Laura Buchanan, 41, from Edinburgh, will be taking part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon later this month (Sunday 26 May,) raising funds for the Stroke Association.
Laura’s husband Craig (42,) had a severe stroke 18 months ago. He was left unable to walk and with limited speech, and the family were told to prepare for the worst.
After three weeks at The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Craig was transferred to The Astley Ainslie hospital where he underwent intensive therapy for 9 weeks.
With the help of NHS physiotherapy, occupational health and speech and language, 5 days a week, Craig was quickly able to begin to make small improvements. Through sheer grit and determination, Craig continued to recover.
After three months, he walked out of hospital with the help of a tripod – an incredible achievement, and one they’d never imagine he would make. Craig has gone from strength to strength and has now gone back to work, working 12 hours a week.
He has a very supportive family and an amazing group of friends; their support was massively important in his rehabilitation.
Laura said: “I’m absolutely not a runner. I am doing this for my husband, and the Stroke Association. Craig never complains, he just gets on with it. Before the stroke, I didn’t think it would have been possible to love Craig any more than I did, turns out I was wrong. I am in awe of everything he does and so proud to be his wife. When training is hard my mantra is, if he can learn to walk, I can learn to run.
“I knew nothing about strokes, until this happened. Having a stroke is a terrible thing, turning peoples’ lives upside down. I want others to know a stroke could happen to them. Even if you are young, a stroke doesn’t discriminate. By raising awareness, I hope more people will look out for the signs and symptoms of a stroke, no matter what age.”
Claire Pell, Product Officer at the Stroke Association said: “A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, and changes life in an instant.
“About a quarter of strokes happen to people of working age. Fortunately, it is treatable and recoverable, but it is often a long and slow recovery, and the impact can be lifelong. With the help of our fundraisers like Laura, we can help many more stroke survivors rebuild their lives again.
“What Laura is doing is admirable. Attempting a half marathon is no mean feat. The hard work that Laura is putting into this now, and on the day, will be a huge effort of respect to Craig. Thank you, Laura, for raising all the funds you have so far.
“Your fundraising efforts will help raise awareness, fund research, and support people who have had a stroke and their families.”
Honda has been crowned ‘Car Brand of the Year’ at the Which? Awards 2024. Praised for being the best of the best.
The Which? Awards were launched 17 years ago to celebrate and reward the very best businesses in the UK. Each year they select and publicly recognise those companies and individuals that consistently get it right for their customers.
Anabel Hoult, Which? Chief Executive, said: “Honda is consistently popular amongst Which? members and performs well in our lab testing.
“Every new model we’ve tested to date has been awarded a Best Buy rating, due to an overall combination of efficiency, quality and practicality. Coupled with good reliability, it’s no wonder Honda has earned top marks for customer satisfaction in the latest Which? Car Survey.
“Every new model we’ve tested to date has been awarded a Best Buy rating, due to an overall combination of efficiency, quality and practicality. Coupled with good reliability, it’s no wonder Honda has earned top marks for customer satisfaction in the latest Which? Car Survey.
“Congratulations to Honda on its win. The Which? Awards judging standards are incredibly high, so to be named as a winner is a huge achievement – something only achieved by the best of the best.”
Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda (UK) said “To receive one of the most prestigious accolades in the automotive industry is incredible and a true credit to all of our loyal customers, retailers, and associates across Honda UK. Having tremendous products certainly helps too!
Honda’s a very special brand filled with passion and strong heritage. Thank you so much to Which? too, this very important stamp of approval means a huge amount.”
In addition, the Honda’s Jazz and Civic e:HEV models received the very esteemed Which? Best Buy accreditation for 2024. With the Civic taking the honour in the medium sized vehicle category, and the Jazz in small cars.
The Honda Jazz, renowned for its versatility and practicality, has long been a favourite among drivers seeking a balance between form and function. With its e:HEV variant, the Jazz raises the bar even higher, delivering a driving experience that is both engaging and eco-conscious, “why choose anything else” said the Which? experts.
Meanwhile, “the Honda Civic e:HEV is the new medium car to beat”, now in its 11th generation, with its sleek design and dynamic performance. Combining the latest hybrid technology with the timeless allure of the Civic, this model represents the pinnacle of automotive innovation and design.
