Disability Assistance for Older People (Scotland) Regulations 2024: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment

Summary of evidence

This Fairer Scotland Duty assessment has been developed drawing on a range of primary research, including public consultations,^[6], ^[7] engagement with those with lived experience, as well as ongoing consultation with stakeholders including through the independent Disability and Carers Benefits Expert Advisory Group (DACBEAG)^[8] and the Ill Health and Disability Benefits Stakeholder Reference Group.

This work also drew upon interviews conducted via the Scottish Government’s Social Security Experience Panels.^[9] The Panels involve people with lived experience of the benefits that are being devolved to Scotland, and have over 2,400 members drawn from people across Scotland. In 2019, a second round of recruitment took place, targeting specific groups identified as being underrepresented such as ethnic minorities and young people.

A specific survey regarding the case transfer process was sent out to Experience Panel members in February 2019. 559 responses were received and a summary of these responses was published.^[10]

The Scottish Health Survey 2021 provides an accurate estimate of the number of disabled people in Scotland.^[11] For people between 65 and 74 years of age, 46% have a limiting longstanding illness. This number increases to 60% for those over 75 years of age.

In 2019, people aged 65 and over accounted for 19% of the Scottish population.^[12]

The link between poverty and disability

Research has shown that poverty disproportionately affects individuals with a disability, with higher poverty rates being reported amongst disabled people compared to the rest of the population.^[13] This is the case across the United Kingdom, and is prevalent amongst disabled people over State Pension age. 24% of people over State Pension age with a disability are in poverty, compared with 17% of those without a disability.^[14]

410,000 households in poverty within Scotland include a disabled person, accounting for 42% of households. The impact of social inequalities on health outcomes in older people is well documented.^[15]

In Scotland, 66% of older people in poverty who have ill health also have no savings, with 61% living in a deprived area. 92% of people within this cohort rely on benefits for more than 80% of their income.^[16]

On average, women tend to have a lower income when retired than men.^[17] When considered alongside the impact of a long-term health condition or disability, women tend to be disproportionally impacted by low income. A report by the Women’s Budget Group has also found that, overall, women are twice as likely to rely on social security as men.^[18]

In 2018, research from the Papworth Trust has shown that in the United Kingdom, three-quarters of households using foodbanks contain someone with a health condition or disability, with one-third of households containing someone with a mental health condition. This is influenced by the day-to-day living costs of those with a disability, which are 25% higher than those without a disability. Food poverty amongst disabled people over 65 years old is twice as likely when compared to those without a disability. ^[19]

Marie Curie and Loughborough University research suggests that 1 in 8 people aged over 65 in Scotland experience poverty in the last year of their life. This increases to 1 in 5 in areas such as Glasgow, Dundee and West Dunbartonshire,^[20] which are also areas of relatively high deprivation in Scotland.

Poverty amongst disabled people is likely to be exacerbated in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. UNICEF highlighted that: ‘In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, persons with disabilities may have increased risk’.^[21] The report also makes connections between the pandemic and poverty, with disabled people likely to be disproportionately impacted.

Research by Age UK suggests that many older people are missing out on maximising their income through the financial support that is currently available. For support such as Attendance Allowance, the main reasons why individuals have not applied are due to not knowing such support exists, or because they did not feel they would be eligible.^[22]