Day: December 17, 2025

Essential driving tips for safe journeys this festive season

Travelling home for Christmas or out and about visiting family can be a hectic and dangerous time on our roads.

Around Christmas, conditions are normally challenging with cold and wet weather making roads treacherous.

The evenings are also darker, with a larger volume of cars. Traffic experts estimate nearly 30 million journeys take place in the UK over the Christmas holidays, as people hunt for gifts, enjoy festive nights out and celebrate with friends and family.

Experts from Tiger.co.uk have named six important steps for drivers to take when travelling over the festive period, particularly if they have kids in the car.

The calendar is normally packed full of festivities that children often need to be driven to, from visiting Santa, to pantomimes, town Christmas light switch-ons and carol services – often driving long distances or through turbulent winter weather conditions.

It’s crucial for parents or guardians to be aware of potential issues to ensure a safe and responsible driving environment for little ones.

Crucially, parents should use an appropriate car seat or seat belt for their child’s age, height, and weight and make sure it’s installed properly, regularly cleaned and is compatible with the vehicle.

According to the Highway Code, children must use a car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 cm tall, and toddlers under 15 months must be placed in a rear-facing car seat.

Failing to comply with these rules can result in a fine of up to £500 and penalty points.

The Highway Code Rule 98 also warns drivers to make sure objects are secure when loading a car. Christmas presents, juice bottles and toys need to be stored properly before setting off, to reduce the risk of them hurting people inside the car in the event of an accident.

Busy parents or caregivers are also reminded to avoid multitasking while driving and avoid driving altogether if they are too tired over the festive break.

Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “Driving over the holiday season can bring a whole new set of challenges given the unpredictable weather, busy roads and hectic Christmas calendar.

“It also brings unfamiliar situations as more people do late night runs as designated drivers, usual routes can suffer additional congestion due to festive events and Christmas lights and festive spectacles can make for distractions.

“It’s important for drivers to be aware of these additional hazards and safety tips in the build up to Christmas, leaving time to prepare the car, the passengers and ensure they’re not too tired to drive.

“Careless driving can see motorists handed an unlimited fine with three to nine penalty points so it’s best to be aware of the dangers and plan ahead.”

Tiger’s tips for staying safe on the roads this Christmas: 

1. Avoid distractions and ensure visibility

It’s important that the driver can see out of the vehicle properly at all times, so presents need to be packed and stored safely in the boot – and not on the parcel shelf. If the car is decorated for Christmas, you need to be careful that it’s not a distraction to the driver and they can see clearly out of all of the windows.

2. Check you’re not too tired

The Christmas period can put a lot of stress on drivers. Organising, packing, wrapping and spending time visiting lots of family members can be exhausting but you should never drive when tired. Anyone experiencing festive fatigue should swap drivers, take a rest stop to recharge or consider public transport. 

3. Beware of bulky clothes

Although the winter chill means children are likely wrapped up warm before getting into the car, bulky coats should not be worn in car seats. They leave extra space under the harness, which could lead them to slip through the straps during an accident. To keep kids warm in the car, dress them in thin layers and use a blanket over the harness. 

4. Double-check child lock

When driving with children, child locks should also be in use. Children may open the door accidentally while moving – which is incredibly dangerous and could be seen as careless driving and result in a hefty fine and points on your licence. Without a child lock, children can also try to leave the vehicle in busy areas before the parents are ready to help.  

5. Car seats are a priority 

When driving with young children under 12 years or 135 cm tall, it is crucial to follow guidelines provided by car seat manufacturers and the law, to ensure children are properly restrained. Babies under 15 months must be placed in a rear-facing car seat. Refit and clean the seats regularly to ensure they are secure and free from debris that could hinder the buckles.

6. Be wary of multitasking

Passengers, especially children, can be very excitable when travelling at Christmas time, but it is important for drivers not to get distracted. Whether you are tending to their needs or trying to calm them down in the car, these distractions could lead to accidents. It is important to stay focused on the road in order to remain in control of the vehicle. If children in the car are becoming fussy on long journeys, it is better to pull over and take a break in a safe spot before taking to the road again. 

It’s also sensible to add breakdown cover to car insurance policies this Christmas or purchase a standalone product – drivers should check with their insurer to see if they have it already as standard, to avoid paying extra.

