Tag: consultation

Compulsory purchase reform

Views sought on making system simpler and fairer

The Scottish Government is consulting on proposals to modernise the law on compulsory purchase, to make it easier and simpler to improve land and buildings.

The proposals would update laws dating back almost two centuries, making them more useful for public bodies, while also being fairer to property owners.

Compulsory Purchase Orders help deliver essential projects to meet local and national needs. They can support the transformation of disused or dilapidated land and buildings which blight communities. And they can contribute to tackling the housing emergency by accelerating the delivery of new homes and bringing empty properties back into use.

Views are being sought on how the current rules – which are widely recognised as confusing and outdated – should be changed. The Scottish Government is also exploring whether powers to require disused property to be sold or leased would be helpful.

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee will launched the consultation on a visit in Glasgow to a neglected property which was acquired under a Compulsory Purchase Order and which will now be returned to use as a family home.

He was accompanied by Roseanna Cunningham, co-chair of the Compulsory Purchase Reform Practitioner Advisory Group.

Mr McKee said: ““Compulsory purchase can make an important contribution to improving public spaces and regenerating communities. We need every tool available to play its part in tackling the housing emergency – making it easier and simpler for councils and other public bodies to take ownership of derelict property will help.  

“We are consulting on changes that would streamline procedures, modernise compensation arrangements and promote better early engagement between authorities and the owners of land that is needed for important public projects.

“This is a substantial package of measures, learning from changes that have been made elsewhere and following extensive engagement with the Practitioner Advisory Group and a wide variety of others with interest in compulsory purchase.”

Ms Cunningham said: “Much of the compulsory purchase legislation in Scotland dates back 180 years and can be difficult to understand for both property owners and public bodies. This can delay important developments creating uncertainty for everyone involved.

“We need a system that is simpler and quicker for public bodies, while also being fairer for property owners. I welcome the Scottish Government’s consultation paper as an important step towards that.”

The consultation opened yesterday on 19th September and will run for 3 months, closing on 19th December

NHS Lothian: Help improve services for British Sign Language users

THURSDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 12 – 1pm

Want to help improve services for British Sign Language (BSL) in the Lothian area? Come along to a public event for BSL users and their families to share your views on how to deliver our BSL Plan!

#BSL

#DeafCommunity

For more info go to: https://news.nhslothian.scot/2025/08/27/public-events-to-improve-services-for-bsl-users-in-lothian/

Edinburgh’s community groups welcome emergency council support for the third sector

Local organisations have welcomed moves to provide greater support to the third sector in Edinburgh.

Following the launch of emergency funding and an extensive review of how the city works with not-for-profit groups to prevent poverty, Councillors heard how moves to bring stability to the sector are being well received.

Over £3 million has been injected by the Council towards at risk groups this year, with an extra £284,192 in Third Sector Resilience Funding agreed by elected members at a full Council meeting last week (Thursday 28 August).

The one-off emergency support has been provided to third sector organisations in Edinburgh who are working to end poverty in the city but who have been faced with growing financial challenges.

The final phase of this funding will help small and medium-sized charities this winter, with 31 organisations agreed to receive up to £10,000 each towards running costs.

With the Council moving towards greater partnership working to prevent poverty, extensive engagement on third sector support has also taken place – including a 14-week consultation to gather experiences and concerns of organisations in Edinburgh.

Involving over 239 workers from at least 100 organisations, this engagement will shape future opportunities to better collaborate and support the third sector, with the aim of helping the city’s most vulnerable and preventing inequality.

In deputations presented to members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee last week (Tuesday 19 August), work was welcomed by groups including Edinburgh Community Food, NESSie (North Edinburgh Support Services consortium), Feniks and the Cyrenians. Feedback has been strongly positive, recognising the speed and efficiency of the support the Council has provided.

Benjamin Napier,(above, left) speaking on behalf of the Third Sector Reference Group, said: “I’d like to give my thanks to Council officers for their excellent role working very effectively with the third sector to make sure funding gets out quickly.

“There has been a diligent approach to how we work together and the key now is to look at the next stages of funding.”

Ewan Aitken, CEO of Cyrenians, said: ““It’s good to see a problem turned into an opportunity by the Council.

“We have strong communities and we need to be prevention-led. We need reform and a long-term approach to supporting charities in the city.

“I hope the Council can be bold, take risks and focus on anchor organisations to make this good work transformative.”

Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “The £3 million we’ve provided in emergency funding has been vital at a time when the cost of living is high. This final allocation of funding will support even more projects, from advice for young parents to help with clothes and funeral costs.

“Edinburgh’s third sector sits at the heart of our work to tackle poverty, but it is an incredibly difficult time for community groups in Scotland. The engagement we’ve now carried out reveals many organisations are in a precarious position as they experience changes to funding and face greater demand for their services.

