Councillor Awards 2024 shortlist announced

FOUR CAPITAL CITY COUNCILLORS IN THE RUNNING FOR AWARDS

44 local councillors from across England, Wales and Scotland have been shortlisted for the 2024 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards, showcasing the vital contributions of councillors for the 15th year running in England and Wales and 7th year in Scotland. 

Four City of Edinburgh councillors have made the shortlist this year.

Competition was extremely tight with more than 350 nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors: Community ChampionLeader of the YearYoung Councillor of the YearInnovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend

The capital councillors shortlisted are Cammy DAY (Leader of the Year), Norman WORK (Lifetime Legend) Ben PARKER (Young Councillor of the Year) and Finlay McFARLANE (Innovator of the Year).

The full England & Wales shortlist is available here and Scotland shortlist can be found here.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “The judging panel was blown away by the number of extremely high quality nominations this year, with councillors up and down the country going the extra mile for residents. 

“The shortlist for the 2024 Cllr Awards contains the most devoted elected representatives in England, Wales and Scotland. 

With councils operating under enormous pressure, these Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors achieve in the places we live. Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”

Winners in England & Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London on Wednesday 20 November while winners in Scotland will be revealed at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on Thursday 14 November.

The Cllr Awards judging panels comprise senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors.

This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

UK strengthens national security and bolsters Ukraine’s war chest with £2.26bn military loan

  • UK announces £2.26bn loan to Ukraine backed by profits from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets
  • Forms Britain’s contribution to the $50bn loan announced at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in June
  • New money for Ukraine will bolster equipment on the frontline

Ukraine will receive further funding to purchase essential military equipment to defend itself against Russia’s illegal invasion, as the Chancellor today announces that the Government will loan a further £2.26bn in new money to Ukraine.

The new £2.26bn is the UK’s contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme, in which $50bn from G7 countries will be delivered to Ukraine for its military, budget and reconstruction needs. The loan will be repaid using the extraordinary profits on immobilised Russian sovereign assets.

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves made the announcement alongside Defence Secretary John Healey while visiting Ukrainian personnel who are being trained in the UK. More than 45,000 personnel have been trained in the UK under Operation INTERFLEX and the scheme has been extended to at least the end of 2025.

The UK’s £2.26bn loan is earmarked as budgetary support for Ukraine’s military spending, enabling the Ukrainians to invest in key equipment to support their efforts against Russia, such as air defence, artillery and wider equipment support. It comes on top of the UK’s existing £3bn a year military aid for Ukraine, which the Prime Minister re-committed to within his first week in office.

The UK has sent around 400 different capabilities to Ukraine, with Defence Secretary John Healey MP recently announcing that the UK will supply 650 Lightweight Multirole Missile systems to Ukraine to boost the country’s air defences.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves: “Our support for Ukraine and her men and women in their fight for freedom from Putin’s aggression is unwavering and will remain so for as long as it takes.

“This new money is in Britain’s national interest because the frontline of our defence – the defence of our democracy and shared values – is in the Ukrainian trenches. A safe and secure Ukraine is a safe and secure United Kingdom.”

The $50bn G7 ERA scheme was first announced at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Apulia, Italy, in June this year. Russia’s obligation under international law to pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine is clear and this G7 agreement is an important step to ensuring this happens.

Today the UK has announced its contribution to the scheme and will introduce domestic legislation in the coming weeks to enable the transfer of the new funds to Ukraine as quickly as possible.

The loan is on top of the £12.8bn already committed in military, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

The funding comes alongside the UK and international partners introducing the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy. Without this, Russia would have over $400 billion more for its war machine – enough to fund its illegal invasion for a further four years.

The war is having an economic and human cost for Russia; it is soaking up 40% of Russia’s annual budget and last month the country suffered its highest rate of daily casualties since the war began.

The loan announcement comes ahead of the Chancellor’s attendance of the International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington D.C. later this week, at which she will underline on the international stage that the UK and its partners stand united and will not let aggressors like Putin succeed.

Earlier this month Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Downing Street to discuss his victory plan for Ukraine.

Defence Secretary John Healey, said: “By using the money generated from these sanctioned Russian assets, we can help turn the tables on Putin’s war machine. This urgent funding will directly support Ukraine’s defence using the proceeds from assets that had helped fuel Putin’s aggression.