Edinburgh College Art Students Invite You to Celebrate ‘Contemporary Closure’
Contemporary Art Practice (CAP) HND year 1 students are seeking closure, and you’re all invited to the party with an unforgettable end-of-year exhibition of their work.
Contemporary Closure is an art exhibition being held at granton:hub (Madelvic House), put together by HND CAP students to celebrate the end of their first year studying at Edinburgh College’s Granton campus.
Join us on opening night, 31st May from 6pm – 9pm to help us celebrate. You’ll get to see a preview of the work and meet the next wave of contemporary artists over drinks and nibbles.
The exhibition will then run from June 1st – 6th. Times vary, with the exhibition being open 10am – 4pm over the weekend, then 2pm – 6pm on weekdays.
Contemporary Art Practice student and co-organiser of the event, Bronwen Winter Phoenix, said: “I’m so excited that we’re able to celebrate the end of our first year of CAP in such a great location! Granton is becoming quite an exciting place to be for art at the moment, so it’s fantastic to be a part of that.
“I hope people will come along to view our work – which is extremely varied as we all have our own different styles and personalities – have a bit of a party, and see what we’ve been up to as CAP students!”
About the exhibition:
What makes closure contemporary? When it’s put together by a motley crew of contemporary art students, of course!
Join us, Edinburgh College’s HND year 1 Contemporary Art Practice students for our end-of-year exhibition, where we’ll celebrate with a party, and a showcase of the recent work we’ve accomplished, on May 31st.
On the night, a few of us will be available to chat about our work and experiences of CAP 1 over drinks and nibbles. The exhibition will then run from June 1st – 6th, 10am – 4pm over the weekend, then 2pm – 6pm on weekdays.
About granton:hub
A community-based creative and cultural Centre in Granton, Edinburgh. granton:hub is based in Granton’s historic Madelvic House. We are a member-driven charitable organisation that aims to elevate Granton’s profile and provide a focus for Granton’s diverse and evolving communities. granton:hub is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCO46708), and is managed by a small team of volunteers.
granton:hub is located within Madelvic House, Granton Park Ave, Edinburgh EH5 1HS.
About HND Contemporary Art Practice
Contemporary Art Practice is a rewarding studio-based HND that provides a broad and advanced visual education for students who have a strong interest in developing skills, knowledge and awareness of Contemporary and Fine Art practices.
CAP students have the opportunity to develop individual practice concerning their interests and benefit from having their own studio space to work in from the start of the course. They are encouraged to research, develop, contextualise and evaluate their concepts and practice in response to their subject choices.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit the City Chambers and learn about Edinburgh 900
The Edinburgh 900 programme has received a royal boost, with the Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron welcoming TRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to the ‘Showcasing Edinburgh 900’ event at the City Chambers on Monday evening.
Edinburgh 900 is a celebration of the nine centuries of history and traditions in Scotland’s capital city since the founding of the royal burgh by King David I in around 1124.
To celebrate the event the main Council Chamber was set up to represent the ten themes of Edinburgh 900, where the royal party were given an insight into each theme by invited experts.
The evening concluded with a moving musical piece from Shionka Kamikaji-Inkster, playing the clarsach.
The city council says Edinburgh’s communities have a central role to play in these celebrations. The Edinburgh 900 Community Fund aims to allow our residents to celebrate their city’s rich heritage and inspiring present.
Community fund applications need to be led by an Edinburgh-based community group and focussed on activities or events held within their local area. Each application can be to a maximum of £5,000.
The full criteria and guidance for applications are available on our website. The deadline for applications is 27 May 2024.
If you’re already planning events for 2024 or 2025 and would like to be part of our Edinburgh 900 programme, you can apply through our separate application process to use the Edinburgh 900 logo and be advertised on the programme website and marketing activity.
Depute Lord Provost, Lezley Marion Cameron said: “I was delighted to welcome TRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to the ‘Showcasing Edinburgh 900’ event at the City Chambers, which gave us an opportunity to shine a light on the main themes of the programme. It’s fantastic to have this Royal support for such a key project for our city.
“It was wonderful to hear from a wide variety of representatives from the local community to discuss these themes.
