We’re calling on Scotland’s political parties to prioritise financial security. Our Scottish election manifesto sets out actions to:
– Ensure room to repay council tax
– Tackle the energy debt crisis
– Rebuild financial resilience
– Address economic abuse
– Deal with problem debt
Read more:
https://stepchange.org/policy-and-research/parliament/scotland-policy-asks.aspx
Scotland’s Self-Catering Sector Hit Hardest By Punitive Business Rates Rise
New official statistics show that the Scottish self-catering sector will be the hardest hit by the 2026 non-domestic rates revaluation.
Figures released by the Scottish Government highlight that self-catering properties will see an overall increase in rateable value of 88%, a much higher percentage rise than other property types like pubs, cafes, hotels, and shops.
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has repeatedly criticised the flawed rental-led methodology for the revaluation process, which sees self-catering as an outlier compared with other commercial property classes, urging reform before it is too late.
Across the country, some self-catering operators have reported eye-watering increases to their non-domestic rates bills of around 400%. Former Scottish Government Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing MSP labelled the proposed revaluations as “just garbage, utter garbage”.
This comes after the 15% rates relief package promised by the Scottish Government’s Budget “will barely touch the sides” and does not go far enough to even mitigate business concerns.
The ASSC’s 2026 Manifesto for the Scottish Parliamentary Elections, released earlier this week, calls for the adoption of profitability-based valuation method for self-catering sector to replace rental comparables. The trade body, as well as a number of cross-party MSPs, implored the Scottish Government to use its powers to halt the revaluation.
Alongside the troubling NDR revaluation, operators are also being clobbered by short-term let licensing fees. For example, Shetland Island Council has just hiked fees for local businesses by up to a staggering 113%.
The ASSC has characterised the regulatory and fiscal situation facing businesses as “overwhelming” and hopes Scotland’s main political parties will adopt the recommendations set out in their manifesto to help bolster the fortunes of Scottish tourism.
Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said: “Self-caterers are being hit left, right and centre by all manner of costs and red tape. The cumulative impact on businesses is overwhelming.
“Unfortunately, the NDR relief package announced in the recent Budget will barely touch the sides. We need an immediate pause to the 2026 revaluation and reform of the process before many businesses decide to close for good, hitting local communities the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Our election manifesto signposts a positive and practical route forward on this issue and others impacting our industry. If taken on board, it will help build the foundations for the future sustainable growth of Scotland’s vital tourism sector.”
For the first time ever, Impact Arts is launching a manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish elections.
Our vision: A Scotland where people and communities benefit from life-transforming creativity that tackles inequalities and addresses poverty. 
CEO Fiona Doring says: “For decades, Impact Arts has seen first hand how arts-based approaches transform their lives through improving wellbeing, strengthening communities, and developing life chances.
“Ahead of the 2026 Scottish elections, we urge decision makers to recognise the arts as a vital part of building a fairer, healthier, and more connected Scotland.”
OUR MANIFESTO ASKS
Scotland’s leaders, we urge you to:
1. Recognise Creative Engagement as a Public Health Approach
2. Improve Access to Creative Preventative Mental Health Approaches
3. Ensure Access to Arts-Based Therapies for Children Facing Trauma and Poverty
4. Embed Creative, Flexible and Person-Centred Approaches into Whole Family Wellbeing
5. Support Creative Ageing to Bring Joy to Later Years
6. Increase Access to Quality Arts-Based Education & Employment Programmes
7. Support Neurodiverse Young People Through Quality Arts & Creativity Projects
8. Promote Creative Home-Making as Key to Sustaining Tenancies & Preventing Homelessness
9. Celebrate Creative Placemaking
Impact Arts urges Scotland’s leaders to embed creativity across public policy. By investing in arts-based and creative approaches, we can build a more inclusive, stronger, and imaginative society.
Explore our extended manifesto featuring references to research and commentary from Culture Counts, Arts Culture Health and Wellbeing Scotland, Voluntary Health Scotland, Social Biobehavioural Research Group, National Academy for Social Prescribing, Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership, The Scottish Government, Skills Development Scotland, Children’s and Youth Arts Advocacy (CYAA), Scottish Autism, Homeless Network Scotland, and SURF – Scotland’s Regeneration Forum.
Read the full manifesto 
https://www.impactarts.co.uk/impact-arts-launches…/
Luminate: Scotland’s creative ageing organisation
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations – SFHAYouthLink Scotland
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has launched its 2026 Manifesto for the upcoming Holyrood Elections, setting out a clear call to all political parties to champion fair regulation, evidence-based policymaking and sustainable growth across Scotland’s £1bn self-catering sector.
The manifesto, Championing Scotland’s Self-Catering: Fair Regulation, Strong Partnerships, Sustainable Growth, highlights the vital role self-catering plays within Scotland’s tourism economy, one which supports more than 29,000 jobs, driving local employment and spending in rural, island and urban areas alike.
The ASSC also calls for a reset in the relationship between government and tourism businesses, with a move away from piecemeal regulation towards proportionate, coherent and market aware policy that supports sustainable growth while addressing genuine community concern.
The six key priorities set out in the ASSC’s manifesto include:
· Fair, lawful and proportionate reform of short-term let regulation: secured through a clearer separation of planning and licensing, as well as protection for compliant operators from disproportionate enforcement.
· Ending the scapegoating of self-catering in housing policy: self-catering accounts for just 0.8% of Scotland’s housing stock while boosting the economy by £1bn, so it is time to change the narrative.
· A new partnership model between government and industry: the creation of a new statutory Tourism & Hospitality Partnership Forum with earlier, structured engagement on policy design.
· Future-fit regulation reflecting market conditions and cumulative regulatory impact: using impact assessments before introducing yet more regulation or taxation affecting tourism.
· A fair fiscal framework for tourism: with much-needed reform of Non-Domestic Rates and recognition of the sector as a key growth industry in Scotland’s economic strategy.
· A simple and deliverable visitor levy: use of a simple flat rate for those councils who wish to proceed, and shifting liability from operators to guests supported by QR-code or online payment systems.
The ASSC argues that tourism remains one of Scotland’s most resilient and dynamic industries, and that self-catering underpins its success, particularly in sustaining local economies and communities.
The manifesto therefore recommends the next Scottish Government to champion tourism through a dedicated Minister for Tourism.
Commenting on the launch, Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said: “Scotland’s £1bn self-catering industry is at the heart of this country’s tourism success, supporting jobs, local communities and economies in every corner of the land.
“As we look ahead to this important election, our message is clear: fair regulation, strong partnership and evidence-led policy are essential if tourism is to continue delivering for Scotland.
“This manifesto sets out a positive, practical route forward, one which reflects the real-world experience of thousands of small businesses. The ASSC wants to usher in a new era of collaboration between government and industry, and we are calling on all parties to work with us to reset the relationship with business, rebuild trust, and create the conditions for sustainable growth which benefits us all.”
The National Autistic Society Scotland is calling for real change for autistic people, ahead of the Scottish Parliament election in May.
The new campaign calls on the next Scottish Government to introduce the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill to parliament as soon as possible.
Autistic people in Scotland are waiting months, if not years, for an assessment and experience poorer health outcomes than the general population. At school, autistic pupils face exclusion and isolation due to lack of support, and in community settings autistic people face discrimination stemming from a lack of understanding and access to services.
The campaign is split into four key areas: diagnosis and support; accessible healthcare; support in schools; and inclusive communities. The LDAN Bill can play a transformative role in each of these areas by introducing national and local plans to tackle waiting lists, introducing mandatory training in healthcare and education, and addressing a glaring lack of accountability in the public services and systems meant to support autistic people in Scotland.
Rob Holland, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: ‘Too often we hear from autistic people and families that do not have the support they need to live fulfilled lives on their terms, and who are continually being driven into crisis.
“Despite many good laws, strategies and policies in Scotland, there remains a gap between the support people should receive and what they actually receive, whether in school, social care, healthcare or employment.
“The importance of the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill in tackling the inequalities faced by autistic people and their families cannot be underestimated. It is a vital opportunity to address systematic injustices and to improve outcomes for autistic people of all ages, and that is why we are calling on all political parties to commit to introducing the Bill in Government.”
Becca, NAS Campaigner, said: “We must be allowed to have equal access and opportunity. We are not a burden on society. We are useful, we are intelligent, we are creative. We are inspiring. We are contributors.
“We must be allowed the chance to belong, the chance to make a difference, to be educated and be educators, to be validated, taken seriously. We must be allowed to live in a fair and just society where we are not discriminated against and where we have the chance to live our lives fully and freely.
“The LDAN bill will give autistic and neurodivergent people a chance to be involved in a fairer society. It will decrease the amount of discrimination and invalidation by making people aware, trained and knowledgeable.
“It will increase independence and choice, helping people to feel they are active in the decisions that affect their own lives whilst also receiving valuable support.”
You can read more about the campaign on the NAS website.
“In an increasingly turbulent economic climate, people need the support of frontline services like Samaritans all the way down to local community services that outreach to the most rural areas of Scotland.” – Joel Borseth
It’s a new year, and many people will think of a fresh start, a clean slate, and they may have some personal goals they’ve set for the year ahead. Whether they last longer than January is a different story. But this year, there’s a renewed opportunity for Scotland, and the people who call it home. A chance that we at Samaritans want to take with both hands.
When politicians and parties bring their manifestos to the people of Scotland, with promises of a brighter future ahead, what kind of difference is really possible?
The kind that saves lives.
Life can be wonderful. Life can be tough. Relationships. Work. Money. Loneliness. Mental health. Self-harm. We can all struggle. Any place. Any time. One in four of us have had suicidal thoughts.
Suicide is often viewed as a health issue only – but this isn’t the way we need to look at suicide to be able to save lives. Suicide is complex, and often suicidal feelings arise from a multitude of factors rather than one single issue. The next Scottish Government needs to treat suicide in the same way.
We need to do more to help people before they reach crisis point. Suicide prevention needs to be embedded across government policy, from social care to finance to employment.
We recently launched our manifesto, ‘Five Priorities to Save Lives’ ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May this year. We’re asking the next Scottish government to make prevention a priority.
Our asks are based on research and evidence, and on the insight of people with lived and living experience of suicide. If delivered, we believe that it we will begin to see a fairer, more compassionate Scotland where fewer lives are lost to suicide.
Our five priorities to save lives:
· Increase funding for frontline mental health services
· Deliver a Minimum Income Guarantee for Scotland
· End harmful stigma through workforce training
· Increase support for people in prison
· Increase resourcing for community services
At the heart of our manifesto is our Lived Experience Advisory Group. This group of people come together with us to share their insights and perspectives as people with lived or living experiences related to suicide or bereavement by suicide.
Joel Borseth, one of the group members, shared why these five asks are fundamental in helping others through suicidal crisis and into recovery: “As an individual who has had Lived Experience of crisis, mental health services – both in the local community and from frontline services – played a pivotal role in not just my recovery, but in enabling me to see my own worth in supporting others on their journey to recovery.
“Committing to provide more funds to mental health services, both within the NHS and other national to local services, can enable some individuals, such as myself, to not just to have a better mental wellbeing, but to ‘pass on’ that support to other individuals both in a volunteer and employed setting.
“It is with this experience and confidence that I am able to contribute to the Lived Experience Advisory Group at Samaritans Scotland.
“If I had not had support from these services at the right time over ten years ago, I would have never been able to contribute to society and likely continued to struggle with my wellbeing for many years.
“In an increasingly turbulent economic climate, people need the support of frontline services like Samaritans all the way down to local community services that outreach to the most rural areas of Scotland.
“For myself, it was just one simple conversation from that made me believe I could have positive life experiences twelve years ago again that changed everything for the better.
“I know that I have provided similar moments for others in their journey to recovery. Funding for mental health services does not vanish into a void – people like me can change their whole lives around from the support this funding provides.”
Join us in calling for the next Scottish Government to make suicide prevention a priority.
Visit www.samaritans.org/manifesto for more information and how to contact your local candidate.
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PUBLIC Health Scotland has released a new CancerWaiting Times report.
These latest figures show that, during the last quarter for which results are available, from July-September 2025, around 1,400 (29.3 per cent) patients waited longer than 62 days to start treatment following an urgent suspected cancer referral.
The report shows that only 70.7 per cent of patients on an urgent referral for a suspicion of cancer started treatment within 62 days during this quarter.
This is well below the 95 per cent target and is the fifth worst performance on record (since 2012).
The full Public Health Scotland report can be found here:
https://publichealthscotland.scot/media/36574/2025-12-23_cwt-report.pdf
Dr Sorcha Hume, Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager in Scotland, said: “Waiting to find out if you have cancer is a hugely distressing time for people.
“NHS staff are also stretched to the limit and, without action, delays will persist.
“As we approach the new year, the Scottish Government must make a firm resolution to invest in the NHS workforce and equipment, as well as innovative ways of working.
“There’s no time to lose. The cancer crisis is urgent. Without immediate action, countless lives will be lost.”
More information on how Cancer Research UK believes waiting times can be tackled can be found in Longer better lives: a manifesto for cancer research and care in Scotland
Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) has launched its new community-led manifesto, calling for a fairer Scotland where local people have the power, investment and opportunity to shape their own futures.
Representing nearly 400 development trusts across Scotland, DTAS works with communities to take ownership of local assets, build sustainable enterprises and drive local regeneration. Its support helps communities safeguard vital services, bring a new lease of life to local spaces and strengthen social and economic wellbeing in towns, villages and islands across the country.
Last year, DTAS supported 81 local organisations, helping them secure more than £1.1 million in funding.