“The UK is stepping up our support to Ukraine, speeding up supplies of vital equipment and boosting our defence industries. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

Men in suits: World leaders discuss Middle East and Ukraine crises

The Prime Minister met President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States yesterday in Berlin.

The leaders condemned Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, discussed their plans to provide Ukraine with additional security, economic, and humanitarian assistance, including leveraging the extraordinary revenues of immobilized Russian sovereign assets – as decided at the G7 Summit, discussed President Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan, and reiterated their resolve to continue supporting Ukraine in its efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The leaders also discussed events in the Middle East, in particular the implications of the death of Yahya Sinwar, who bears responsibility for the bloodshed of the October 7th terrorist attack, for the immediate necessity to bring the hostages home to their families, for ending the war in Gaza, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians.

The leaders also reiterated their condemnation of Iran’s escalatory attack on Israel and coordinated on efforts to hold Iran accountable and prevent further escalation. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and agreed on the need to work towards full implementation of UNSCR 1701 and a diplomatic resolution that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely home.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s speech in Berlin:

I’ve just had a very productive meeting with President Biden, Chancellor Scholz, and President Macron. 

We focused on two issues.

Firstly, the situation in the Middle East.

Let me start by saying that no one should mourn the death of the Hamas Leader Sinwar.

On his hands is the blood of innocent Israelis.

Killed on the 7th of October and over years of terror.

And also the blood of the Palestinian people.

Who suffered in the chaos and violence that he sought and celebrated.

We continue to support Israel’s right to self-defence.

Particularly in the face of the attacks by the Iranian regime. 

Allies will keep working together.

To de-escalate across the region. 

Because we know there is no military-only solution here.

The answer is diplomacy.

And now we must make the most of this moment. 

What is needed now is a ceasefire in Gaza.

The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Immediate access for humanitarian aid.

And a return to the path towards the two-state solution.

As the only way to deliver long-term peace and security. 

The dire humanitarian situation cannot continue. 

And I say once again to Israel, the world will not tolerate any more excuses on humanitarian assistance. 

Civilians in northern Gaza need food, now.

The UK strongly supports UNRWA in the vital work it does in Gaza, across the OPTs and the region.

UNRWA must be allowed to continue its life saving support.

The suffering must end, including in Lebanon, where we need a ceasefire to implement a political plan based on UN resolution 1701.

That empowers the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Strengthens UNIFIL.

And allows communities on both sides of the border to return to their homes.

That delivers humanitarian and economic support to the people of Lebanon.

Supports democracy and bolsters the Lebanese State.

Second, we discussed the war in Ukraine.

Building on the conversation I had with President Zelenskyy at Downing Street last week. 

We remain united in our support for Ukraine.

We have always said that it is for the Ukrainian people to decide their own future.

So we’re clear, together with President Zelenskyy, that the only acceptable outcome is a sovereign Ukraine, and a just peace. 

We want to see Ukraine thriving and secure.

And we’ll work together to make it happen. 

And while the situation is incredibly tough.

It’s also true that Russia is getting weaker.

This war is soaking up 40% of their budget. 

Last month Russia suffered the highest daily casualty rate so far.

So we discussed how to speed up our support for Ukraine.  

And the UK is delivering. 

95% of the equipment that we promised to fast track in July is now in Ukrainian hands.

And together with the G7 we’re working to send $50 billion of further support to Ukraine.

Drawn from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. 

So as Ukraine enters a difficult winter it’s important to say.

We’re with you.

We’re absolutely united in our resolve.

And we’ll back Ukraine for as long as it takes.

GB Energy collaborative agreement

Holyrood’s Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin and UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband today signed a collaborative agreement on partnership between GB Energy and Scottish public bodies.

This aims to ensure that GB Energy maximises investment in Scotland:

Collaborative agreement between the Scottish Government and UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 

Vision

The Scottish Government and DESNZ have a shared objective in ensuring that Great British Energy (GBE) is set up to deliver effectively and maximise the benefits of its activities in Scotland.

Our joint objective is to secure investment in domestic priority supply chains and infrastructure to increase the pace of delivery of clean energy technologies, and maximise the economic benefits arising from this, including through creating jobs. GBE’s mission is to drive clean energy deployment, to create jobs, boost energy independence, and ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers and communities reap the benefits of clean, secure, home-grown energy, as set out in its Founding Statement. 

