Motion · S3M-06299 · 17 May 2010

Employment and Support Allowance, Unfit for Purpose

Lodged by Hugh O'Donnell Members' Business Motion 15 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament is concerned about the workings of the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA); notes evidence from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Service in Scotland that uncovers serious hardship experienced by ESA claimants across Scotland; considers that sickness benefits should support people in finding employment if they are able to work, but must also provide help for those who are not; considers that ESA is failing to find this balance and is putting pressure on sick and disabled people in Scotland; notes in particular claims that the work capability assessment of ESA is making unsuitable decisions on claimants’ fitness for work and that 70% of CAB appeals against these decisions are being upheld, and *would welcome a review of ESA aimed at making it* work in the interests of the genuinely sick and disabled people of Central Scotland and the rest of the country.

Supporters (15)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.