The manifesto highlights the ways in which communities are already leading change – from transforming disused buildings into thriving community hubs, to tackling rural depopulation and building a fairer local economy. However, it also highlights how limited funding and a lack of long-term investment is still holding them back.
To help Scotland’s communities reach their full potential, the manifesto sets out practical steps and policy asks centred around five key pillars:
Among its proposed actions, DTAS is urging greater investment in long-term community development, reforms to land policy to expedite community ownership, and the creation of a community wealth fund to help local people take on and transform assets for public benefit.
Pauline Smith, CEO at DTAS, said: “Communities across Scotland are already delivering life-changing solutions to the challenges they face – from keeping vital services running to building a fairer local economy. But too often, their ambitions are limited by short-term policy and centralised control.
“This manifesto is our call for change to give local citizens real power, not just a voice. With the right investment and trust, they can shape a fairer, greener and more resilient future for Scotland.”
Case study: Huntly Development Trust
With DTAS help, member Huntly Development Trust has been able to secure the Strengthening Communities Funding needed to grow its organisational capacity and sharpen its impact locally. DTAS’ Community Ownership Support Service has helped the Trust taken ownership of key community assets and accelerate its vision for local regeneration.
Donald Boyd, general manager at Huntly Development Trust, said: “Development trusts across Scotland are the beating heart of local action. We’re practical, on the ground anchor organisations – the “first responders” of community development – finding ways to meet local needs and secure new opportunities for local wellbeing.
“Here in Huntly, our work results in major local benefits and cost-savings to the public purse, but it requires long-term, consistent support.
“While we’ve made great strides in tackling local challenges, the support mechanisms identified by DTAS could help us and other communities across the country achieve so much more to drive lasting change.”
COSLA is urging the Scottish Government to provide a £16 billion boost in revenue in the Scottish Budget, to secure fair and sustainable funding for Scotland’s councils.
A demand for a £844 million general capital settlement has also been requested, plus a restoration of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme to £955 million, to maintain, repair, expand and secure the future of Council estates.
COSLA has today launched a lobbying campaign urging the Scottish Government to use the upcoming Scottish Budget to provide councils with the fair, sustainable and multi-year funding needed to protect essential local services.
The campaign – ‘Strong Councils, Strong Communities’ – highlights growing pressures facing local government and the very real consequences of continued underfunding for communities across Scotland. The financial pressures in social care and housing are two key areas COSLA are asking the Scottish Government to specifically address in their upcoming budget.
COSLA warns that without urgent action in January’s Budget, councils will be unable to maintain essential services such as social care, education, housing support, roads, and community safety.
COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Ricky Bell, said: “Scotland’s councils deliver the services that people rely on every single day — from caring for older and vulnerable people to keeping schools open, streets safe and communities thriving. Councils are facing greater demand than ever and are required to do more with significantly less. This is unsustainable.
“The upcoming Scottish Budget is a pivotal moment. The Scottish Government must deliver a settlement that matches the scale of the challenge. Without fair funding, communities will see services reduced and inequalities deepen, and we will struggle to meet national targets in key areas such as child poverty, housing, and net zero”
This year, councils continue to face rising inflation, increasing demand for services, and the continued impact of workforce pressures across social care and education. COSLA’s analysis shows that even maintaining current services requires substantial additional investment. As a fair and sustainable overall financial settlement COSLA’s key asks from the campaign include:
COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, added: “Councils work tirelessly to deliver for Scotland’s communities, however, continued pressure on resources makes this increasingly challenging.
“This is about safeguarding what matters most, support for the most vulnerable, opportunities for young people, support for families, and safe, thriving communities. We hope the Budget will reflect the vital role Local Government plays in Scotland’s public services.”
In Scotland, we believe in justice and compassion. We want to see everyone with enough to live a decent life – and the opportunities to flourish – through an economic system that prioritises people and the planet.
We know that this is possible.
That is why the 2026 Scottish Parliament election is so important. With one in five people in Scotland held back by poverty, the time for action is now.
We are proud to present our 2026 Scottish Parliament election manifesto. We are clear that tackling poverty must be given the priority it deserves in the commitments of all political parties.
Our overarching ask of the next Scottish Government and Parliament is to progress the delivery of a Minimum Income Guarantee for Scotland. We believe that the delivery of this bold idea would provide us all the freedom to create a more secure life for ourselves and our households, and a better society for everyone.
To make this progress, we need to see action to deliver:
Fair, well paid jobs;
Accessible public services;
Strong social security;
Reformed devolved taxation;
Fair funding for community and voluntary organisations; and
Just climate action.
You can find our full manifesto here:
