreable.com/
https://asksara.dlf.org.uk/
https://www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/
https://www.youreable.com/
New £10 benefit targets child poverty
A brand new benefit will provide eligible families with £10 a week for every child under 16, with introduction for under sixes starting by early 2021.
The Scottish Child Payment will give more immediate support to eligible families who need it most, as almost 60% of all children in poverty live in a family with a child under the age of six.
It will be delivered to all remaining eligible families with children under 16 by the end of 2022, with no cap on the number of children in families.
When delivered in full, 410,000 children could be eligible for the income supplement – over a third of all children. It is estimated it will lift 30,000 children out of relative poverty by 2023/24.
For a family with two children under the age of 16 this new payment would mean additional support of more than £1,000 a year.
Chart the process of this new benefit here
The Scottish Child Payment will give more immediate support to eligible families who need it most, as almost 60% of all children in poverty live in a family with a child under the age of six.
It will be delivered to all remaining eligible families with children under 16 by the end of 2022, with no cap on the number of children in families.
When delivered in full, 410,000 children could be eligible for the income supplement – over a third of all children. It is estimated it will lift 30,000 children out of relative poverty by 2023/24.
For a family with two children under the age of 16 this new payment would mean additional support of more than £1,000 a year.
Chart the process of this new benefit here
‘How’s life?’
Scotland’s survey to explore the life experiences of people with learning disabilities in Scotland is now open. We hope carers for people with learning disabilities will get involved. The survey closes on 30th September.
‘How’s Life?’ was developed by The Scottish Commission for Learning Disability (SCLD) along with a number of partner organisations:
- ARC Scotland
- Down’s Syndrome Scotland
- ENABLE Scotland
- Key
- PAMIS
- People First (Scotland)
As well as giving people with learning disabilities (over the age of sixteen) the chance to have their say about what is important in their life, the survey will give invaluable information which can help inform future policy and research. It can be completed here.
The Best Start Grant
This payment provides families in Scotland, who are on a low income, with £250 to help with the costs of a child starting school. People can apply around the time a child normally starts Primary 1 and if they get certain benefits or tax credits. For this year that means if their child is born on or between 1 March 2014 to 28 Feb 2015. Applications can be made from 3 June 2019 until 29 February 2020 either online at www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant or by contacting the Freephone helpline on 0800 182 2222 (open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm)
See here for the Best Start Grant School Age Payment toolkit containing materials for your use.
See here for the Best Start Grant School Age Payment toolkit containing materials for your use.
Caring for Carers 2019 event
Thank you to all of you who came to the Caring for Carers event at Borders College in April. It was a wonderful day, and a great opportunity to meet up with other carers, hear from professionals and also pet some pretty amazing animals!
The feedback from the day was incredibly positive with 97% of you rating the event as Excellent or Very Good. You all reported that you had thoroughly enjoyed the day, with the most enjoyable part of the day being the opportunity to meet with other carers, and have plenty time to sit, relax and chat with each other. You also loved the opportunity for a relaxing pamper and also a cuddle with the beautiful, friendly alpacas from Velvet Hall in Innerleithen!
You also said you really enjoyed the discussions around what was working well, and what needs more work, in the Scottish Borders since the Act went live. It was really encouraging to hear that there is a general feeling that there is more understanding of carers and carer stress, as well as better opportunities to access short breaks and information. We have also listened to the message that more training is required in certain areas such as GP surgeries and with paid carers, and are currently working on plans to address these issues.
The full report will be available soon, but in the meantime, here are some photographs and quotes from the day. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
The feedback from the day was incredibly positive with 97% of you rating the event as Excellent or Very Good. You all reported that you had thoroughly enjoyed the day, with the most enjoyable part of the day being the opportunity to meet with other carers, and have plenty time to sit, relax and chat with each other. You also loved the opportunity for a relaxing pamper and also a cuddle with the beautiful, friendly alpacas from Velvet Hall in Innerleithen!
You also said you really enjoyed the discussions around what was working well, and what needs more work, in the Scottish Borders since the Act went live. It was really encouraging to hear that there is a general feeling that there is more understanding of carers and carer stress, as well as better opportunities to access short breaks and information. We have also listened to the message that more training is required in certain areas such as GP surgeries and with paid carers, and are currently working on plans to address these issues.
The full report will be available soon, but in the meantime, here are some photographs and quotes from the day. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
"Just loved it!" "Thank you for combining the event with therapies, which I enjoyed very much" "Good day out. Very well planned. Good to meet new and old friends" "Very supportive, good fun, nice respite" "Really enjoyed the day and the interaction with other carers" "Loved meeting the alpacas, the pampering and free time"
Delivery of disability assistance to start in 2020
Timetable for remaining devolved benefits outlined
Responsibility for all devolved benefits, including their funding, will sit with the Scottish Government from 1 April next year, with delivery for disability benefits rolled out shortly after.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville today told Parliament how:
The system will have a redesigned application process and significantly fewer face to face assessments, which will be carried out through the agency by qualified assessors and audio-recorded as standard. There will be rolling awards with no set end points and those with fluctuating health conditions will not face additional reviews due to regular changes in needs related to their condition. We will also move the burden of collecting information from the client to Social Security Scotland.