“I’m looking forward to the official launch of Edinburgh 900, which is due to take place in July.
“It’s been really encouraging to have a number of community groups from across the city show interest in taking part in Edinburgh 900.
“There’s still time to get your application in for the community fund during the next week, and I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”
Communities will receive a share of up to £5.5 million Scottish Government funding to help reduce their emissions and improve resilience in the face of climate change.
The funding, for 2024-25, will support Scotland’s network of 20 Community Climate Action Hubs, which encourage and support climate action. Based across Scotland, the Hubs have supported a range of projects bespoke to their area, including on local energy generation and flood mitigation.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan confirmed the funding during a visit to the North East Scotland Climate Action Network (NESCAN) Hub in Aberdeen.
One of the original two hubs that successfully piloted the concept in 2021, the NESCAN Hub has delivered climate assemblies to schools, climate literacy sessions to the local community, supported repair cafes to increase local reuse and recycling rates and provided advice and support around tackling fuel poverty by improving energy efficiency for buildings as well as renewable heat and energy generation.
Ms McAllan said: “I am very pleased to hear first-hand how NESCAN Hub’s work has been helping communities in Aberdeen to support climate action through projects tailored to meet the needs and interests of the area.
“Tackling climate change is our collective responsibility and will require collaborative action at all levels. We must also share in the benefits that our net zero journey will bring.
“Communities are uniquely placed to play a critical role in shaping and driving forward the transition to low carbon and climate resilient living and we want to empower people to take action in their neighbourhoods that’s right for them.
“That is why we are proud to continue to support our hugely successful framework of regional climate hubs, which provide a vehicle for communities to come together and engage in collective grass-roots action.”
“Climate action must be locally appropriate and locally driven.”
Communities will receive a share of up to £5.5m @scotgov funding to help reduce their emissions in ways that suit their local circumstances.
— Net Zero Scotland (@ScotGovNetZero) May 21, 2024
NESCAN Hub Manager, Alison Stuart said: “We are proud of the continuing achievements of groups supported by NESCAN Hub. In particular, the ongoing work to help fulfil the residents’ wishes to create a healthier, happier and more sustainable community.
“This will not only support our response to the climate crisis, but also improve wellbeing, help address fuel poverty and increase community capacity, assets and wealth-building.”
Background
The Scottish Government is providing up to £5.5 million of funding in 2024/2025 for its network of Climate Action Hubs alongside a support package for delivery. This is broken down as follows – with some funding still to be allocated
Work is ongoing to ensure national coverage of the hubs.
Organisation
Budget
Angus Climate Hub
£165,000.00
Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network Hub
£145,000.00
Ayrshire Climate Hub
£340,000.00
Dumfries and Galloway Climate Hub
£200,000.00
Dundee “Changemakers Hub
£140,000.00
East Lothian Climate Hub
£115,000.00
Edinburgh Climate Action Hub
£350,000.00
Fife Climate Action Hub
£290,000.00
Forth Valley Climate Action Hub
£365,000.00
Glasgow Climate Action Hub
£450,000.00
Highlands & Islands Climate Hub
£437,839.60
Inverclyde Climate Action Hub
£93,500.00
Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub
£480,000.00
Midlothian Climate Action Hub
£125,000.00
Moray Climate Action Hub
£135,000.00
North East Scotland Climate Action Network (NESCAN)
The successful Reading Schools programme, developed by Scotland’s national charity changing lives with reading and writing, supports schools to build a reading culture, where every pupil is encouraged to feed their imagination through books.
Reading for pleasure is central to supporting wellbeing, improving attainment across the curriculum, and boosting critical thinking, creativity, empathy and resilience.
Tynecastle High School is not only the first school in Edinburgh to be awarded the top Gold level, and it is also the first secondary school in the capital to be named a Reading School.
Celebrated author Brian Conaghan, Reading Schools ambassador for secondary schools, met with the some of the pupils who led the programme and presented the school with their trophy.
Rachel Alexander, English teacher at Tynecastle High School said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded a Gold Reading School accreditation by Scottish Book Trust.
