MSP Jackie Baillie has hit out over Scottish Government failings on social security, as waits for disability benefits climb.

The politician accused the Scottish Government of adding to the “toll of broken promises”.

Pledges were made by the current Scottish Government when responsibility for payment of PIP – now Adult Disability Payment – switched to Social Security Scotland from Westminster, over claims timelines.

The Government originally vowed that claimants would receive an ADP decision within 8 to 10 weeks, but that target was quietly removed from the website.

But Jackie, who represents Dumbarton constituency, says the reality is very different and revealed that her constituents have faced much longer waits.

Figures show the average wait for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland climbed by over two weeks in the most recent quarter, with the median wait rising from 49 working days in April 2024 to 61 working days – or over 12 weeks – in July.

In July 2024, half of all cases took more than 3 months to be processed, and 12 per cent took more than 7 months.

And Jackie told how the waits are taking a toll on residents.

She said: “I know of one case where a constituent is facing a nine month wait on a decision in respect of his appeal for a disability benefit and in another case, a woman who has waited five months without a decision.

“These delays are affecting people and leaving them facing greater stress and anxiety at a time when they are already vulnerable.

“The Scottish Government promised a fairer, more compassionate social security system, but this pledge too has joined the pile of broken promises they have notched up.

“Disabled people are being left in limbo as a result of this incompetence, waiting months on end for the lifeline support they need.

“Yet again the Scottish Government is breaking its promises to some of the most vulnerable people in society.”