Sally Donald, an SNP candidate and staffer, has denied any wrongdoing regarding her eligibility for Adult Disability Payment (ADP), a benefit worth up to £10,000 annually. She confirmed an anonymous complaint was made about her eligibility and that she met with Social Security Scotland in September last year, providing requested details. Donald stated she continues to receive ADP based on Social Security Scotland's initial assessment.
However, The Scotsman reports she has been told she is liable to repay £19,000 of ADP she was not entitled to claim. The current status of the investigation remains unclear. Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay has written to First Minister John Swinney urging him to 'come clean' on what he knew of the benefits investigation.
In September last year, I met with Social Security Scotland who had received an anonymous complaint about my eligibility for the Adult Disability Payment. I provided the details they requested and have not heard anything since. I continue to receive ADP, based on their initial assessment of my eligibility for support.
Findlay questioned whether it was credible for Swinney to suggest he was unaware of the complaint regarding Donald. Swinney said during First Minister's Questions that he only became aware of the probe once the story broke, stating he first learned of the issues when the government received a press inquiry in recent days. The basis for the £19,000 repayment demand has not been disclosed.
I first became aware of these issues when the government received a press inquiry about the subject in recent days.
you told me that you first learned about SNP candidate Sally Donald being investigated for benefits fraud ‘in recent days’ after being alerted by the media. However, you have since refused to answer legitimate questions from the media. Therefore, can you explain whether you were aware that your candidate was in receipt of ADP benefits and whether you had any concerns about the legitimacy of her claims.