‘Collaborative innovation is the true winner’ as Scottish universities increasingly link up 

A raft of new partnerships launched across Scotland’s academic ecosystem means that ‘collaborative innovation is the true winner’, according to an NHS Scotland partner. 

Last week, it was announced that the University of Glasgow would be partnering with Glasgow Caledonian University to “enhance the two institutions’ capacity for entrepreneurship, innovation, and commercialisation” through what is being called the ‘Innovation Exchange’. 

Earlier this month too, a consortium of seven institutions jointly launched the Shared Academic Knowledge Exchange Services (ShaKEs) initiative, bringing together Queen Margaret University (QMU), Abertay University, the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), Robert Gordon University, The Glasgow School of Art, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Edinburgh College. 

Their aim is to “strengthen commercialisation and innovation across Scotland’s modern and smaller universities and the college sector”. 

Scotland’s National Innovation Week in September further saw the announcement of a new partnership between three Edinburgh further education institutions with their collective goal being “to support innovation and entrepreneurship”. 

Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University, and Edinburgh College, College, said they expect the link-up in the capital will be “contributing to Scotland’s economic development, while benefitting our students, communities and industry partners”. 

Formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health believes the new partnerships are encouraging steps towards an ever more aligned triple helix of NHS, industry, and academia. 

The organisation’s Innovation Commercialisation Manager, Fiona Schaefer said: “We have spoken for some time about the need for key institutions and enterprises to strengthen connections across Scotland for the benefit of all, and we’re now seeing that increasingly happening in academia. 

“These are vital relationships that can help to underpin a healthier, more prosperous, and sustainable country. Collaborative support and the pooling of knowledge are essential to achieving that goal, so the forging of closer networks is a pleasing development. 

“Scotland’s urgent need for more collaborative innovation is set to the true winner here.”  

The Innovation Exchange is a five-year pilot partnership between Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian Universities, supported by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). 

Central to the Exchange is the development of a robust pipeline of social and commercial enterprises with a shared commitment to progressive thinking.  

The unifying of seven institutions as a result of the ShaKEs initiative will meanwhile allow the sharing of “specialist expertise and professional services to unlock new pathways for research impact, skills development, and economic growth”.  

It aims to translate research into real-world impact for health and social care, amongst other sectors, by honing expertise in areas such as intellectual property that are required to commercialise projects. 

Echoing those goals, the new partnership between Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University, and Edinburgh College, will support innovation and entrepreneurship in line with nationwide plans to boost Scotland’s economic development. 

The agreement will enhance work towards ambitions laid out in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Regional Innovation Action Plan and the Scottish Government’s National Innovation Strategy by strengthening entrepreneurial skills and networks. 

InnoScot Health previously linked up with Edinburgh Napier University and Heriot-Watt University on an initiative – labelled a “first of its kind research collaboration” – which saw engineering and nursing students pooling capabilities and know-how to hone breakthrough healthcare ideas. 

It is also a partner with Heriot-Watt University and University of Dundee in the Tay Health Tech collaborative programme which aims to break down barriers to healthcare and health inequalities through the development of technological solutions.  

Fiona added: “It will be exciting to witness the acceleration of cutting-edge research and innovation which results from these many exciting new academic partnerships, no doubt positively impacting triple helix ambitions.

“We wish them well in those endeavours.” 

Coalition calls for greater support as the number of pupils with mental health problems increases by 526% over the past decade

Between 2015 and 2025, the number of pupils with:

  • Mental health problems has risen by 526 per cent.
  • Communication support needs has risen by 296 per cent.
  • Autistic spectrum disorder has risen by 252 per cent.
  • Interrupted learning has risen by 497 per cent. 

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has raised concerns over massive increases in conditions contributing to additional support needs (ASN).

Noting that support is at breaking point, it has urged the public to put the political parties on the spot as to how they are going to address Scotland’s ASN crisis in the run up to the Scottish Parliamentary election next year.

The figures, based on an analysis of the latest annual Scottish Government pupil census,1 indicate that between 2015 and 2025 the number of pupils identified with a mental health problem, for which additional support is required, has increased by 526 per cent, those with communication support needs has risen by 296 per cent,  those with dyslexia by 129 per cent,  autistic spectrum disorder has increased by 252 per cent, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties by 144 per cent, those with a physical health problems by 142 per cent, interrupted learning by 497 per cent and those who are looked after by 42 per cent. (see table at end of the press release for full details).

