Local MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Maree Todd, has called on people in Orkney to sign up and help shape Scotland’s new social security system – with the Scottish Government seeking 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 – allowing the Scottish Government to learn from mistakes made in the past. The panels will work with the expert advisory group on disability and carers’ benefits.

Maree Todd SNP MSP 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.

She 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 – and it is good to see them continue to make good on this promise.”

“I hope people in Orkney take the 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.”

“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 – and asking 2,000 people with service experience for their views is a clear example of the Scottish Government doing exactly that.”

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

“The Scottish Government’s is committed to building a new social security system based on dignity and respect for everyone, and this development is an important step on the way to achieving this.”

People can register online: www.gov.scot/socialsecurity

Email: SocialSecurityExperience@gov.scot

Freephone: 0800 029 4974 (includes language line translation)

Text: Prefix 18001

SMS: 07467 447375

British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us via http://contactscotland-bsl.org