CLYDEBANK’S MSP is urging Bankies to help shape Scotland’s new, fairer social security system by signing up to share their experiences of claiming benefits.

Applications are open to people from any background who’ve had experience of the current benefits system to join the Scottish Government’s social security experience panels.

The Scottish Government are particularly interested in hearing the views of young people under 25 and those from ethnic minorities but all views are welcome.

Around 2,400 panel members have signed up so far and already they are helping to shape every detail of Social Security Scotland from the opening hours to the way the application forms look.

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MSP Gil Paterson said: “Here in Scotland we want social security to be based on dignity, fairness and respect and panel members can help make that happen by telling us about their real-life experiences of actually using the service.

“The people who have actually used the service are the experts and they can help to make a real difference to the lives of thousands of claimants. And we need to hear from a real variety of people, from all kinds of backgrounds.

“Panel members have said that they find the experience really rewarding so, if you’ve experience of the current system sign up to help not just those in Clydebank but claimants all across Scotland.”

Members are regularly asked for their views in a number of ways, including workshops, interviews and surveys that can be carried out face-to-face, on the phone and online.

People can apply by calling 0800 029 4974, or by emailing socialsecurityexperience@gov.scot.