Scotland completes disability benefit assessments in half the time and with dignity so as to avoid the DWP’s record of 590 suicides – ‘How a society treats its most vulnerable is always the measure of its humanity’

In June 2015:

How a society treats its most vulnerable is always the measure of its humanity1

Statement by Ambassador Matthew Rycroft of the UK Mission to the UN at the Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict in June 2015.

In the same year, Ryland’s government’s treatment of the disabled in the UK, featured in the research report: ‘First, do no harm’: are disability assessments associated with adverse trends in mental health? A longitudinal ecological study, with these shocking results:

Each additional 10 000 people reassessed in each area was associated with an additional 6 suicides (95% CI 2 to 9), 2700 cases of reported mental health problems (95% CI 548 to 4840), and the prescribing of an additional 7020 antidepressant items (95% CI 3930 to 10100). The reassessment process was associated with the greatest increases in these adverse mental health outcomes in the most deprived areas of the country, widening health inequalities.2

In total, it’s estimated, around 590 suicides were associated with the DWP assessment process.2

In the Guardian today:

Long delays in processing personal independence payment (Pip) claims have become one of the most damaging and least defensible failures in the UK’s welfare system. Pip is designed to support disabled people with the additional costs of daily living and mobility, yet for many claimants it has instead become a source of prolonged uncertainty, financial hardship and distress. Waiting months – and in some cases more than a year – for a decision can push people into debt, rent arrears and poverty, especially as Pip unlocks other support such as carer’s allowance.

How do waiting times in Scotland’s new system launched in mid 2025:

In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced PIP for new claims since 2022 (with full transfer of existing cases completed by mid-2025). ADP is managed by Social Security Scotland and is designed to be more compassionate, with fewer assessments and a focus on dignity.

Average waiting times:

Scotland – 9-10 weeks.3

England 14-16 weeks.4

Any evidence the emphasis on dignity is apparent?

Resolution Foundation Report: “Delivering Dignity?” (December 2025)
This independent analysis compared ADP and PIP, concluding that ADP is proving more claimant-centred and dignified, aligning with Scottish Government intent.

  • Claimants described the ADP process as “a breath of fresh air” and feeling “safe and secure,” in contrast to PIP experiences of suspicion and disdain (supported by qualitative evidence, including from DWP).
  • Claimants rated ADP higher than PIP on aspects of “administrative justice,” including feeling treated with dignity and finding the process more straightforward.
  • Reforms (e.g., remote-first consultations, in-house practitioners) improved experiences without significantly increasing costs or caseloads, showing dignity improvements are achievable alongside efficiency.5

Sources:

  1. https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/how-a-society-treats-its-most-vulnerable-is-always-the-measure-of-its-humanity
  2. https://jech.bmj.com/content/70/4/339
  3. https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/publications
  4. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/personal-independence-payment-statistics-april-2013-to-october-2025
  5. https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/delivering-dignity/

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