“It has never been more important to reset the relationship between the public and third sectors and I’m proud of the work we’ve carried out to truly listen to and learn from those involved, so that we can work to get it right.

“We need to improve how we work together to prevent poverty in our city, and I’m grateful to the hundreds of third sector workers who have spoken to us.”

Protecting women and girls from hate crime

Consultation on draft regulations

Women and girls will have greater protection against hate crimes under plans being consulted upon by the Scottish Government.

Draft regulations have been laid in Parliament to add ‘sex’ as a characteristic to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.

If agreed, the regulations will make it a criminal offence to stir up hatred against women and girls, as well as men and boys, because of their sex, which is defined as biological sex. The regulations will also enable courts to treat crimes motivated by hatred of someone’s sex as aggravated offences, which are considered more serious.

This would mean women and girls have the same legal safeguards available under the Act to groups targeted by hate crime because of their age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics. Freedom of expression is built into the Act, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament in March 2021.

A consultation paper seeking views on the plans, which were announced in May, has been published. It will remain open until 10 October and responses will inform consideration of the final regulations to be laid in Parliament.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “We must send a strong message to victims, perpetrators, communities and wider society that offences motivated by prejudice and hatred against women and girls will not be tolerated.

“Adding the characteristic of sex to the Hate Crime Act will ensure that women and girls have the same protections as victims who are targeted because of a specific characteristic, such as age, religion or disability.

“Men and boys will also be protected, however, we know that women and girls suffer significantly more from threats, abuse and harassment based on their sex, so they are likely to benefit most from these new legal protections.

“This will add to a range of general laws that can be used to prosecute aspects of misogynistic harassment and abuse.

“However, criminal law reform alone cannot eliminate abuse against women and girls, or the attitudes which perpetuate it; men must play an active role in identifying, challenging and changing the misogynistic and negative attitudes and behaviours that underpin the abuse of, and violence against, women and girls.”

Draft SSI   

Consultation 

Come and have your say about Drylaw Shopping Centre

DRYLAW SHOPPING CENTRE STREETSCAPE CONSULTATION

THURSDAY 4th SEPTEMBER from 4 – 7pm or respond ONLINE

We are progressing designs for improvements to the area surrounding the Drylaw Shopping Centre.

The proposals aim to address existing issues within the shopping centre, such as; sustainability, accessibility, car parking, vehicular movement, aesthetic appeal, sight lines and safety.

The Drylaw Shopping Centre forms part of the wider Drylaw and Telford Masterplan one of the 13 proposed improvement projects that aim to reimagine local streets and public spaces, making them healthier, more accessible, and nature-positive – while also tackling surface water and flooding challenges in the area.

To help refine the concept designs, we will be conducting a drop-in community and business engagement session at the Shopping Centre on the below date.

Please feel free to visit to give your views on the designs:

📍 Location: Next to Farmfoods at Drylaw Shopping Centre, 661 Ferry Road
📅 Date: Thursday 4th September 2025
🕚 Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Consultation Hub Online Survey:

In addition to the in person engagement, a survey for the project is now live on The City of Edinburgh Council’s Consultation Hub and will run until 8th October 2025.

Please find a link to the survey here and to find out more: 

https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/drylaw-consultation/

UK Government moves to end unfair pay and discriminatory age bands

The Government’s manifesto commitment to deliver a genuine living wage for working people took a step closer today as it set out new considerations for the Low Pay Commission when recommending next year’s National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.

  • Discriminatory age bands to be removed as new Low Pay Commission remit delivers progress towards a single wage rate for adults.
  • Government places cost of living at the heart of the remit a year on from its first inclusion, meaning more money is being put into the pockets of hardworking people – delivering the Plan for Change.
  • Low Pay Commission to continue longstanding approach of assessing the impact of wage reforms on different sectors, ensuring recommendations support both economic growth and fair pay.

The Westminster Government’s manifesto commitment to deliver a genuine living wage for working people took a step closer today (5 August) as it set out new considerations for the Low Pay Commission (LPC) when recommending next year’s National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.

Around 3 million workers benefitted from last year’s decision to include the cost of living in the LPC’s remit for the first time. This led to a record cash increase in the Minimum Wage for apprentices and those under 18, and a £1,400 annual boost for full-time workers on the National Living Wage from April.

Higher wages for the lowest-paid workers not only provide greater financial security for families but also mean more money in the pockets of working people to spend on the things they need – supporting businesses and driving economic growth across the country as part of the Plan for Change.

With younger workers being held back by discriminatory age bands, the updated LPC remit will drive forward the Government’s commitment to delivering a single adult pay band.

The LPC will consult with employers, trade unions and workers on narrowing the gap between the 18–20-year-old rate of the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage and will put forward recommendations on achieving a single adult rate in the years ahead.

The remit will also ensure that the LPC continues to actively consider the cost of living in its recommendations for National Living Wage rates to apply from April 2026.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Low pay drags down living standards for our workers and in turn hurts our high streets and local businesses.