“Working towards this has been an absolute labour of love over the last couple of years, with pupils, staff, carers, parents, and partners in the community all working hard to demonstrate our school’s commitment to reading.
“At Tynecastle High School we believe in the power of reading to transform lives. We also know that reading is a great way to relax and a whole lot of fun.
“Some reading-related highlights from the last year or two have been our reading clubs; visits to libraries, publishers and book festivals; producing our own books in partnership with Super Power Agency; and our fantastic partnership with Edinburgh International Book Festival and their Citizen project.
“It is fantastic to be recognised for the colossal effort and drive by the whole school community to put reading at the heart of what we do. This is just the start!’
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘We are thrilled that Tynecastle High School has achieved the honour of not only being the first school in Edinburgh to be accredited with their gold Reading School trophy, but the first secondary Reading School in the city.
‘A Reading Schools accreditation is a fantastic accomplishment for pupils and teachers alike, and achieving this status is a way of demonstrating a school’s commitment to developing vibrant reading cultures and the many benefits this brings.’
Proposals for five new supported bus services in the west of Edinburgh are set to be discussed at the Transport and Environment Committee tomorrow (Thursday 23 May).
Under the plans the routes would be The Gyle to Hermiston Park & Ride via Ratho; Queensferry to The Gyle; Cramond to Balerno; Wester Hailes to Chesser and The Gyle to Clermiston.
There are currently three existing bus services operating in the west of the city that are fully financially supported by the City of Edinburgh Council – services 20, 63 and 68 – operated by McGill’s Bus Services but these are to be withdrawn on 14 July this year.
Four of the new routes would be run by Lothian with the The Gyle to Clermiston route being operated by Handicabs Lothian.
Before the revised contracts went out for tender the Council consulted with local communities and operators to help develop route specifications and help balance community requirements within the available budget.
The new services will improve bus provision in the west of the city with some of the routes amended and a new connection to Cramond being provided by utilising a developer contribution from new housing in the area.
Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is fantastic news for residents in the west of the city as it’s really important to make sure the areas they live in are connected with the rest of Edinburgh. There are some parts of the city that are just not well-connected which is why these supported bus services are so important.
“I’m pleased that the community and bus operators also fed into the proposed routes allowing us to amend some services, which should improve reliability and connections to the wider public transport network.
“I’m delighted to be proposing that these services will be operated by Lothian Buses and Handicabs. Once these contracts are awarded better connecting Lady Nairne and Dumbiedykes will become our top priority.”
If the proposals are approved next week then the Council will immediately move to award contracts so the new services can be registered with the Traffic Commissioner and be ready to operate as soon as McGill’s services stop. The proposed contract lengths are for two years, with two one year optional extensions.
The Council will also work with the successful operators to update all available passenger information on each route and keep community groups updated on the changes to services in their area.
Tendering for the new service provision for the Lady Nairne and Dumbiedykes areas will now start to be progressed.
Statement from the Minister for the Cabinet Office on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement following the final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister spoke about the anguish the infected blood scandal brought to those impacted by it. I want to reiterate his words and apologise again today. I am sorry.
The Prime Minister also spoke – on behalf of the whole house – of our gratitude to Sir Brian Langstaff and his team, for completing his comprehensive report…
I think seven volumes, two and a half thousand pages…
…and of our appreciation of all those who came forward as part of the inquiry.
It was the greatest privilege of my ministerial career to have met over 40 representatives of the infected blood community…
…in Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Belfast, Birmingham and Leeds…
… as we finalised our response to compensation for this appalling tragedy.
The whole community’s bravery through immense suffering is what has enabled justice today…
…I know many of them will be watching in the gallery today….
…and I want to honour their fortitude through their unimaginable pain, as I lay out a more detailed response to Sir Brian’s second interim report on compensation.
We will provide the House with a further opportunity to debate the Inquiry’s full report after the Whitsun recess.
The Government will also respond to each recommendation in full as quickly as possible within its comprehensive response to the report.
Compensation
Mr Speaker, the Prime Minister confirmed yesterday that the Government will pay comprehensive compensation to those who have been infected and affected as a result of this scandal.
I will now set out to the House the scheme the Government is proposing
…. And of course, more details of the scheme will be published online today.
