Social Work Scotland position statement on Addressing Financial Charges for Medical Input in Statutory Social Work
August 2025
Introduction
This position statement outlines the stance of professional social work in Scotland regarding the practice of medical professionals charging fees for their involvement in statutory enquiries under key legislation, including the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
Context
The social work profession in Scotland is facing severe financial pressures in 2025, driven by a projected £450 million funding gap for Integration Joint Boards (IJBs), which manage health and social care services.
Many IJBs are operating at a deficit, relying on one-off savings and depleted reserves, with some having no contingency funds left. Leadership instability and high staff turnover are further undermining strategic planning.
Despite record government spending, much of the funding is directed toward NHS services, leaving local social work departments under-resourced. Rising demand, workforce shortages, and a lack of investment in preventative care compound the crisis, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable, long-term funding solutions.
Alongside this, it has been noted by several Local Authorities that they are experiencing increasing medical charges for General Practitioner (GP) and Approved Medical Practitioner (AMP) input into statutory work. This particularly affects services operating under:
The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
Social workers are legally obligated to safeguard individuals’ wellbeing, rights, and property through multidisciplinary collaboration. This includes a statutory duty to share information, as outlined in the 2007 Act. However, disparities between social and medical practices persist, especially regarding the cost and availability of medical input.