This is against the background of a near doubling (95.5 per cent) between 2015 and 2025 in the overall number of pupils identified with ASN, from 153,143 to 299,445, representing 43.0 per cent of all pupils.2

The increase is in part due to better identification and diagnosis of these conditions, as well as the impacts of Covid-19, social media and the cost-of-living crisis.

While the level of need has increased dramatically, the level of support has not matched this, with cuts in the numbers of specialist ASN teachers and support staff.

The SCSC has repeated its call for greater resourcing by councils and the Scottish Government to support those with ASN, who disproportionately come from lower-income families and areas of deprivation.

The coalition also raised concerns about the effectiveness of a presumption of mainstreaming, that all pupils be educated in a mainstream educational environment unless specific exceptional circumstances apply, without the necessary classroom support.

This lack of support for those with ASN is also seen as a key cause of increased classroom violence and disruption, with a resultant impact on fellow pupils and staff.

A spokesperson for the SCSC said: “Given an escalating number of children and young people with ASN, it is vital that those requiring it get the care and support that they need.

“This is clearly difficult in an environment of austerity and budget cuts, highlighted by reductions in, for example, the number of ASN teachers.

“While we also support the presumption of mainstreaming, that all children and young people be educated in a mainstream educational environment unless specific exceptional circumstances apply, it is clearly difficult to see how this is functioning properly for all those with ASN given a fall in specialist support and dramatic increases in the number of those identified with conditions such as mental health problems and autism.

“The current system of provision is at breaking point, and we are witnessing increasing levels of classroom disruption, a key cause of this being the increase in the number of those with ASN, who are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

“The Scottish Government and councils need to work together to provide the necessary resourcing to address the needs of those children and young people with ASN, who represent some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

“We would urge the public to put the political parties on the spot as we approach the Scottish Parliament election next year and understand how they are going to address Scotland’s ASN crisis.”

Reasons for support for pupils with ASN (pupils may have more than one reason for additional support):

Reason for support20252015% change on 2015
TotalTotal
Number of those with ASN299,445153,14395.5
Dyslexia39,03617,034+129
Other specific learning difficulty (e.g. numeric)30,72017,552+75
Other moderate learning difficulty30,48423,228+31
Visual impairment5,7393,839+49.5
Hearing impairment4,3762,736+60
Deafblind6447+36
Physical or motor impairment8,6187,528+14.5
Language or speech disorder20,75814,704+41
Autistic spectrum disorder41,28511,722+252
Social, emotional and behavioural difficulty77,40531,684+144
Physical health problem21,9619,059+142
Mental health problem14,6382,338+526
Interrupted learning15,9312,669+497
English as an additional language61,10721,997+178
Looked after10,6737,530+42
More able pupil3,0753,123-1.5
Communication Support Needs19,3744,894+296
Young Carer10,3021,653+623
Bereavement7,2611,304+523
Substance Misuse762221+245
Family Issues31,8859,700+229
Risk of Exclusion2,610925+182
Learning disability12,24115,324-20
Other25,40614,156+79.5

Letter: Hearing loss at Christmas

Dear Editor,

Christmas is a time for connecting with loved ones and enjoying plenty of festivities, gatherings and conversation. However, for those with undiagnosed hearing loss, this time of year sometimes feels like a struggle and can be isolating.

Over the festive period, you may have noticed yourself or a loved one struggling to hear. Perhaps you were turning the TV up louder than others prefer, struggling to follow conversations at Christmas gatherings or frequently asking people to repeat what they said. You or a loved one may have found it harder to hear on the phone, felt like others were mumbling, or your partner may have felt you weren’t listening.

As we enjoy the quieter days between Christmas and New Years celebrations, if any of these habits feel familiar, it could be time to check your hearing.

Thankfully, it’s very simple to look for signs of hearing loss in yourself or loved ones and to do something about it.

Our free 3-minute online hearing check at rnid.org.uk/check can be the first step on your journey to find out if you should see someone about your hearing and get our advice on what to do next.

Kickstart your new year in the right way and keep everyone part of the conversation!

Sincerely,

Crystal Rolfe

Director of Health at RNID

Vue Edinburgh Omni set to dazzle with new Laser by Barco technology

Laser projection device in dark lab

Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.

