The SNP is firmly committed to equality for disabled people and are striving to create a Scotland that is fair and inclusive to all.
The SNP Scottish Government have been working closely with a number of Disabled People’s Organisations to understand the impact of COVID-19 on disabled people and take action – such as investing an additional £2.35 million for the Parental Employability Support Fund for those most at risk of poverty, including disabled parents – and will continue to ensure that the voices of disabled people impacted shape our approach and policies as we recover from this pandemic.
We are determined to remove the barriers that stop people from enjoying equal access to full citizenship. We have committed to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into Scots Law.
The SNP has built a social security system based on the principles of dignity and respect. It will underpin the disability and carer benefits that will be introduced in the next parliament – Child Disability Payment will start later this year to be followed by Adult Disability Payment.
In total, the SNP in Government is investing over £3 billion in benefits to support people with disabilities in 2021-22.
The first disability assistance benefit to be introduced by the SNP Scottish Government was the Child Winter Heating Assistance. The annual payment of £200 is the only type of annual winter heating payment for children in the UK and represents a £2.9 million investment in the health and well-being of the most severely disabled children and young people.
If re-elected, the SNP will:
- invest in employability support for low-income and disabled parents through a £15 million fund;
- introduce a programme aimed at reducing the barriers disabled people face in attaining leadership positions and supporting disabled people into public boards;
- offer financial assistance to disabled people standing for election through our Access to Elected Office Fund; and
- introduce a National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy to ensure there is a joined-up approach to supporting our disabled young people.
The SNP have also pledged to create a National Care Service and increase investment in social care by 25%, which will help meet the care needs of disabled people.
Fiona Hyslop