Question reference: S5W-03314
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 29 September 2016
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 1 November 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will categorise xeroderma pigmentosum as a genetic DNA repair disorder, as opposed to a skin condition, to enable people with the condition to claim middle rate Disability Living Allowance.
Answer
While we will have powers over disability benefits in the future, the Scottish Government does not yet have the power to amend the qualifying criteria for Disability Living Allowance. We are consulting on our approach to Social Security in Scotland. However, until the necessary legislation and delivery mechanisms are in place, the UK Government will continue to set the qualifying criteria for disability benefits.