Every screen at the venue, which is located within the Edinburgh Omni Centre, is equipped with the cutting-edge upgrade, bringing sharper images, deeper contrast, and a more vibrant cinematic experience than ever before.

Vue’s investment in Laser by Barco technology forms part of its ongoing commitment to delivering the ultimate big screen experience and is the next generation in projection technology.

Unlike standard projection, Laser by Barco provides consistent picture quality from edge to edge, resulting in a more immersive and premium big-screen experience.

Film fans in and around Edinburgh can enjoy the sharpest image in each of Vue Edinburgh Omni’s 12 screens, with some hotly anticipated releases set to take place before the end of the year, including Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Laser by Barco technology to our venue. The difference in picture quality is incredible, and we cannot wait for everyone to experience it.

“The upgrade is part of our continued investment in ensuring we offer the best big screen experience and customers can immerse themselves in the film.”

Tickets for Vue Edinburgh Omni can be booked online at:

 https://www.myvue.com/cinema/edinburgh-omni-centre/whats-on

Care Workers’ children struggling while parents work 60-hour weeks for below minimum wage

CHARITY SINGLE SHINES LIGHT ON CRISIS

Nine care workers from across the UK joined the Homecare’s Got Talent Choir to release a charity single recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios to raise urgent awareness of the shocking levels of financial hardship within the care sector.

Several famous faces have also shared their talents for the project having joined the Home Care’s Got Talent judging panel earlier this year: musician Kuill from The Voice, Married at First Sight’s Matt Jameson as well as The Fizz star Jay Aston. The track, a cover of Robbie Williams’ Angels, launched on Friday 28th November and immediately hit Number 8 on the iTunes Download Chart.

But behind the music lies a far more serious issue.

According to The Care Workers’ Charity, food bank usage among care workers is five times the national average. Many carers are working 60 hours a week yet still cannot afford to heat their homes or provide Christmas presents for their children.

The charity warns that half a million UK care workers are in financially precarious situations, with some earning the equivalent of below minimum wage once unpaid travel time and personal costs are deducted.

This Christmas, while care workers are supporting the nation’s most vulnerable, many of their own children are going without basic essentials.

Dan Archer, Founder of Homecare’s Got Talent and CEO of Visiting Angels, explained, “It’s a nice story that care workers recorded at Abbey Road… but the reality is far from nice.

“If this were starving children, the country would be outraged. Well, it is starving children – the children of the people caring for everyone else. We made this single to raise money, yes, but also to force the nation to look again at how we treat the people we rely on most.

“When you listen to the lyrics, they speak to what carers do ‘and through it all, she offers me protection’. It’s high time our policy makers did more to protect this precious workforce.”

The caregivers travelled from as far away as Scotland and North Wales to take part in the recording, representing home care providers Caremark, Home Instead, Voyage Care, Visiting Angels, Mochridhe, Vitality Care and Calon Lan Community Care. With the support of the public, they believe they can surpass the original version’s chart success from 1997 and go all the way to No.1. 

All profits raised by the single’s downloads will be donated to the Care Workers’ Charity. The charity is dedicated to supporting the social care workforce, those providing care and support to the million+ people drawing on social care. 

The project’s message is simple: care workers deserve better and so do their families. Angels by the Homecare’s Got Talent Choir is available to download now:  

https://linktr.ee/HomeCaresGotTalent

Former Edinburgh College Photography Student wins prestigious National Prize

A former Edinburgh College photography student has been recognised for his outstanding work after winning the Gold Award at the prestigious Association of Photographers Emerging Talent Awards 2025 – with a little bit of help from his granny.

23-year-old Jack Currie graduated from the College in November 2024 after completing the BA (Hons) course in Professional Photography, before moving on to a career as a freelance advertising photographer.

Jack’s work is often inspired by quirky concepts, and it was his picture, “Gangster Granny”, featuring his late grandmother Margaret, that saw him scoop the top prize at the AOP’s annual awards.

Part of a series of digitally altered photographs showing his gran engaging in a range of “dangerous activities”, the striking image, which has already gained considerable attention and has been covered in the likes of The Guardian and Digital Camera World, sees Margaret on a skateboard grinding down a rail.

Jack, who used Photoshop and body doubles to bring the concept to life, says the reality of winning the award is still setting in: “Winning the AOP Emerging Talent Award was something I once only dreamed of. From applying, to being shortlisted, to becoming a finalist, all the way to the awards night itself, I genuinely didn’t think I was going to win.

