AN INDEPENDENT review has called for Scotland’s adult disability payment to be simplified and made more accessible.

The Scottish government-commissioned study, led by charity leader Edel Harris, found that while the devolved benefit was more “compassionate” than the Personal Independence Payment it replaced, barriers to claiming the support still remained.

Ms Harris set out more than 50 recommendations, including automatic entitlement in some cases, simplifying the application process with “trauma-informed, stigma-free” assessments, and reviewing the eligibility criteria.

She said: “Too often, disabled people still find the system difficult to navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing.

“This review highlights the importance of a system that is not only compassionate, but practical and accessible.”

Pledging to “carefully consider all of the recommendations,” Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “While the UK government seeks to make cuts to the vital support disabled people rely on, I want to make clear that we will not cut adult disability payment.

“Instead, we will work to protect and enhance Scotland’s social security system, improving on what we have achieved so far.”