“This Government’s Plan for Change will put money back in people’s pockets, with this new remit marking the next step in considering how we ensure a fair deal for our lowest paid workers while maintaining a competitive economy that boosts businesses and their employees alike.”

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “We promised to make low pay a thing of the past, and deliver a wage people can live on, and that is exactly what this government is determined to deliver.

“We have already taken bold action to Make Work Pay with more than 3 million workers seeing a huge boost in their pay following our increase to National Minimum and Living Wage.

“This remit is the next milestone in our plan to get more money in working people’s pockets, raise living standards in every part of the UK, and get our economy growing.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “We are delivering on our promise to make sure every worker receives a fair wage.

“Fair pay which supports working families is integral to our Plan for Change, because when working people are properly rewarded with more money in their pockets, businesses thrive and our entire economy benefits.

“To ensure the right balance is struck between the needs of workers, business affordability, and the wider economy, the LPC is being asked to consult on several issues before recommending the new rates.”

Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the LPC, said: “We are pleased to receive our remit from the Government. Already, since the beginning of the year, we have spent significant time speaking with workers and employers, to understand the pressures in the economy and the effects of the most recent increases in the minimum wage. We have held a successful call for evidence and received detailed submissions from all sides.

“Our recommendations on the minimum wage are always finely balanced. More than ever, it is important that we draw on first-hand evidence from those affected by our decisions.

“I look forward to working with the rest of the Commission over the autumn to reach a shared view on this evidence and deliver our advice to the Government in October”

TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak said: “Boosting the minimum wage isn’t just good for workers – it’s good for business too. When low-paid workers have more money in their pockets they spend it locally – supporting shops, cafés and high streets. 

“That’s why the government is right to set out its ambition to raise the floor of the minimum wage and end the outdated and unfair youth rates. 

“The minimum wage has been one of the big success stories of the last 25 years – lifting pay at the bottom and proving the doom-and-gloom merchants wrong. But it’s important that it keep rising so that it better reflects what it actually costs to get by in Britain today.

“A bolder, more ambitious minimum wage isn’t a risk. It’s the next step in building a fairer, stronger economy where hard work is properly rewarded.”

Electoral Commission seeking views on support for disabled people at polling stations

The Electoral Commission is seeking views on the support available to disabled people at polling stations.

Changes were introduced in 2022 to improve flexibility and choice in how disabled people are supported to vote at polling stations. The changes mean councils are now required to provide equipment in polling stations to help people vote independently and in secret, and to allow anyone who is over the age of 18 to act as a companion to assist a disabled voter.

The Commission’s role is to provide guidance for electoral administrators on how to provide this support at polling stations.

The Commission has looked at how the changes have worked to date and engaged with a range of organisations representing disabled people. Ahead of elections in May 2026, it has reviewed and updated its guidance, and is now seeking feedback on these changes through a consultation, which opens today and runs until 26 October.

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said: “Everyone should be able to vote in secret and without barriers. The Commission’s guidance is intended to support electoral staff in making accessibility arrangements at polling stations that can have a real and positive impact for disabled voters.

“To ensure we are getting the right feedback and information, we will be listening to the advice of the electoral community, electoral administrators, and civil society, charity and third-sector organisations representing disabled people.

“We are keen to hear from voters, so if you have views on the accessibility guidance, please share them with us.”

More information about the consultation and how to respond is available on the Commission website, including in easy read and BSL formats.

The Commission expects to publish its updated guidance ahead of the Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections and English local elections taking place in May 2006

Organisations gather to support Sarah Boyack’s Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill

AN END TO SHORT-TERM THINKING?

Stakeholders and organisations have gathered at a roundtable in support of Lothian MSP Sarah Boyack’s Member’s Bill as it aims to put an end to short-term thinking in policy development.

This meeting comes as a consultation has been launched into the bill by the Social Justice and Social Security Committee.

Ms Boyack’s bill would create a clear and legal definition of wellbeing and sustainable development and embed those into the decision-making process.

It would also establish a Future Generations Commissioner to ensure public bodies and government are complying with new national outcomes as well as these newly established duties.

Ms Boyack hosted the roundtable alongside representatives from Carnegie.

Commenting on the roundtable, Sarah Boyack said: “It was great to host such a positive and constructive discussion about my Member’s Bill with so many stakeholders.

“I am glad to see such widespread support for my bill among the sustainability and wellbeing sectors.

“I hope that this consultation will lead members of the committee and Parliament to support this bill and implement it into law.

“We have the opportunity to truly imbed long-term thinking into the decision-making process and create a more just and sustainable Scotland for decades to come.”

Have your say on ‘improvements’ to green space in Easter Drylaw Gardens

THURSDAY 31 JULY from 4.30 – 6pm at DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Come along to Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre this next Thursday to share your views and ideas for the Easter Drylaw Gardens’ Greenspace!