Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman and COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson Kelly Parry, have joined forces to demand a halt to the full service roll-out of Universal Credit in Scotland. In a joint letter to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Gauke, they raise a number of ‘abject failures’ of the new UK Government system. Continue reading ‘Abject Failures’: yet another call for halt to Universal Credit roll-out
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman met local councils yesterday to discuss the practical steps needed to encourage more people to claim the financial support they are entitled to. It is estimated that in 2014/15, for tax credits and the main income-related benefits, there could be over 500,000 cases of individuals or families in Scotland not claiming benefits they were entitled to.
The round-table in Edinburgh was also attended by Alex Rowley MSP and Cllr Kelly Parry, Community Wellbeing Spokesperson for local authority umbrella group COSLA.
Ms Freeman said: “Social Security is a human right. That is the foundation for the social security system we are building for Scotland and making sure that everyone gets the financial support they are entitled to is one of the first steps towards putting dignity and respect at the heart of social security in Scotland.
“In Scotland today there are still many people on low incomes who are not claiming the benefits that are theirs by right. That might be because they don’t know what they are entitled to, or it could be the system is too complex. Whatever the reasons, we need to understand them and work out how they can be overcome.
“That will take both Scottish and local government working together. Local authorities have important experience in understanding what works at a local level. So it makes complete sense to work together on a coordinated approach that nationally and locally, actively encourages benefits take up. I am grateful to Alex Rowley MSP for his work and his support in, highlighting the critical issue of making sure people receive the support to which they are entitled.”
Councillor Kelly Parry COSLA spokesperson for Communities added: “Ensuring everyone in Scotland claims the support they are entitled to is something councils and our local partners have been involved in for many years.
“Councils expertise and local knowledge has played a huge part in efforts to maximise incomes for Communities across the country. Collaborative working, and sustained joint effort, will make a real difference to people all across Scotland.”
Through the Scotland Act 2016, the following benefits will be devolved to Scotland:
The following benefits will remain reserved to UK Government:
Leith Walk Studios are set to receive a £1,280,000 boost to provide develop the space into workplaces for new businesses and creative entrepreneurs. The grant will also see the re-development of the derelict buildings into a new street market initiative, energising Leith Walk and creating a draw for residents and visitors alike. Continue reading £1.28 million to develop Leith Walk hub
Local government umbrella body COSLA is to launch a social media campaign entitled #BudgetReality which will lay out in detail the real budget Councils have been given for next year. The campaign will also highlight the impact of this reduction in specific service areas. Continue reading Councils spell out #BudgetReality
The Equalities Secretary and the President of COSLA have praised the efforts of communities and councils across Scotland after confirming that more than 1,000 Syrian refugees have settled here. The milestone was reached following the safe arrival of a further 120 refugees to Scotland in the last week. Continue reading Safe haven: Milestone as Scotland welcomes 1000th Syrian refugee
£81 million support for Scots in crisis
More than 178,000 vulnerable households, including around 59,000 families with children, have received essential help to buy everyday products like nappies, food and cookers through the Scottish Welfare Fund. Continue reading The worst of times: 60,000 Scots families receive emergency aid
Scottish Government and COSLA announce agreement on new consistent recycling systems across the country
Scotland’s Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead was joined by COSLA spokesperson for Development, Economy and Sustainability, Councillor Stephen Hagan earlier this week to announce a new consistent approach to recycling in Scotland. Continue reading Charter heralds a ‘new dawn’ for recycling in Scotland
Action plan will tackle inequality and advance disabled people’s human rights
A disability action plan – containing more than fifty commitments to ensure Scotland leads the way on the rights of disabled people – has been launched.
The delivery plan for 2016-2020 has been drafted in consultation with disabled people and will help Scotland meet the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Launching the extensive plan at a meeting of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Glasgow yesterday, Communities Minister Marco Biagi said:
“This Government is committed to equality and we want to make sure that disabled people enjoy the same human rights as non-disabled people. Over the last few years we have made good progress but there is still a long way to go and with more than 50 commitments ranging from education and health to transport we are confident that this plan will go a long way in making life for disabled people in Scotland fairer.
“At a time when the UK Government is undermining the human rights of disabled people with its programme of austerity and welfare cuts, we are committed to furthering their rights and engaging a wider section of the population in the debate. We firmly believe that disabled people’s rights are human rights, and that human rights must apply to everyone.
“I would encourage everyone to consider our draft delivery plan carefully and respond to the consultation document so that together we can make this the strongest plan of action for disabled people across these islands.
“We want to work with disabled people over the months and years ahead, to remove disabling barriers and enable them to enjoy equal access to full citizenship, so that they can maximise their potential and add to the success and prosperity of our country.
Welcoming the Scottish Government’s plan, Dr Jim Elder-Woodward OBE, Independent Chair of the Scottish Independent Living Coalition said:
“This is a good starting point towards building a Fairer Scotland for all disabled people. There is a great deal more to do, by Government and by others, to ensure that we enjoy the same rights to full and equal citizenship that other people take for granted. As disabled people we know best the changes needed to remove the disabling barriers we experience.
“We welcome these draft commitments and urge disabled people to seize this opportunity to have their say and to share with the Scottish Government what needs to happen to make the rights we have on paper the reality we experience every day.”
COSLA have also launched a local government disability plan alongside the Scottish Government’s plan and their spokesperson for Health and Wellbeing.
Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “Local Government is committed to improving outcomes for disabled people in Scotland. We have an important role to play in enabling disabled people to participate fully in daily and public life, as equal citizens. The breadth of our responsibilities also means that we are in a unique position to further meet the rights of disabled people in a variety of ways.
