The Scottish Conservatives have said that some people claiming benefits for mental health conditions “even with a diagnosis” often do not need “that money to live their lives”.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said that Scotland’s benefit system is currently “wide open to abuse”.
Speaking to the Press Association on Monday, he said: “We would guarantee more funding for the NHS, but unlike the SNP who want to waste middle management and pen pushers we would put all the focus on frontline first.
“More GPs, more nurses, more more doctors in our hospitals, and that would include more money for mental health provision.”
He continued: “In terms of benefits if someone has a genuine incapacity who’s requiring a benefit to help live their lives we want them to have that support.
“Nobody is saying otherwise.
“But right now, the system is wide open to abuse.
“You’re getting people claiming for mental health conditions without a medical diagnosis and in many cases, even with a diagnosis, they don’t need that money to live their lives.
“We saw a particular case with a high-profile SNP candidate, now former SNP candidate, being told to repay £20,000 worth of benefits to which they weren’t entitled.”
His comments come as the chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said the country is “failing some of its most unwell citizens”.
The Royal College’s manifesto ahead of the election has called on parties to give mental parity to mental and physical health in funding, access and accountability.
Mr Findlay continued: “All we are saying on behalf of taxpayers is we want a fair and reasonable system that requires a mental health diagnosis before a benefit is paid out.”
Mr Findlay made the comments while campaigning in Edinburgh with Edinburgh South Western candidate Sue Webber in the final days before the Holyrood elections.
The SNP have repeatedly said if they gain a majority they push for another independence referendum.
Mr Findlay added that the Scottish Conservatives will be using the final few days of campaigning to “defend Scotland’s place in the Union”.
He said: “In the capital, like Scotland as a whole, regional list votes for the Scottish Conservatives were crucial to denying the SNP a majority in 2016 and 2021.
“The same applies in 2026.
“And it’s more important than ever that people vote for us on that peach ballot, with John Swinney promising to push for another divisive referendum if he wins a majority.
“Only Scottish Conservative MSPs can be trusted to defend Scotland’s place in the Union and stand up for common-sense policies, like a crackdown on dangerous e-bikes on our streets, which Sue Webber has championed.”
Alex Kerr, SNP candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse: “Russell Findlay and the Tories have absolutely nothing positive to offer the people of Scotland which is why they are just days away from a historic defeat.
“John Swinney’s trusted and reliable leadership is focused on the priorities of the people of Scotland – our plan for the NHS is working and we will support people with the cost of living by putting in place a cap on the cost of essential food items, enhancing childcare support and capping bus fares at £2.
“We are asking people to vote for a government to get things done – other parties are asking people to vote for opposition to stop things happening.
“It is only by backing an SNP majority on Thursday that voters can ensure they get a government that will always be on Scotland’s side, will lock out Nigel Farage and deliver the fresh start of independence.”
