Christina has expressed his/her delight at the news that the SNP Scottish Government continues to press ahead with delivering Scotland’s new benefits system despite the challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley-Anne Somerville announced this week that Social Security Scotland will continue to press ahead with rolling out a raft of new benefits that will benefit those in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.

The next benefit that will be rolled out across Scotland will be the Child Disability Payment, with applications opening in the Summer of 2021.

This will be followed by the Adult Disability Payment, which is set to be piloted from Spring 2022 and rolled out across the country by the Summer of that year.

Once the Adult Disability Payment is fully rolled out, those who are on Personal Independent Payment or Disability Living Allowance will be automatically switched to the new system, and not have to face another DWP face-to-face assessment.

Commenting Christina said:

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government can continue with the rollout of its game-changing social security system, despite the challenges presented to it by COVID-19.

“Alongside the Job Start Payment, Child Winter Heating Assistance and the Scottish Child Payment, Scotland continues to develop a benefits system which benefits those that need it most.

“The transition from the UK government benefits to the new Scottish benefits will be stress free and people across the constituency will have peace of mind that they will not have to go through what can be a distressing DWP assessment.

“As the pandemic continues, it is vital that the Scottish Government continues to support people in South Lanarkshire, especially into the winter months.

“The SNP and the Scottish Government will continue to develop a benefits system which is kind, compassionate and caring.”