Scottish Government delays introduction of devolved disability benefits for indefinite period in response to coronavirus outbreak

Cabinet Secretary also announces delay to introduction of Job Start Payment while officials prioritise delivery of the Carer's Allowance Supplement and Scottish Child Payment

The Scottish Government has announced that it is to delay the introduction of the Child Disability Payment and the Scottish Personal Independence Payment for an indefinite period in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament today, Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley-Anne Somerville said -

'My officials in the Scottish Government and in Social Security Scotland have been working hard to respond to the impact of COVID-19. Plans were activated quickly to protect the wellbeing of staff, who are mostly now working flexibly, and importantly safely, from home, whilst ensuring vital benefits will be maintained. We will of course face further challenges in the weeks and months ahead. This is very likely to have an impact on how we provide this service. But I can reassure the public today, that we will continue to deliver our frontline services: applications are being processed and crucially payments are still being made.'

However, Ms Somerville added that -

'Unfortunately, this is not the case for those benefits we were on track to deliver within the next year. COVID-19 has changed our plans completely ...

We cannot introduce Child Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment until the Social Security Programme and Social Security Scotland return to something approaching normal operations. Given the uncertainty, I can offer no precise timescale on how long that will take. It will likely be several months, possibly beyond the summer, before I can do so. But I will do so as soon as possible.

I know people will be distressed at this decision and I am more than sorry for that. Be in no doubt, I personally, but also the many, many people who have been working so hard on these plans, are absolutely devastated by this decision. But I know there was no choice.

I have therefore spoken to UK Ministers and we have agreed they will continue delivering disability benefits for existing and new Scottish clients over a longer transition period.'

Ms Somerville went on to say that she has agreed two key priorities with her officials -

'Priority one is, bluntly, ‘Keeping the Lights On’, maintaining the delivery of existing benefits for Social Security Scotland’s clients – including the Carer's Allowance Supplement, which will be paid as usual this year. To allow Social Security Scotland to focus on this, Job Start Payment, which would have launched in March, has been delayed. We’ve also made provisions within the emergency Covid Bill we are debating today allowing more time for redeterminations and appeals.

To support our clients, regulations will come into force on Friday temporarily allowing carers to retain carer’s allowance over a break in caring, and temporary changes have been made so emotional caring also counts. I’ve also relaxed some rules about the timing of applications so, for example, if someone applies for young carer’s grant after their 19 birthday their application will be considered as though it was on time.

Priority two is the Scottish Child Payment. I will focus the remaining resources within the Social Security Programme on delivering the Scottish Child Payment as soon as we can. This new benefit will support families on low incomes and tackle child poverty, and this Government will prioritise it ... I still hope we will see applications open for Scottish Child Payment by the end of 2020 with payments made next year. However, I must be blunt and state that if COVID-19 is with us longer then this may change again ...

I also hope to deliver the Child Winter Heating Assistance on schedule for winter 2020.'

Ms Somerville concluded by saying that -

'Though it is with very heavy heart I make these announcements, I know members across the Chamber will understand why I make them. And I hope you will all join me in thanking the staff who are working so hard that has allowed us to operate as close to business as usual during the current crisis we all face.'

Ms Somerville's statement is available from gov.scot