(ALB, Eligibility, Burden of Proof)
We are establishing the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, an arm’s length body to administer the compensation scheme.
A shadow body has already been set up and an interim CEO has been appointed…
…and today I am delighted to announce the appointment of Sir Robert Francis as the interim Chair of the organisation.
The experience and the care that Sir Robert will bring to this role will ensure that the scheme is credible and trusted by the community…
His support in delivering this scheme will be invaluable.
Mr Speaker, those who have been infected or affected – as a result of this scandal – will receive compensation.
To be crystal clear…
…if you have been directly or indirectly infected by NHS blood, blood products or tissue contaminated with HIV or Hepatitis C…
…or have developed a chronic infection from blood contaminated with Hepatitis B …
…you will be eligible to claim compensation under the scheme.
And where an infected person has died, but would have been eligible under these criteria, compensation will be paid to their estate.
And this will include where a person was infected with Hepatitis B and died during the acute period of infection.
But, Mr. Speaker, Sir Brian could not have been clearer.
It’s not just the harm caused by the infections that requires compensation…
…it’s also all the wrongs suffered by those affected that must also be compensated for.
So, when a person with an eligible infection has been accepted onto the scheme…
…their affected loved ones will be able to apply for compensation in their own right.
That means partners, parents, siblings, children and friends and family who have acted as carers of those who were infected are all eligible to claim.
Now I am aware that being asked to provide evidence of eligibility will likely be distressing.
So I am determined to minimise that as much as possible.
And I am pleased to confirm today that anyone already registered with one of the existing Infected Blood Support Schemes will automatically be considered eligible for compensation.
Loss Categories
Mr Speaker, I would like to give thanks to the dedication and hard work of Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery and the other members of the Expert Group…
… who were critical in advising on how the Government could faithfully translate the recommendations of Sir Brian for the scheme.
And in line with our previous commitment, we will publish the names of those experts today.
Now in his report Sir Brian recommended compensation be awarded with respect to the following five categories.
An Injury Impact Award…
…acknowledging the physical and mental injury caused by the infection.
A Social Impact Award…
…to address any stigma or social isolation as a result of the infection.
An Autonomy Award…
… acknowledging how family and private life was disrupted during this time…
A Care Award…
…to compensate for past and future care needs of anyone infected…
And finally, a Financial Loss Award…
…for past and future financial losses suffered as a result of the infection.
The Government accepts this recommendation…
…with two small refinements, informed by the work of the Expert Group, and designed for simplicity and speed. Two other principles that Sir Brian asserted.
First, the Care Award will be directly awarded to the person with the infection…
…or their estate.
And second, the Financial Loss Award will be paid either directly to the person with the infection, or
…where an infected person has tragically died before the establishment of the scheme, their estate and affected persons who were dependent on them…
Now,sadly many people have links to multiple individuals who were infected, or are both infected themselves and affected by another’s infection…
…so multiple injury awards will be offered to reflect the scale of the loss and suffering.
The scheme will be tariff-based. And we will be publishing an explanatory document, including examples of proposed tariffs on gov.uk.
However, Mr Speaker, this is not the end.
Over the next few weeks Sir Robert Francis will seek views from the Infected Blood Community on the proposed scheme before its terms are set in regulations, to make sure that the scheme will best serve those it is intended for.
Now, Sir Robert has welcomed the Government’s proposals as positive and meaningful. He will set out more details on engagement with the community shortly.
Payment Process
The Inquiry recommended that the scheme should be flexible in its award of compensation…
…providing options for a lump sum or regular payments.
We agree, and that is why awards to living infected or affected persons will be offered as a lump sum or periodical payments.
And where the infected person has died, estate representatives will receive compensation as a single lump sum to then distribute to beneficiaries of the estate as is appropriate.
We will also guarantee that any payments made to those eligible will be exempt from income, capital gains and inheritance tax…
…as well as disregarded from means tested benefit assessments.
We will also ensure all claimants are able to appeal their award…
…through both an internal review process in the Infected Blood Compensation Authority…
…and, where needed, the right to appeal to a First-tier tribunal.
And our expectation is that final payments will start before the end of the year.
