by Bill Heaney
Scottish Liberal Democrat Wendy Chamberlain will lead an adjournment debate in the Commons on Tuesday to highlight serious and ongoing problems in how Social Security Scotland and the Department for Work and Pensions communicate.
She says: “These failures are leaving vulnerable constituents distressed, financially insecure and without clear routes to resolution.”
Chamberlain has been supporting several constituents whose cases reveal systemic issues in how the two agencies share information, particularly around carer support payments and underlying entitlement once claimants reach the state pension age.
Chamberlain will use Tuesday’s debate to press ministers on why these failures persist and what steps should be taken to ensure vulnerable claimants are not left to navigate conflicting information between two government agencies.
Wendy Chamberlain MP said: “These cases show a pattern of confusion, poor communication and a lack of understanding between Social Security Scotland and the DWP. Vulnerable people are being left without income, without clarity and without support.
“I am bringing this debate to parliament because my constituents deserve better and because these problems will continue unless both agencies take responsibility for fixing the system.”