The new Scottish social security system has "fairness, dignity and respect designed in from the start", says the Scottish government.

Measures will include:

• face-to-face pre-application support delivered across the country
• a multi-channel approach for submitting applications, including telephone, paper-based and face-to-face
• clear eligibility criteria
• simplified application form
• enhanced role for carers in provision of evidence
• greater choice and control over the timing and locations of assessment, with home-based assessments provided where required
• profit making companies will not be involved in carrying out assessments for disability payments

Disability Assistance in Scotland, external

Disability Assistance Consultation responses, external

Mr Griffin says hundreds and thousands of people are still at the mercy of the DWP and the transition has only just started.

He tells the chamber a rights based approach must be undertaken, as anything less risks people having fewer rights than they do under the current reserved system.

The Labour MSP insists one in three organisations made the call to end the 20m rule which has hurt people's quality of life.

He calls on MSPs to back his amendment calling for its removal.

Image source, KINGSBRIDGE POLICE

The MS Society is one such organisation which is called for an end to the so-called 20m rule for PIP.

According to the charity, "if you can walk just one step over that, the UK Government says you don’t need higher level mobility support. Even if you’re using aids like a walking frame or stick."

This has led to may MS patients losing the support they would be received before PIP being introduced.

Read more about the campaign here., external

Labour MSP Mark Griffin highlights calls for an end to the 20m rule, the subject of his amendment.

He says his party does not necessarily support reverting to the old 50m rule either, hence the suggestion to create an "appropriate alternative" in partnership with stakeholders.

This change would give dignity and respect to disabled people, he insists.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Image source, Lukassek

Ministers have set out a full timetable for the rollout of benefits run by Scotland's new social security agency.

Holyrood is taking over responsibility for 11 benefits, including disability living allowance, personal independence payments and carers' allowances.

Overall responsibility for all of these welfare payments will sit with the Scottish government from April 2020.

But opposition MSPs highlighted that the full transfer of cases and payments might not be complete until 2024.

Read more.

Mr Balfour pivots to the transition period, saying there is still some concern about this and it must be a system where UK and Scottish governments work together.

The Tory MSP insists we need to see not just warm words but firm working from the Scottish government.

He urges some kind of workings as to where we are with social security to allow MSPs to see progress.

Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour begins by acknowledging the progress which has been made by the Scottish government, but suggests this has been slower than people would want.

He explains his amendment for today's debate is to prevent any further delay to the delivery of disability benefits.

Mr Balfour calls for the Scottish government to further consider the issue of epilepsy.

Regarding Labour's amendment, he explains he will not support it though he does has sympathy with it, because he insists consultation must take place before the 20m rule is removed.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour intervenes to asks for the minister's views of individuals wanting a home visit rather than going to an assessment centre.

The minister insists if anyone requires a home assessment that will be looked at very seriously.

She adds there is a myriad of different ways to satisfy what the person wants.

The minister concludes arguing the approach the Scottish government has taken from the start has been about listening to people with lived experiences.

Ms Somerville explains a major departure from the old system will be that only one source of formal information will be required.

This can be from a range of professionals involve in the lives of individuals, include physiotherapists or teachers she adds.

She reiterates face-to-face assessments will be undertaken by Social Security Scotland staff and all assessments will be recorded as par for the course.

Labour MSP Mark Griffin asks how assessments will be recorded for BSL users and Ms Somerville says work is still being undertaken on this.

Ms Somerville reiterates the two governments must have two systems that works seamlessly together.

The minister insists the proposals resulting from the consultation are the start of the government's commitments, not the end.

She accepts the next phase of delivery for social security payments is the most complicated, which is a challenge and an opportunity.

Ms Somerville says guidance for Social Security Scotland staff will be issued.

She adds regulations will be formulated, starting with the disability assistance for children and young people, which will be published before Christmas.

Shirley-Anne Somerville highlights progress made on the devolution of social security, including the delivery of seven benefits so far.

This financial year we expect to put £350m into the hands of those who need it most, she adds.

The minister says her priority when it comes to delivering disability benefits is to ensure the new system is safe, sustainable and protects interests of disabled people.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville is leading today's debate on improving disability assistance.

Her motion, below, highlights the analysis of responses to a consultation on the new system, external which found broad support for the proposals.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Image source, Getty Images

Several fire crews were subjected to "completely unacceptable" attacks as they responded to incidents on Bonfire Night last year.

No firefighters were seriously injured.

Riot police had to be deployed in Glasgow, after officers were targeted.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay said: "Attacks on emergency service responders are completely unacceptable."

Read more.

Image source, bbc

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur welcomes the setting up of a review group.

Mr McArthur asks if the legislation is likely to be introduced during the course of this parliament and if more powers will be given to councils.

Ms Denham praises the work of local authorities and says the government does not wish to rush its legislative approach.

She says it is unlikely legislation will be introduced in this parliament.

Image source, Getty Images

Sainsbury's has become the first major supermarket to stop selling fireworks at its 2,300 stores across the UK.

The company said it made the decision following a regular yearly review of all its products.

Last year, a petition to ban the public sale of fireworks to protect animals, children and people with a phobia attracted more than 300,000 signatures.

Read more.

Labour MSP James Kelly welcomes the creation of the firework review group in light of incidents in recent years.

Regarding attacks on emergency service workers, he asks about actions in the run-up to the 5th of November this year.

Ms Denham says the action plan sets out some short-term actions, including targeted interventions for areas where such incidents have been more prevalent.

Restrictions to the use of fireworks on private property across Scotland will be considered by a new review group.

The group will also consider changes to the times at which fireworks can be let off and look at options around the potential introduction of no-fireworks zones.

The chair and full remit of the action group will be announced shortly.

This is one of the measures outlined in a new Scottish government fireworks action plan, which also sets out proposals to develop guidance for community groups on how to set up safe fireworks displays.

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Maurice Corry says his party will work with both governments on this issue and pays tribute to the emergency services.

Mr Corry asks the minister for gaps in the law to be closed to allow police to seize fireworks.

He warns of the impact on veterans and calls for further details from the minister.

Ms Denham says there is quite a complicated relationship between what is reserved and devolved.

She says people want to see more restrictions on fireworks and reiterates any attacks on emergency services are completely unacceptable.