The Disability Assistance (Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance) Regulations 2025: equality impact assessment

15. Recommendations and Conclusion

This Equality Impact Assessment process has identified that overall, the introduction of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance to replace Disability Living Allowance will have a positive impact for people in Scotland with protected characteristics. These impacts include:

• Those reporting changes of circumstances or having a scheduled review of their Disability Living Allowance award will benefit from transfer to a similar DLA based benefit while also benefitting from an improved decision-making process that starts from a position of trust and supports individuals to receive the right determination at the first opportunity.
• Communication materials will be accessible, and information about Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance will be available in multiple languages and in accessible formats.
• Awards of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance will be ongoing and those who require reviews will receive light touch reviews, alleviating some of the worry caused by the review process.
• Terminally ill people will be assessed using the Scottish Government's definition of terminal illness, which removes arbitrary timescales and is based on clinical judgement.
• When an individual disagrees with their award review, they will have access to Short-term Assistance during the re-determination and appeals process. This is non-recoverable and will mitigate a drop in the level of household income while reducing anxiety for those seeking administrative justice.

The Scottish Government is aware that groups who share protected characteristics may face difficulties in accessing or understanding their entitlements due to language or other communication barriers. Scottish Ministers are committed to mitigating these barriers both within Social Security Scotland and by ensuring that the independent advocacy service will be available to signpost people to third sector organisations where necessary. Interpreter services and assistance to complete application forms will be available.

The Act and the Charter recognise that social security is a human right, which informs all the Scottish Government's work. The creation of a social security charter acts as a bridge between the principles in the Act and everyday delivery of social security in Scotland to improve the experience of individuals. In this way the Scottish Government will invest in the people of Scotland, making a positive difference to the lives of all.

Policy Lead:

Beth Stanners

Senior Policy Officer

Carer Benefits and Case Transfer Unit

Social Security Division

Head of Social Security Policy:

Ian Davidson

Deputy Director

Social Security Policy Division

Date this version was authorised: