UK Government must scrap illegal tenant immigration check law, say Scottish landlords

Scotland’s largest landlord membership organisation has called on the UK Government to scrap legislation which made landlords responsible for checking the immigration status of tenants, after the High Court in London ruled the law was in breach of human rights legislation. Continue reading UK Government must scrap illegal tenant immigration check law, say Scottish landlords

World leading microbeads ban comes into force today

UK leads the way in tackling the scourge of marine pollution

A ban on the sale of products containing microbeads has come into force today as part of the Westminster Government’s world-leading efforts to prevent these harmful pieces of plastic entering the marine environment. Continue reading World leading microbeads ban comes into force today

Health and care staffing levels legislation to be examined by Holyrood Committee

Proposals that place a legislative duty on health boards and care service providers to ensure that there are sufficient numbers of qualified staff on duty are to be examined by the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee. Continue reading Health and care staffing levels legislation to be examined by Holyrood Committee

Women’s History Month: Nine laws that have transformed the lives of women

There has been an incredible revolution over the past 100 years, which has transformed the lives of women. Opportunities have been created, expectations have been surpassed, and women are now on track to achieve equality. Changes in the law have empowered women to gain the right to vote, right to an education, right to divorce, the right to legal abortions, as well as provide them with a platform to advocate for issues that were not previously addressed (writes KAREN HOLDEN). Continue reading Women’s History Month: Nine laws that have transformed the lives of women

‘Revenge Porn’ law comes into force in Scotland

A new  law will make it easier to prosecute people who share intimate images without consent. Those convicted of the new offence of ‘disclosing, or threatening to disclose, an intimate photograph or film’ could face up to five years imprisonment under the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016. Continue reading ‘Revenge Porn’ law comes into force in Scotland

Tackling abusive behaviour and sexual harm: new laws come into force today

Four new laws aimed at tackling abusive behaviour and sexual harm come into force today. These include a requirement for judges to direct juries when dealing with trials relating to certain sexual offences. Continue reading Tackling abusive behaviour and sexual harm: new laws come into force today

Grow your own!

Communities urged to take advantage of new legislation

Community groups in Scotland’s towns and cities are being encouraged to take advantage of powers allowing them to create new places for growing fruit and vegetables. Allotments provided by local authorities are in high demand and the Cabinet Secretary for Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham, says land reform powers could help reduce waiting lists by providing more land to grow food. Continue reading Grow your own!