Now, Mr Speaker, if you would permit, I would like to return to the House when the regulations are laid later this year…
…to make a further statement on an update on the delivery of the compensation scheme.
Support Schemes
But, I know from my discussions with the community just how important the existing Infected Blood support scheme payments are to them.
I recognise that many people sadly rely on these payments …
…and they are rightly keen to understand what the Government’s intentions are.
And I want to provide reassurance to all those out there today…
…that no immediate changes will be made to the support schemes.
Payments will continue to be made at the same level until 31 March 2025…
…and they will not be deducted from any compensation awards.
From the 1st April 2025, any support scheme payments received will be counted towards a beneficiary’s final compensation award.
This will ensure parity between support scheme beneficiaries, regardless of whether they were the first or the last to have their compensation assessed by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority.
And we will ensure that no-one…no-one, receives less in compensation than they would have received in support payments.
Interim Payments
Now Mr Speaker, I recognise that members of the infected blood community are still dying each week from their infections.
And there may be people, indeed there will be people listening today…
…who are thinking to themselves that they may not live to receive compensation.
So, I want to address some of those concerns too.
Today I am announcing that the Government will be making further interim payments ahead of the establishment of the full scheme.
Payments of £210,000 will be made to living infected beneficiaries – those registered with existing Infected Blood Support Schemes…
…as well as those who register with a support scheme before the final scheme becomes operational…
…and the estates of those who pass away between now and payments being made.
I know that time is of the essence…
…which is why I am also pleased to say they will be delivered within 90 days, starting in the summer.
….so that they can reach those who need it so urgently most.
Memorial
Mr Speaker, before I conclude, I would like to turn to the matter of memorialisation.
Many of those who were infected by contaminated blood or blood products have since died…
…died without knowing that their suffering and loss would be fully recognised, either in their lifetime or at all.
The lives of most of those who have died remain unrecognised.
And I note Sir Brian’s recommendations on memorialisation across the UK…
…and the Government will address these recommendations in detail as part of our wider response to this report.
Conclusion
So in conclusion, Mr Speaker, I know that the whole House will want to join me in thanking Sir Brian and the Inquiry for the work that they have done…
…and pay tribute to all those who have been caught up in this terrible tragedy and battled for justice for so long.
Yesterday was a day of great humility for everyone implicated by this Inquiry…
…and today, I can only hope – with the Inquiry’s report published, and with our firm commitment to compensate those touched by the scandal – the infected blood community knows their cries for justice have been heard.
Mr Speaker, I commend this statement to the House.
Apology to victims of infected blood scandal
First Minister makes statement in parliament
First Minister John Swinney has formally apologised on behalf of the Scottish government to everyone who has been infected or affected as a result of infected NHS blood or blood products in Scotland.
On Monday, the Infected Blood Inquiry Chair Sir Brian Langstaff made clear in the report that the situation was a result of “systemic, collective, and individual failures”.
The First Minister said: “More than 30,000 people across the UK were infected by contaminated blood products and transfusions between the 1970s and 1991 – with around 3,000 of those here in Scotland.
“That is 3,000 families in Scotland who have faced decades of unnecessary heartbreak and pain. They have been failed by the organisations and process that should have been in place to protect and support them and I am sorry.
“Those infected and impacted by this tragedy have worked tirelessly to ensure that its impact, and their suffering, is not ignored – and to ensure that what they have endured is never repeated.
“People who were infected with HIV or hepatitis as a result of NHS treatment have endured unimaginable suffering, and I know that Infected Blood Inquiry report published yesterday, will not heal wounds nor bring back those love ones who have been lost. I do, however, hope that it is a step forward in the journey towards a semblance of justice and a better future.
“The Scottish Government has already accepted the moral case for compensation for infected blood victims and we are committed to working with the UK Government to ensure any compensation scheme builds on the interim compensation which was paid out in 2022 and works as well as possible for victims.
“The Scottish Government will take forward the Inquiry’s recommendations for Scotland along with charities representing the infected and affected.
“We are determined to use the Inquiry’s report to ensure lessons have been learned so a tragedy like this can never happen again. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service has extremely high standards of blood safety and I would continue to encourage anyone who can do so to give blood, as this remains essential for thousands of patients.”
