Keith Brown MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency has commended the work of Social Security Scotland, as he highlighted new figures which demonstrate the positive experiences of benefit recipients in their dealings with the organisation.

Figures from Social Security Scotland’s Client Survey reveal that, of those in receipt of benefits in Clackmannanshire:

• 90% said their overall experience was ‘Very good or good’
• 91% said their experience applying for benefits was ‘Very good or good’
• 92% said their experience receiving benefits was ‘Very good or good’

The survey found that 97% of recipients of people across Scotland received their payments on time, 90% said their experience with staff was ‘very good or good’ and 93% feel they were treated with kindness.

Keith said:

“When the SNP Scottish Government set up Social Security Scotland to deliver on those social security powers which have ben devolved, there was a real determination to build a welfare system whose very bedrock is a mission to help and support the most vulnerable through dignity, fairness and respect.

“And, whilst I respect the work of the folk employed at the delivery end of those benefits still controlled by Westminster, there is simply not the same ethos behind the way in which the DWP is directed to operate.

“These new figures show the real difference that the devolution of social security powers can – and is – making in the day-to-day lives of people in my Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency.  I want that approach applied to the delivery of all benefits and that is why I want to see responsibility for the whole social security system transferred into Scottish hands.”