MSPs urged to give more people on welfare benefits access to advocacy services
Campaigners are calling for the Scottish Government's new social security legislation to allow a wider group of people on benefits to be able to use independent advocacy services.
Independent advocates give support to people who find it difficult to access services, such as helping them to prepare for and take part in social security assessments.
A coalition of organisations led by the Scottish Independent Advocacy Service (SIAA) is concerned changes made to the Social Security (Scotland) Bill to enshrine access to independent advocates for certain groups is 'discriminatory'.
The bill will give the government the power to deliver 11 devolved benefits through a new Scottish social security agency - including disability living allowance, the winter fuel payment and the carer's allowance.
SIAA director Shaben Begum said: 'The amendment agreed at stage two of the Social Security Committee's proceedings provides for access to independent advocacy services by people with a 'mental disorder' including mental illness, dementia or a learning disability.
'We welcome this progress, but believe there are many people who would benefit from independent advocacy support who will not be covered - and we are concerned that offering this service to some groups and not others is discriminatory.
'We believe that the Social Security (Scotland) Bill must be strengthened by the inclusion of provisions recognising the universal right to independent advocacy and providing access to independent advocacy services.
'Anyone claiming social security should have the choice to access an independent advocate, when they feel they need one, at any point in the social security process.
'We believe that this amendment reflects the Scottish Government's aspirations to take a rights based approach to social security.'
Conservative Jeremy Balfour is expected to move the amendment at the stage three debate later this month.
The legislation already includes a provision for individuals to attend any meetings and assessments with a supporter, such as a family member, friend or voluntary worker, and for that supporter to make representations on their behalf.
If passed, Scotland's new social security service is expected to begin delivering devolved benefits from this summer, starting with the carer's allowance supplement.