Developing partnerships with existing Scottish public bodies active within the clean energy sector – including Crown Estate Scotland, the Enterprise Agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank – is a way in which GBE can deliver quickly and effectively, avoid duplication, and deliver maximum impact and value for money from Scottish projects. Scotland already has a strong pipeline of clean energy and supply chain opportunities, and is at the forefront of floating offshore wind development.

DESNZ and the Scottish Government will therefore explore opportunities for GBE to partner with these Scottish public bodies, as well as the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). These partnerships will seek to deliver increased investment in the clean energy supply chain in Scotland and related areas of value, to support community and local energy, and to support parity between GBE’s activities in Scotland and those in the rest of the UK, recognising Scotland’s institutional landscape. The Scottish Government and DESNZ will continue to engage on areas of mutual interest as GBE’s activities and commercial models evolve to promote equivalent opportunities for Scottish public bodies, where organisations can work together to deliver joint objectives.

DESNZ and the Scottish Government will also explore how GBE’s activities support the delivery of priority supply chain and infrastructure development work already being undertaken in Scotland, and activity to support community and local energy in Scotland.

Our work will help ensure that GBE’s supply chain work aligns with and enhances these activities, thereby supporting accelerated deployment of the existing Scottish offshore wind pipeline and other clean energy projects.

This agreement makes no changes to the devolved or reserved competences of either party, and this agreement will operate consistently with the devolution settlement.

Potential activities in scope

The following are potential investment activities which could be supported through a partnership between GBE and the Scottish public bodies:

  • the clean energy supply chain, including ports infrastructure, manufacturing and construction activities
  • land to support these activities
  • services that support supply chain development, such as digital
  • community and local energy projects

The clean energy supply chain includes ports and harbours, wider clean energy infrastructure, manufacturing, fabrication and construction activities.

GBE will be operationally independent, with the ability to make decisions on its own activities, within the legal framework set out in the GBE Bill, and respecting the Scottish Ministers’ devolved competences.

Where there is any formal collaboration between the Scottish Government and DESNZ on supply chain and infrastructure investment activity, this will be developed and agreed on a case-by-case basis bringing in other delivery partners as required.

Nothing in this agreement should be construed as conflicting with the Scottish Ministers’ devolved powers and functions which take precedence over this statement. This agreement does not create legal obligations between the parties.

SNP ‘delivering 35,785,216 FREE bus journeys in Edinburgh’

  • OVER 178 MILLION FREE BUS JOURNEYS MADE IN SCOTLAND IN 2023/24
  • ENGLAND’S ELDERLY WAIT AN ADDITIONAL SIX YEARS FOR FREE BUS PASS 

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands Gordon Macdonald has welcomed figures showing 35,785,216 free bus journeys have been made in Edinburgh this year, thanks to the SNP protecting free bus passes for the over 60’s and those with disabilities, as well as introducing free bus travel for the under 22’s. 

In Scotland, the SNP Government has consistently protected free bus passes for everyone over 60, and disabled people, while also extending the scheme to injured veterans. By contrast, in England, pensioners only receive their free bus pass upon reaching the state pension age of 66 – six years later than is the case in Scotland.  

The free bus travel scheme for under 22s, introduced in 2022, is helping young people across Edinburgh access work, education, and further training, free of charge. No equivalent scheme exists anywhere else in the UK. 

In Edinburgh 35,785,216 free bus journeys have been made under these schemes in 2023/24, contributing to the over 178 million free journeys recorded across Scotland this year. 

Commenting, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands Gordon Macdonald, said: “The delivery of almost 36 million free bus journeys across Edinburgh this year is a fantastic achievement, that demonstrates the SNP Government’s commitment to improving mobility for our youngest, oldest, and most vulnerable citizens.  

“These free bus passes are a lifeline for many, helping people access essential services, education, and employment. 

“While the UK Labour Government is determined to strip pensioners of their Winter Fuel Payment – the SNP Government is supporting our pensioners by protecting the free bus pass from age 60 – unlike in England, where it’s issued at age 66.  

“While the UK Labour Government is busy increasing tuition fees in England, we’re supporting our young people by introducing free bus passes to support them going to work, school, education or further training.  

“The SNP is committed to continuing to support all of Scotland – and it’s important to celebrate the difference that SNP policies are making here in Edinburgh, with 35,785,216 of free bus journeys made this year under the free bus travel schemes – part of over 178 million free bus journeys made across Scotland this year.” 

Fraser of Allander Institute update

Budget speculation, the economy returns to growth, the impact of cuts, and the disability employment gap

Three weeks still to go, and speculation about what will be in the Budget on 30th October continues (writes Fraser of Allander Institute’s MAIRI SPOWAGE, SANJAM SURI and EMMA CONGREVE).

Will the Chancellor change her fiscal rules? It looks likely that there will be some movement on this, whether in the definition of debt or something more fundamental, however much that could undermine their commitments in the manifesto.

Will there be increases in Capital Gains Tax? The speculation on this has reached fever pitch, with some stories suggested rates from 33% to 39% are being considered. (Interestingly, when we look at the ready reckoners from the HMRC, changes of this magnitude in some forms of CGT actually may result in less revenue when behavioural effects are taken into account). There certainly seems to be expectations out there in the economy that the rate may change, with lots of signs that disposals have increased hugely in anticipation.

Will there be increases to employer national insurance contributions? There has been much discussion about this, given the commitment of the UK Government not to “raise taxes on working people”, and due to the fact that the PM would not rule this out this week. A 1 percentage point rise in employers NICS would raise almost £9bn according to the ready reckoner (although we think that doesn’t include the additional costs to departments).

We’ll be going into the detail of some of these issues in the run up to the Budget, so there will be plenty for you all to chew over as we wait… and wait… for the Budget.

UK Economy Returns to growth in August

Data released this morning showed that the UK economy posted its first monthly GDP increase since May 2024. ONS reported this morning that monthly real GDP grew 0.2% in August 2024.  There were no revisions made to the “no growth” months of June and July.  While monthly numbers were in line with consensus forecasts, they show an economy that has slowed down from the beginning of 2024.

The good news is that growth in August came from all key sectors- with services rising by 0.1%, and production and construction rising by 0.5% and 0.4% respectively. Crucially- August was also the first time all three sectors positively contributed to growth since March 2024.

A more granular breakdown of service sector growth indicates that the biggest positive contribution came from the professional, scientific, and technical activities subsector- where monthly change in output was +1.6% from the previous month.  Despite overall growth in services sector- seven subsectors saw decline in economic activity- with arts, entertainment, and recreation falling 2.5% over July 2024.

The production sector grew by 0.5% in August after hefty decline of 0.7% in July. Despite a rebound in August, the production output is essentially flat since the end of May 2024. The biggest contributor to production sector came from 1.1% rise in manufacturing activity- driven by transport equipment manufacturing However, mining and quarrying output declined 4.0% over July 2024- continuing their downward trend since end of December 2023.

What is the impact of cuts in spending?

When the Scottish Government presented their Fiscal Statement to parliament in early September, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance said that impact assessments had been done to understand the impact that the announced cuts could have on different groups.

These assessments were not published at the time, but finally were published last week. We welcome the publication of these, and although there are lots of criticisms that could be made of the assessments, it is good to see this transparency. One area of weakness is assuming that if funding was maintained at previous levels, there will be minimal impact, which assumes that previous levels was the correct level… so why was the budget being increased in the first place?

One of the main things to note though is the lack of analysis of cumulative impact on groups. A number of “minimal impacts” could still add up to something significant if they are affecting the same group.

Final report of the parliamentary Inquiry into the disability employment gap published

In 2016, the Scottish Government published A Fairer Scotland for Disabled People, which outlined how the government intended to shape policy – especially labour market policy – for disabled people living in Scotland.

One of the key goals this report outlined was reducing the gap in the employment rate between disabled and non-disabled adults. In 2016, 80.4% of non-disabled working aged adults were employed in Scotland, compared to 42.8% of disabled working aged adults, making for an employment gap of 37.5 percentage points. The government’s goal was to cut this gap in half by 2038.

In 2023, the Economy and Fair Work Committee in Scottish Parliament launched an inquiry into how this policy goal was going. In fact, in 2023, it seemed like it was going quite well.

The gap was down to 30.3 percentage points, which was actually ahead of schedule: if progress were linear, the disability employment gap would drop by about 0.85 percentage points each year, meaning that it would be 31.5 percentage points in 2023.

However, the inquiry turned up less-than-optimistic findings, which have been published in a report out today from the Scottish Parliament.

Two of our economists at the FAI, Allison Catalano and Christy McFadyen, contributed to this inquiry through a fellowship with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe). Their work, which we published back in January, found that the majority of the change in disability employment is due to a rise in disability prevalence, rather than any specific policy.

Their report also highlighted some significant data issues: people with different types of disability have vastly different capacities for employment, vastly different support needs within employment, and vastly different rates of employment. Yet, in Scottish data and policymaking, disabled people are often treated as a singular entity, meaning that it is not possible to understand where policy interventions might be most effective.

The final inquiry publication highlights our work and a variety of other issues which will need to be addressed in order to improve work access for disabled people, all of which can be found here. They have produced 44 recommendations to improve employment prospects for disabled people.

People’s Panel to consider what needs to be done to tackle drug deaths and drug related harms

The Scottish Parliament has announced the launch of a ‘people’s panel’ which will consider the question: ‘What does Scotland need to do differently to reduce drug related harms?’

The people’s panel, made up of 25 people from across Scotland who are broadly representative of the Scottish population, will work together to scrutinise the issue. The final report will help inform the cross-Committee scrutiny of matters related to reducing drug deaths and tackling problem drug use by the Criminal Justice Committee, the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, and the Social Justice and Social Security Committee.

Last month, 5000 invitation letters were sent to residential households across Scotland, selected at random from the Royal Mail’s address database.  25 people were then chosen to form the panel.

The people’s panel will meet over two weekends – on October 25 -27 and November 15 – 17 – where they will hear testimony from those with lived experience of the issue, from academics and researchers, and from stakeholders who work in this area.

Organisations the panel shall hear from include Community Justice Scotland, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs and the Scottish Drugs Forum.

The panel will deliberate on the evidence they gather before a final report is produced which will identify what they see as the key issues and provide recommendations for action to tackle these issues.

Audrey Nicoll, Convener of the Criminal Justice Committee said: “The issue of how to tackle drug deaths and drug related harms is one of great and urgent national importance.

“This people’s panel can offer a fresh perspective on this issue.

“It is vital that the Scottish Parliament is proactive in involving the people of Scotland in its work. This is a unique opportunity for MSPs on our Committees to hear grassroots views which can help in holding the government to account.”

Clare Haughey, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee said: “The number of drug related deaths and the impact of drug related harms has been a cause for concern for many years.

“It is an issue which deserves national attention and that’s why it’s so important a range of views from across Scotland are heard.

“Holding a people’s panel on this topic is an opportunity for a broad section of Scotland’s society to shape political discourse, to consider this matter in detail and to make recommendations which can help tackle this issue.”

Collette Stevenson, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee said: “The findings of the people’s panel report will be vital in informing our cross-Committee scrutiny of this issue.

“We know that drug related deaths and the myriad harms of drug use cause pain and distress to people and families across Scotland.

“Our Committees look forward to engaging with the panel and hearing their recommendations on what more they feel can and should be done to tackle this issue.”

Tributes as Alex Salmond dies aged 69

Scotland’s former First Minister Alex Salmond died of a suspected heart attack yesterday while on a speaking engagement in North Macedonia. The Alba Party leader, the man who lead the independence movement for many years, was 69.

Mr Salmond was a political giant, by far the foremost politician of his generation in Scotland, and while his fallout with the Scottish National Party in recent years is well documented his death is a massive loss to the independence movement.

As often happens in the sometimes grubby world of politics, former political opponents and colleagues – many of whom had latterly plotted and briefed against Mr Salmond – have come forward with words of praise for the former leader.

In a message issued by Buckingham Palace, King Charles said: “My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond.

“His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.

“We extend our deep condolences to his family and loved ones at this time.”

Commenting on news that the former First Minister and SNP Leader Alex Salmond has died, First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family.

“Over many years, Alex made an enormous contribution to political life – not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into Government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country.

“There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex’s family, and his many friends and right across the political spectrum.”

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.

“My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family, and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government I offer them our condolences today.”

Former Prime Minister David Cameron said: “We disagreed about many things, but there is no doubt that Alex Salmond was a giant of Scottish and British politics.

“Hugely passionate about the causes he championed, he was one of those rare politicians with both enormous charisma and genuine conviction, who always held the room.

“No matter your own point of view, you couldn’t help but stop and listen to his every word. He might have had his faults, but he was as sharp as a button with a strategic mind – I once said you had to count your fingers on the way out of a meeting with Alex! He has been taken far too young; my thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family.”

Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament Alison Johnstone said: “On behalf of @ScotParl, on the sad news of the passing of Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, my most sincere condolences to his wife Moira, his family and friends at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.