Scotland Act Order approval will increases borrowing resource to fund vital public services including schools, hospitals and key infrastructure to boost growth
More money to fund vital public services will be at the disposal of the Scottish Government after a motion passed in the House of Commons yesterday that will see their borrowing powers increased in line with inflation.
Scotland Office Minister John Lamont secured the approval of a Scotland Act Order that increases the Scottish Government’s resource borrowing limit from £1.75 billion to £1.78 billion and the capital borrowing limit from £3 billion to £3.05 billion in 2024-25, enabling them to invest further in schools, hospitals, roads and other key infrastructure that will help to grow the economy and create better paid jobs and opportunity in Scotland.
The move upholds the UK Government’s commitment to the new Fiscal Framework agreed in August 2023 between the UK and Scottish governments which included annual uprating and gives the Scottish Government certainty over borrowing limits for the 2024/25 financial year.
UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said: “We have listened to calls from the Scottish Government for greater certainty and flexibility to help them manage their budget. This is a great example of devolution in action and how we can deliver for people of Scotland when our two governments work together.
“The wider Fiscal Framework deal – worth billions of pounds to Scotland over the coming years – builds upon work to support economic growth and provide more high-skill jobs, investment and future opportunities for local people, such as through Investment Zones and Freeports in Scotland.
“The UK Government has made great strides in growing the economy and by halving inflation sooner than forecast. With our direct investment in Scotland now standing at more than £3billion, we are creating opportunities right across the UK.”
In addition to the changes made to the cumulative borrowing limits through today’s Order, the Fiscal Framework agreement also saw the permanent doubling of the resource borrowing annual limit from £300 million to £600 million.
Limits on how much can be withdrawn from the Scotland Reserve to spend in future years was also removed. This boosts spending through borrowing by £90 million in 2024/25. All future limits will increase in line with inflation.
The new arrangements compare with the previous Fiscal Framework, where the Scottish Government’s capital borrowing limit was £450 million per year within a £3 billion cap, as well as receiving a Barnett-based share of UK Government borrowing. Going forward these amounts now rise with inflation instead, which supports additional investment across Scotland and lays the foundations for economic growth.
The funding arrangements for tax continue, with the Scottish Government continuing to keep every penny of devolved Scottish taxes while also receiving an additional contribution from the rest of the UK.
Background:
Scotland act orders in the UK Parliament fully support devolution by facilitating amendments to be made to UK legislation affecting Scotland, to enable Scottish legislation to have full effect, or additional powers to be transferred to Scottish Government ministers.
On average, seven Scotland Act Orders are made each year and more than 250 have been passed since the start of devolution.
The target date for the order to come into force is 17 June 2024, subject to the date of signing.
First Minister John Swinney is to set out the priorities that will underpin the work of his government today (Wednesday, 22 May), focused on a central mission to eradicate child poverty.
In a statement to Parliament, the First Minister is expected to commit the Scottish Government to eradicate child poverty and to work with business and industry to grow the economy, invest in net zero and deliver stronger public services.
The First Minister will also make clear the need for bold and collaborative action across the Parliament, focused on the priorities of people in Scotland.
Ahead of the statement, the First Minister will meet pupils at a new breakfast club in Kirkcaldy in Fife. There he will see the impact of innovative school-age childcare services in contributing to the eradication of child poverty and growing the economy – by helping parents and carers access vital childcare to help find and sustain good jobs.
The First Minister said: “Eradicating child poverty will be the single most important objective of my government – and work in other priority areas will support and drive that mission.
“I intend to build on our record of delivery. Since 2007, economic growth, per head, and productivity have been stronger in Scotland than the rest of the UK, Scotland’s core A&E units are the best performing in the UK, and measures such as our Scottish Child Payment are estimated to keep 100,000 children in Scotland out of relative poverty this year.
“I am acutely aware of the economic and fiscal realities that we face and I want to take forward measures that will help people and their families to get on in life: to enable the people of Scotland to live happier, healthier lives.
“One of the benefits of long service in politics is having witnessed the Scottish Parliament when it is functioning at its very best. That happens when parties work constructively together.
“My government will do everything in our power – working with Members from across parties – to make child poverty a thing of the past.”
