Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment (ADP): Analysis of responses to a public consultation and call for evidence

12. Other considerations

At the end of the consultation the Independent Review sought respondents' suggestions for actionable changes to Adult Disability Payment that will positively impact those who apply for and receive the payment. While respondents were probed to highlight their priorities and possible unintended consequences, most responded solely with their suggestions. Similarly, the call for evidence asked organisations to provide any other evidence that they deemed relevant for consideration.

Key findings

• Responses to the final section of the consultation covered many of the themes already presented in the report. Most prevalent was the importance of considering the varied impacts that conditions can have on wellbeing and lifestyles, which was also discussed in multiple consultation events.
• Call for evidence responses reiterated the need for better communication throughout the application and decision-making process, including calls for clear escalation routes for applicants, clients, and third-sector support workers.

Consultation

Q21. Are there any other changes you think the Scottish Government could make to Adult Disability Payment? If you proposed changes, what positive impacts could these have, and for who? If you proposed changes, how would you prioritise these?

Consider wellbeing and lifestyle impacts of conditions

Over two thirds of consultation respondents answered Q21. The most prevalent theme was a request for Adult Disability Payment to be more understanding of the wellbeing and lifestyle impacts that disabilities and long-term conditions can have on the people. This was echoed in multiple engagement events.

Respondents emphasised that when creating a social security system, a human rights approach is needed to ensure that benefits consider the complete experiences and impact living with a disability or long-term condition can have on people.

“The ALLIANCE has consistently advocated for a human rights-based approach to social security, including through our membership of the Scottish Campaign on Rights to Social Security (SCoRSS). The 2020 report “Beyond a Safe and Secure Transition” lays out the SCoRSS vision on the future of social security in Scotland, calling for a social security system that follows six core principles: 1) Has a clear purpose; 2) Is human rights based; 3) Supports equal participation in society and independent living; 4) Is adequate; 5) Provides whole-of-life support; 6) Interacts well with future social security developments and is well connected to other services. We would encourage the Scottish Government to embed these principles throughout the devolved social security system.” – The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland

Other themes already covered in this report

Many of the other points raised by respondents reflected issues and themes addressed in more detail earlier in this report. These are summarised below for reference, alongside where more information can be found.

• Gathering more information about conditions and their impact on daily living (see Chapter 5): A few noted the Adult Disability Payment application form should better reflect lived experienced and consider a wider range of conditions.
• Clearer forms (see Chapter 5): Some noted that the Adult Disability Payment application form could be improved. A few suggested the language should be clarified and questions simplified.
• Better workforce training (see Chapter 5): a few again expressed a view that more staff training is required to ensure the Social Security Scotland workforce understand different conditions and the impact they have on people’s lives.
• Improved timescales (see Chapter 10): Slow timescales were mentioned by some who thought it was important for client wellbeing to improve the time it takes to receive decisions, changes of circumstances and re-determinations.
• Improve understanding of fluctuating conditions (see Chapter 6): A few reiterated the importance of considering fluctuating conditions.
• Better communication: At this question, a few respondents reiterated the need for better communication throughout the process, particularly around status updates, echoing themes about improved communication noted throughout this report.
• Consider review award periods: Longer review periods which could have a positive impact on client wellbeing and stress were advocated by a few at various points.

Other points raised

A few points were mentioned by one or two respondents each. They are listed below from most to least prevalent:

• Although not addressed in this consultation given the evidence available in a previous consultation, a few respondents criticised the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment and asked for changes to be made. For example, some asked for more consideration of non-physical disabilities or for changes to the 20-metre rule.
• Two suggested an increase in the payment amount.
• One individual suggested that the application pack should advise all applicants to seek assistance with the application form.
• Another suggested that applicants should have access to their full application, including supporting information, after the application has been submitted. They felt this could ensure that supporting information had been presented accurately and, if inaccurate, could be changed.

Call for Evidence

Q14. Is there any other evidence you would like to share with us on the delivery of Adult Disability Payment to date?

Over three quarters of call for evidence respondents commented at Q14. While many did not provide evidence, they highlighted potential changes and improvements to Adult Disability Payment based upon their experiences with their clients or stakeholders.

Better communication

As noted throughout the call for evidence, organisations noted that their engagement with their own stakeholders highlighted the need for better communication. This was mentioned by some at this question as well. Some specifically spoke about the need for clear escalation routes. Often this was for third sector or advocacy organisations to assist clients with problems concerning applications or decisions. However, effective means for individuals to contact Social Security Scotland with urgent questions and concerns was also noted as being necessary.

MECOPP and Feniks consulted with their stakeholders and learned that they are not receiving necessary application material and mailed communication in the language of their choice. They felt this could overburden their organisation in assisting the person due to translation time or make the process very difficult for those applying independently.

Supporting information

A few respondents noted that while their stakeholders appreciated the new policy that enables Social Security Scotland to gather medical supporting information, there are often instances where GPs, social care workers, and addiction support workers, to name a few mentioned by respondents, are not responding promptly, which means decisions on applications are being delayed. In some instances, it was suggested that relationships between applicants, these services and Social Security Scotland are strained or do not exist, complicating the requirement for supporting information.