“Flags at the Parliament have been lowered as a mark of respect.”

Nicola Sturgeon has also paid tribute to her former SNP colleague and political mentor Alex Salmond.

The pair were almost inseperable for more than three decades as they helped transform the Nationalists from a noisy fringe movement into what became an impressive election-winning machine.

The pair were also the driving force behind the 2014 independence referendum and the campaign for a Yes vote.

But there was a dramatic parting of the ways for the Indy ‘dream team’ after allegations of sexual assault were made against Salmond by several women, which led to a criminal trial in 2020. Alex Salmond was cleared on all charges, and questions remain over some aspects of the case against Salmond.

 Ms Sturgeon said: “I am shocked and sorry to learn of Alex Salmond’s death. “Obviously, I cannot pretend that the events of the past few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen, and it would not be right for me to try.

“However, it remains the fact that for many years Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life. He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.

“Alex modernised the SNP and led us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland’s fourth First Minister and paving the way for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence.

“He will be remembered for all of that. My thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his friends.”

Former Westminster colleague Joanna Cherry said: “I am devastated to hear that Alex Salmond has died. He was one of the most talented politicians of his generation, and, by any measure, the finest First Minister our country has had. He changed the face of Scottish politics.

“Sadly, he was ill used by some of his former comrades, and I am sorry that he has not lived to see his vindication. I shall remember him as an inspiration and a loyal friend. My heartfelt condolences go to Moira, his family, and all who loved him.”

City of Edinburgh Council leader Cllr Cammy Day said:

ALBA Party MSP Ash Regan tweeted: “A tour de force in politics, who took us close to independence. Alex had the nation believe in itself.

“My thoughts to his family, friends and all those who he inspired to dream. ”

Journalist and independence campaigner Lesley Riddoch commented: “Maybe naysayers will think Alex Salmond’s death marks an end to the campaign for independence. I’d suggest it’s quite the opposite.

“The responsibility has been handed on to everyone who would now vote Yes. And the baton has been handed over to new generations.”

Target to halve the disability employment gap won’t be met unless urgent action is taken

The Economy and Fair Work Committee is calling on the Scottish Government to deliver a clear and measurable action plan that focuses on the needs of people with a learning disability and neurodiverse people, if the ambition to halve the disability employment gap by 2038 is to become a reality. 

The call comes as the Committee publishes a report following an inquiry into the disability employment gap.

During evidence, the Committee heard that the current strategy does not contain enough detail on how the target will be achieved. The Committee says that the Scottish Government must now listen to voices of people with lived experience to understand where improvements are needed to help disabled people into employment, particularly those who are the furthest from the workplace.

The Committee’s report considers the specific barriers disabled people face, what help is available for them to access the labour market, and the support available for employers for more inclusive recruitment practices and workplaces.

As part of its work, the Committee took evidence from, and engaged with, disabled people seeking employment as well as those who support them. It repeatedly heard that the way society views disabled people needs to change if they are to gain qualifications, access suitable jobs and thrive in the workplace.

The Committee also heard how most business owners want to employ disabled people, but that the fear of “getting things wrong” often stops them from doing so and that current guidance for employers is often too long and inaccessible.

The report now calls on government, local authorities, businesses, and employability services to work together to reduce the disability employment gap. This will require changes to be made across the different sectors to help prepare all young people for work, as well as finding work and staying in employment.

The Committee also asks that the Scottish Government provides an update on progress around its fair work resource for employers, which should address employers’ concerns and be easily accessible.

Claire Baker MSP, Convener of the Economy and Fair Work Committee, said: “Progress has been made in reducing the disability employment gap, but this is at risk of stalling unless the Scottish Government focuses on the needs of people with learning disabilities and neurodiverse people. They are the furthest from the workplace and supporting them into employment is crucial if the gap is to be halved by 2038.

“Today we have shone a light on the barriers that disabled people face in actively looking for employment. By hearing directly from people with lived experience, our inquiry has made it clearer what actions needs to be taken, and by whom, to help more people into fulfilling, long-term work.

“We know that in some workplaces everyone, regardless of their background, is able to get and keep a job. But disabled people everywhere who are actively looking for employment should have an equitable experience.

“Policymakers, together with public, private and third sectors, can all help by working together across the sectors. This starts at school, by building confidence, resilience, aspiration in all young people, with support on transitioning to adulthood and entering further education or work. If disabled people want to work, they should be offered support to both find and sustain it.