“We have actively worked with the Scottish Government and the third sector disabled people’s organisations to develop the ‘UNCRPD – The Local Government Delivery Plan’ through partnership and consensus and for this to complement the Scottish Government’s National Delivery Plan. I am delighted that it is being published today and hope that it is warmly welcomed by disabled people.”
Independent Living in Scotland (ILiS) has produced a resource pack for disabled people, their organisations and others to help them respond to the consultations.
Resource Pack for UNCRPD consultations:
For further information on the UNCRPD:
To respond to the consultation on The Scottish Government’s Draft Delivery Plan 2016-2020 visit
https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/equality-unit/rights-of-persons-with-disabilities
150,000 households aided by Scottish Welfare Fund
More than 150,000 vulnerable households, including around 50,000 families with children, have received essential help to buy everyday products like nappies, food and cookers through the Scottish Welfare Fund.
The Scottish Welfare Fund consists of Crisis Grants – which provide a safety net to low income households in a disaster or emergency – and Community Care Grants, which help people to live independently.
Since the scheme began in April 2013, £65 million has been spent, with 105,000 households receiving Crisis Grants and 72,000 households receiving Community Care Grants.
The latest statistics, which break down grants between April 2014 to March 2015, show:
• Over the year 69,000 households received Crisis Grants averaging around £70, they were mostly for food and energy costs and were claimed because of an emergency. They included:
o Almost £3.9 million of grants were given out for food – up from £2.4 million in 2013/14;
o £23,000 was spent on nappies, an increase from £17,200 in 2013/14;
o Nearly £1.3 million was spent on energy costs, up from £826,000 the previous year.
• 43,000 households received Community Care Grants averaging around £600. These awards were most likely to be claimed by people looking for help to stay in or set up their own home, or families facing exceptional pressures. They included:
o Nearly £7.2 million in grants awarded for the refit of carpets, up from £5.5 million in 2013/14;
o Almost £8.2 million spent on cookers, washing machines and fridges, compared to £6.9 million in 2013/14;
o Around £630,000 was spent on clothing and shoes, an increase of £90,000 from the previous year.
Over a third of the grants were made to vulnerable households such as people with mental health problems, lone parents, disabled people, or those suffering from a chronic illness.
Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said: “These grants are a vital lifeline for people in crisis with more than 150,000 households benefitting from a share of the £65 million Scottish Welfare Fund.
“It is helping people in desperate situations buy everyday items like food, shoes and beds, and keeping them afloat during worrying times.
“The Scottish Government will continue to work with councils to publicise this scheme and reach those who are struggling to be able to afford items that many of us take for granted.
“While the UK Government presses ahead with its austerity agenda and continues to widen the gap in inequalities, the Scottish Government will continue to try to militate against the worst of the impacts of the UK cuts, including investing £296 million in mitigation schemes, extending our free childcare and encouraging employers to pay the Living Wage.
“As part of our drive to tackle inequalities we are also asking people for ideas on how we can create a fairer, healthier, happier Scotland where opportunities, wealth and power are spread more equally.”
Councillor Harry McGuigan, COSLA’s Community and Well-Being spokesperson, said: “There is a growing number of people using the fund to buy the most basic of items like food, beds and cookers.
“Councils and the advice sector make sure those in need know where to get this vital help. Given the planned social security cuts, the fund will come under considerable pressure as more people require help over the next few years.
“Councils are committed to providing the best support to those in need that we can, both direct financial help, as well as advice and referrals.”
New Bill will reform the community justice system in Scotland
Plans for a new community justice model, designed to create a stronger community justice system in Scotland, were published by the Scottish Government on Friday.
The Community Justice (Scotland) Bill establishes a new model for community justice which puts local delivery, partnerships and collaboration at its heart.
The Community Justice (Scotland) Bill will:
Community Safety and Legal Affairs Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “The Scottish Government is committed to reducing re-offending and securing better outcomes for community justice services.
“Offending is a complex problem and there are well established links between persistent offending and poverty, homelessness, addiction and mental illness. Re-offending creates victims, damages communities and wastes potential.
“We want to work in partnership with organisations and communities to reduce re-offending and to deliver better outcomes for offenders and communities.
“We have engaged extensively with stakeholders in developing this model and share their view that community justice services should be person-centred and evidence-based while making the best use of resources; all of which is reflected in today’s Bill.”
The defined set of local community justice partners includes local authorities, NHS boards, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Health and Social Care Integration joint boards, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service and Scottish Ministers in their role as the Scottish Prison Service.
Tom Halpin, Chief Executive of SACRO said: “Sacro supports the introduction of proposals contained in the Community Justice (Scotland) Bill. This provides a strong opportunity for Scotland’s community justice services to work collaboratively and deliver reduced re-offending and safer communities.
“Working through Community Planning Partnerships, where multi-agency working supports the delivery of joined up services with strong leadership and accountability, is key to transforming the lives of people who are motivated to desist from offending.
“The lived experience of people using Sacro’s services to successfully change their life tells us this Bill is critical in building a socially just and inclusive society for all of Scotland’s communities.”
Councillor Harry McGuigan, COSLA’s Spokesperson for Community Well-being said: “COSLA will study the legislation and continue to work with Scottish Ministers to ensure that the Bill enables a truly local model with improved community justice outcomes at its core.
“Reducing reoffending continues to be a priority for local government and we are working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure a smooth transition to the new model for community justice. We have supported the redesign of community justice throughout the consultation process and we welcome the introduction of this Bill.”
