19th February 2026

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s response to the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment Final Report, Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), said:

“The recommendations of the Independent Review represent an opportunity to move closer to the dignified, rights-based social security system envisaged by the Scottish Parliament in 2018.

“Today the Scottish Government has chosen to kick the possibility of meaningful reform down the road, despite commissioning the Independent Review and providing its response at times of its choosing.

“We urge all parties to commit to implementation of the Independent Review’s recommendations in their election manifestos and we hope to see urgent progress from the next Scottish Government.”