“I used my own granny for the photo, and she sadly passed away only the week before we won the award. She was thrilled to hear I was a finalist and had every confidence we would win. I guess she was right.”

Jack’s career has followed an impressive trajectory since his graduation, working with companies including Nike, Lidl, Timberland and Birkenstock. He now splits his time working between London and Edinburgh and recently did a photo-shoot with Piers Morgan for a front-page splash on the Telegraph Magazine.

He’s encouraging other budding photographers to consider studying at Edinburgh College, saying it’s the perfect place to learn the craft: “My experience was genuinely amazing. I applied for three places when looking into photography courses, and Edinburgh College by far had the best facilities.

“For me, it didn’t feel like studying; it felt like perfecting my craft, practising, getting critiqued and building my portfolio. With all the lecturers being ex photographers, their insight into how the industry works was huge. Hearing how they did it and seeing what they achieved was a massive motivation boost.

“While still studying, I worked with clients like Schuh, Size?, and Graham’s Dairy. In my second year I flew to New York to collect awards for work I had shot for college briefs.

“And just before I graduated, I signed with a London based agent who still represents me today. There is no way I would have taken the steps I did without the guidance of the lecturers. Their support and their critique shaped me into the photographer I am today.”

Jon Lee, Jack’s former lecturer and course leader for photography at Edinburgh College, isn’t surprised to see his old student picking up the prize: “I’d like to congratulate Jack on his recent award, it’s well-deserved recognition for someone we always knew would go on to experience great success.

“We wish him all the best for his future career, and I’m sure everyone at the College will be keeping a close eye on his work”.

Despite winning such a notable award, Jack has no plans to slow down anytime soon, and has dreams of seeing his work featured in Times Square and Piccadilly Circus. You can keep up to date with Jack on his website.

Charity shops urged to tighten security as shoplifting rises across Edinburgh

Scottish Government recorded crime data shows that shoplifting continues to rise in Edinburgh.

In 2024 and 2025, there were 8,007 reported shoplifting incidents across the city, representing a 129% increase over the past decade. According to the Charity Retail Association’s 2024 survey, the majority of respondents said shoplifting had risen in the past 12 months, underscoring the growing challenge for charitable organisations and their volunteers.

Ansvar Insurance, a specialist charity insurer, is urging vigilance and proactive risk management to help protect charity shops, their assets and their people.

Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “Charity shops play an essential role in our communities, raising vital funds and offering affordable goods to local people.

“Every item stolen from a charity shop represents funds that could have been used for essential services, whether that’s supporting vulnerable individuals, funding research or providing community programmes.

“Unlike larger commercial retailers, many smaller charity shops rely on volunteers and operate on slim margins, making them particularly vulnerable. Protecting their premises, stock and, most importantly, their people, is paramount to ensuring operational continuity.”

Ansvar has outlined five essential tips that charity shops and not-for-profit organisations are being encouraged to incorporate into their security protocols:

  1. Secure cash handling: Minimise the amount of cash held on the premises. Make regular bank deposits, preferably with at least one other person and varying the time and route. Securely store the till float out of sight overnight, and never leave cash unattended.
  2. Train staff and volunteers: Provide basic security awareness training to help recognise suspicious behaviour and respond appropriately without confrontation. Ensure volunteers understand they should never put themselves at risk by physically confronting suspected thieves.
  3. Protect valuable donations: Keep higher-value items, such as jewellery or electronics, in locked display cases or behind the counter.
  4. Have the right insurance protection: Ensure an insurance policy provides cover for theft, damage and business interruption. Specialist policies tailored for charities can help minimise financial losses and support the charity’s ability to recover quickly, allowing employees and volunteers to focus on continuing their work in the community.
  5. Install security equipment: Consider installing visible deterrents such as CCTV cameras and mirrors to eliminate blind spots, and display clear signage to indicate security measures.

Adam Tier added: “Theft can be scary and disheartening for those who give their time to support good causes. By staying alert and putting sensible safeguards in place, charity shops can continue to provide safe, welcoming spaces that make a real difference across Edinburgh’s communities.”

Ansvar is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned, group of financial services companies that gives all available profits to charity and good causes.

