Emma Roddick MSP praises ‘fair and compassionate’ delivery of Scottish social security benefits across the Highlands

Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has praised Social Security Scotland for its progressive approach to the delivery of benefits across the Highlands and the rest of Scotland.

During her speech on the agency’s soon-to-be thirteen benefits for Scotland, Ms Roddick took the opportunity to highlight her visit to the Local Delivery Team for the Highlands, sharing that she had been impressed by the culture that staff are working within.

She said:

“It was such a pleasure to witness the work going on within the Local Delivery Team for the Highlands. People at all different levels of the organisation told me they felt their concerns were listened to, and their suggestions valued by the leadership.

“As someone who has experienced humiliating and degrading assessments by external assessors contracted by the DWP, it is so reassuring to see a new, progressive approach being taken in the Highlands.

“The Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland have now brought in twelve new benefits for Scotland, with the thirteenth due by the end of this month, and are both working tirelessly to ensure the experience of claimants is as easy and painless as possible. I know from my constituents just how welcome the changes to the system have been.

“Here in Scotland, we are taking a different approach, one that is fair and compassionate and treats people with dignity and respect, instead of suspicion and disdain.”