The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman publishes her second annual report about her Scottish Welfare Fund Independent Review Service today, 26 July 2018.
Some key points:
SPSO's independent SWF review service exceeded all its performance targets for timeliness and quality of service in 2017-18- We saw a 38.7% increase in the number of reviews coming to us - the 606 reviews we decided was the highest since the SWF began in 2013
The Ombudsman, Rosemary Agnew, says:
"The Scottish Welfare Fund impacts directly on some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland. To us, our independent review service is about much more than reviewing decisions. We strive to put people at the heart of what we do. The work is not just about benefits and rules; it is about treating all people with respect and dignity, whether they are applicants seeking help, or the hard working council officers handling the applications."