The Benefact Group is the UK’s third-largest corporate donor, underscoring Ansvar’s dedication to supporting the wider charitable community.

[1] https://www.gov.scot/publications/recorded-crime-scotland-2024-25/

Edinburgh’s Christmas adds themed skating sessions

Glide along the ice beneath sparkling lights, surrounded by Edinburgh’s stunning Georgian architecture, on the city’s largest outdoor ice rink. From confident skaters to first timers, everyone is welcome to join the fun!  

New special themed sessions have been introduced and run throughout the season, including Toddler Sessions for wee ones finding their feet, Relaxed Sessions for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere, and Late Skates with guest DJs on Fridays for adults looking to glide into the weekend. 

Themed sessions:

Mon 15 – Thu 18 December: All sessions. Students 2-4-1 bookable at Box Office

Fri 19 Dec, 3-4pm: K-Pop Demon Hunters

Mon 22 Dec, 6-7pm: Swifties on Ice

Tue 23 Dec, 6-7pm: Pop Princesses

Mon 29 Dec, 4-8pm: Hottest Hits of 2025

Tue 30 Dec, 4-8pm: Birl on Ice – The Best of Scottish Trad

Wed 31 Dec, 1-3pm: Tots Tunes

Wed 31 Dec, 3-5pm: Hogmanay Through the Years

Fri 2 Jan, 6-8pm: 90s Boybands vs Girlbands

Sat 3 Jan, 6-8pm: 90s Trance 

See here for more information on the sessions and to book.

Plans to cap excessive profits made by residential care providers lack clarity, says Holyrood committee

Plans to cap excessive profits made by residential care providers have not been fully thought through according to Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People Committee.

The finding is one of many from a new report that calls for significant changes to the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, which aims to improve the services and support provided to people in the children’s care system.

As part of the Promise, the Scottish Government committed to tackling excessive profit in residential care. Under the proposals, certain residential care providers would need to provide financial information about the operation of their services to help the Scottish Government understand the fees charged for placements and the final costs paid by local authorities.

The Committee understood the Government’s motivations for doing this but says the changes are underdeveloped. The Government failed to consult on the issue ahead of the Bill’s introduction and the Bill does not outline how the Government would define an excessive profit.

The Committee also raised its concerns about what impact this could have on a fragile market and whether this could lead to services closing or diversifying. More broadly, many key stakeholders felt they had not been fully engaged in the development of this Bill and told the Committee that the Bill’s provisions were the poorer for this.

The general principles of the Bill have been supported by the Committee, including proposals to extend aftercare and to offer life-long advocacy to care experienced children, young people and adults. However, the Committee is also clear that more information about how these would work practically will be required before the Bill becomes law.

The Committee recognises the importance of children and young people being able to challenge any potential breaches to their rights via the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024.

As currently drafted, the Bill does not allow this to happen, as sections 1 and 2, which relate to aftercare, and section 10, which relates to a register for foster carers, amend legislation that pre-dates the Scottish Parliament. The Committee therefore urges the Scottish Government to explore how it might remedy this, as the Bill progresses through Parliament.

The Committee also called for further consideration around proposed changes to the Children’s Hearing System, recommending the Government consider:

  • retaining three member panels when substantive decisions are being made
  • clarifying the roles of specialist members at Children’s Hearings, who may have particular expertise in child services or healthcare
  • revisiting plans for post-referral discussions, to ensure they are more closely aligned with the recommendations of the ‘Hearings for Children’ report.

Douglas Ross MSP, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee, said: “Every Member of the Committee agrees with the Promise made to Scotland’s care experienced children and young people, and as a result we unanimously support the general principles of this Bill.

“However, we are disappointed by the lack of clarity around some of the crucial provisions in this long-awaited Bill and what stakeholders told us about the lack of consultation they experienced ahead of the Bill’s introduction. This includes issues with proposals to tackle excess profits in residential care, which had not been properly consulted on and do not seem to be well thought through.

“We are now calling for substantial amendments to be made before the Bill becomes law. This is an opportunity to bring about real and lasting change for the care community and it is vital that the Government gets this right.”

The Bill also puts forward changes to children services planning, which aim to enhance collaborative working and join up planning across adult and children’s services. The Committee found that the rationale for these proposals was unconvincing and called for further explanation so that benefits, and any unintended consequences, of these changes are clearer.