Ms Somerville said:
“Since the Social Security Act was passed by the Scottish Parliament in June last year, progress has been swift.
“Our first priority was to deliver for carers, and we have already – through the Carers Allowance Supplement – paid out over £33 million to more than 77,000 carers.
“I have been delighted with the success of Best Start Grant which has put £2.7 million into the pockets of more than 7,000 families in Scotland – more in the first two months of operation than the DWP benefit it replaced paid out in a year.
“Our next priority is delivering payments for disabled people, as this is where we can make the most meaningful difference for the largest number of people”.
Background
A copy of the Cabinet Secretary’s full statement is available here
The timetable for the delivery of devolved benefits is:
You can read the full Scottish Government press release here
A full suite of position papers that outlines the work undertaken to determine upon the delivery schedule is available here
A Q&A on devolved benefits is available here
Timetable for remaining devolved benefits outlined
Responsibility for all devolved benefits, including their funding, will sit with the Scottish Government from 1 April next year, with delivery for disability benefits rolled out shortly after.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville today told Parliament how:
- New claims for disability assistance for children and young people will start in summer 2020
- Claims for older people’s disability payments will open by the end of 2020
- Disability benefits for Working Age People - the Scottish replacement of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - will open early in 2021
The system will have a redesigned application process and significantly fewer face to face assessments, which will be carried out through the agency by qualified assessors and audio-recorded as standard. There will be rolling awards with no set end points and those with fluctuating health conditions will not face additional reviews due to regular changes in needs related to their condition. We will also move the burden of collecting information from the client to Social Security Scotland.
Ms Somerville said:
“Since the Social Security Act was passed by the Scottish Parliament in June last year, progress has been swift.
“Our first priority was to deliver for carers, and we have already – through the Carers Allowance Supplement – paid out over £33 million to more than 77,000 carers.
“I have been delighted with the success of Best Start Grant which has put £2.7 million into the pockets of more than 7,000 families in Scotland – more in the first two months of operation than the DWP benefit it replaced paid out in a year.
“Our next priority is delivering payments for disabled people, as this is where we can make the most meaningful difference for the largest number of people”.
Background
A copy of the Cabinet Secretary’s full statement is available here
The timetable for the delivery of devolved benefits is:
- In 2019, Best Start Grant, Funeral Expense Assistance, and the Young Carer Grant will be delivered
- The brand new Job Grant, which we are currently consulting on, will help young people moving back into employment
- In summer 2020, Social Security Scotland will open to new claims for Disability Assistance for Children and Young People, our replacement for Child Disability Living Allowance
- By end 2020, children who receive the highest care component of Disability Assistance will also be entitled to Winter Heating Assistance
- By end 2020, Social Security Scotland will open to new claims for Disability Assistance for Older People, our replacement for Attendance Allowance, for people over the state pension age who need someone to help look after them because of a disability or long-term illness
- In early 2021, Social Security Scotland will open to new claims for the most complex form of Disability Assistance for Working Age People, our replacement for the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- By the end of 2021 Social Security Scotland will also open to new claims for Carer’s Assistance, our replacement for Carer’s Allowance, folding together that benefit, Carer’s Allowance Supplement and additional money for carers of more than one disabled child in a way that meets carers’ needs
- end of 2021 - Winter Heating Assistance and Cold Spell Heating Assistance delivered to some eligible recipients in their current form and to those in receipt of assistance from Social Security Scotland. An agency agreement will mean the DWP processes payments for the remaining recipients, with Social Security Scotland growing the caseload year on year.
You can read the full Scottish Government press release here
A full suite of position papers that outlines the work undertaken to determine upon the delivery schedule is available here
A Q&A on devolved benefits is available here
Consultation on the regulations for timescales for Adult Carer Support Plans and Young Carer Statements
The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 became law on the 1st April 2018. The Act requires Scottish Ministers to set timescales for preparing adult carer support plans (ACSPs) and young carer statements (YCSs) for carers of people who are terminally ill with a life expectancy of up to 6 months.
The government is currently consulting on the development of these regulations and are keen to hear the views of carers and the organisations that support them.
The National Carer Organisations have put together a short survey which sets out the key questions with a short explanation. It shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes to complete.
The responses from the survey will form part of the National Carer Organisations submission to the consultation.
You can find the survey here
If you wish to submit your own response to the Scottish Government, you can find full details of the consultation here
The government is currently consulting on the development of these regulations and are keen to hear the views of carers and the organisations that support them.
The National Carer Organisations have put together a short survey which sets out the key questions with a short explanation. It shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes to complete.
The responses from the survey will form part of the National Carer Organisations submission to the consultation.
You can find the survey here
If you wish to submit your own response to the Scottish Government, you can find full details of the consultation here
Help to buy your own home
New scheme for people with disabilities/low income families. Disabled people with a housing need can receive up to 40% of the price of a home with the Scottish Government LIFT scheme.
See here for full details.
See here for full details.
Planning to fly with a disability?
In partnership with the UK Civil Aviation Authority Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for disabled people have produced a film that gives wheelchair users, especially powered wheelchair users, information and insights about travelling by air and the support available. See full information here.
The Borders Carers Centre, Brewerybrig, Low Buckholmside, Galashiels TD1 1RT 01896 752431
