CARDENDEN and Kinglassie MP Peter Grant is encouraging constituents with experience of health and disability benefits to join the Scottish Government’s new Experience Panels and help shape a Scottish social security system based on fairness, dignity and respect.

With control over 11 benefits including Employment Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance being devolved to the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government is working with people who have recent experience of benefits currently paid out by DWP to design a new system with – and for – the people of Scotland.

Peter, who represents Glenrothes and Central Fife at Westminster, said: “The Scottish Government has been busy gathering views to better understand the issues facing those affected by the current punitive welfare system - with the aim of doing as much as possible with the devolved powers in Scotland to shape an informed and effective social security system.

"Every week I hear from people who are suffering under the current regime of assessments, sanctions and cuts by the UK Government, and my constituents deserve better.”

Peter continued: “The next step for the Scottish Government is to recruit another 1,000 people with direct personal experience of the current social security system to join Experience Panels.

"I would encourage anyone with experience of the current system to get involved. Taking part is completely voluntary and might include short surveys, interviews or workshops and can be done face-to-face, on the phone and online, to make it as easy as possible for you to contribute.”

More information on social security in Scotland and details of how to join the Experience Panels can be found at: www.gov.scot/socialsecurity