“The Committee is concerned that unless we see action on our recommendations, the target will not be met.” 

Other findings and recommendations include:

  • Applications for the UK Government’s Access to Work scheme, which provides funding for reasonable adjustments and specialist equipment to assist disabled people in the workplace, can take a long time and the funding cap can be too restrictive. Witnesses also said that the current scheme is not particularly helpful to self-employed or freelance workers. The Committee asks the UK Government whether it plans to review the scheme to address these concerns.
  • The 2024-25 budget contained a 24.2% cut to employability services. Additionally, the Committee heard there can be delays in employability services receiving funding, and only receiving funding on an annual basis, which makes planning and employing properly qualified staff to provide services more challenging. Given the clear link between the work of employability services and the ambition to halve the disability employment gap by 2038, the Committee asks the Scottish Government to outline how it will provide long-term funding certainty to these services.
  • Disabled and neurodiverse young people often do not receive the correct support in transitioning to adulthood. The Committee heard that teaching staff and careers advisors are overburdened and are sometimes not given proper training to best assist disabled and neurodiverse young people. The Committee asks that training for teachers and careers advisors be included in the Scottish Government’s upcoming National Transitions to adulthood strategy, and that the Scottish Government considers the provision of transition coordinators in schools to provide better support.

Holyrood Committee welcome commitment to increased culture funding but call for more clarity and greater certainty

A year on from the Scottish Government commitment to increase investment in culture by £100 million annually by 2028-29, stakeholders have indicated confidence in the culture sector remains low due to the lack of clarity from the Government regarding how the additional investment will be rolled out, say the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.

The Committee say the Scottish Government should provide this greater clarity and certainty to the sector following the UK Spending Review, when it has more clarity on its longer-term budgetary outlook. The findings are part of the Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny of the culture portfolio ahead of the Scottish Government Budget 2025-26.

The Committee says it recognises the challenging environment facing public finances currently and welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase investment in culture by £100 million annually by 2028-29. It also welcomes the intended minimum £25 million increase in culture funding for 2025-26.

The Committee say the recent temporary closure of the Open Fund for Individuals was unhelpful given the urgent need to restore confidence in the culture sector.

It says it’s unclear why Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government were unable to resolve any issues before the fund closure was announced and is seeking reassurances from both that lessons have been learned from the significant uncertainty this caused to the sector.

The Committee add that the recent postponement of announcing the Multi-Year Funding Programme outcomes until January 2025, a matter of weeks before those decisions were scheduled to be announced, has led to yet more uncertainty for the sector.

The Committee say there is a need for a substantially improved relationship between Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government and therefore welcome the proposed review of Creative Scotland.

As part of this review the Committee say it should review the legislation which sets out Creative Scotland’s statutory roles and responsibilities, consider where it sits within the wider culture sector, and the level of resourcing it requires to fulfil its functions.

Following the significant concerns highlighted by the Committee regarding Creative Scotland’s handling of the funding for Rein, the Committee say the review must also consider effective governance and transparency. 

The Committee also welcome that this will form part of a wider review of the way the culture sector is supported, which it says will be valuable in supporting the effective distribution and investment of additional funding for the sector. However, the Committee say it is key this review does not delay the delivery of additional investment, including the planned minimum £25 million additional funding for 2025-26.

The Convener of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, Clare Adamson MSP, said: “We recognise the funding challenges facing the Scottish Government and we welcome their commitment to increase investment in culture by £100 million annually by 2028-29 and the intended £25 million at least increase for culture in 2025-26.

“We think the Scottish Government should provide greater clarity and certainty to the culture sector on planned funding increases following the UK Spending Review, when it has greater clarity on its own budgetary outlook as this can increase confidence in the sector.

“There must also be a strategic approach taken for any increased funding to ensure the Scottish Government maximises the impact of the increased investment in culture that it has committed to deliver. That’s why we welcome the review of the way the culture sector is supported.”

The Deputy Convener, Alexander Stewart MSP added: “The temporary closure of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals and the postponement of announcing the outcomes of their Multi-Year Funding Programme only add to the feeling of uncertainty and precariousness across the culture sector.

“We believe the relationship between Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government must substantially improve and while we welcome the proposed review of Creative Scotland, we recommend it should be independent and look at effective governance and transparency.

“We support this forming part of a wider review of the whole culture sector, how it is supported and funded, in order to foster a sustainable and thriving sector for all.”