Social Security Scotland opens new accessible space in Dundee

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville formally opened a new public-facing space in Social Security Scotland’s Head Office, Agnes Husband House, in Dundee on Monday 19 June.

The public can now use Agnes Husband House to access face-to-face services, including providing general advice and signposting on benefits. It also acts as a place for people to provide supporting material for an active application.

In addition, local delivery advisers can answer queries about benefits and help with applications, identity document verification and change of circumstances documentation. They can also help refer people to other relevant services including the Scottish Government’s free independent advocacy service for disabled people accessing benefits.

The new space for the public is an example of how we are doing things differently in how we deliver benefits, to ensure people in Scotland have a positive experience of social security. We designed our service in partnership with people who have experience of the benefits system and regularly survey our clients so we can continuously improve.

We are also committed to maximising use of this area to increase accessibility. For example, the ground floor contains a Changing Places toilet, providing an accessible place for disabled people to use, regardless of whether they need to use our services.

Working with third sector partners, we are offering space in the new area to other organisations, providing a central, welcoming and accessible location to deliver support to people in Dundee and the surrounding areas.

Following a meeting with people who use Social Security Scotland, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“I am delighted this new area in Agnes Husband House will provide a range of direct services for people applying for Scottish Government benefits and those who want to find out more about what they may be entitled to.

“Social Security Scotland is committed to giving people choice in how they want to access benefits and making sure they get all the support they need to apply. Face-to-face support is available across all local council areas and I’m pleased that we can offer this new direct service where people can access support in person.

“Social security is an investment in the people of Scotland that goes beyond the amount we spend on payments. Social Security Scotland directly supports £290 million in gross value added to the economy, including through secure employment for more than 4,000 people and by awarding local businesses over £2 million in contracts through the Scottish Government’s Supported Businesses scheme to support the set-up of both Agnes Husband House and our office in Glasgow.”

David Wallace, Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland, said:

“We are proud that our new public space will encourage partnership working and improve people’s experience of public services and is delivering on our commitment to make our service as inclusive as possible.”

Background

• Local delivery advisers can answer queries about Social Security Scotland benefits, help clients to complete online or paper application forms, offer other support such as identity and document verification and help with submitting change of circumstances information.
• People can book an appointment with a Client Support Adviser by contacting Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
• The building has been open for staff use since summer 2021 and was named after the suffragette Agnes Husband of Dundee, who championed women’s rights and rights for unemployed people.