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.”
Victims of crime will receive improved support, advice and information as part of planned reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS).
Under proposed changes to the scheme – which entitles victims or close relatives of victims to certain information about the person responsible for the crime – a new Victim Contact Team will be set up to give personalised support to victims, based on their individual needs.
Victims will automatically be referred to the team for a trauma-informed discussion about their options for registering for the VNS and for an explanation of their rights. The amount of information available to victims about the offender(s), which includes information about their release, will also be expanded.
The Scottish Government will introduce the reforms as part of its response to recommendations in the Independent Review of the Victim Notification Scheme, which heard directly from victims about their experiences of the justice system and the VNS. Recent experiences with how the VNS operated in relation to measures to manage the prison population have also informed the response to the Review.
The Scottish Government has agreed the majority of the Review’s recommendations, including the central proposal of creating a Victim Contact Team, with plans developed following discussions with justice and victim support organisations. Legislation to underpin the creation of the Contact Team will be progressed through the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, which is continuing its passage through Parliament.
Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “These reforms will put the needs of victims firmly at the heart of the Notification Scheme. By increasing the information available to victims, improving communication across justice agencies and making the system more accountable, we can ensure the scheme continues to be as effective and trusted as possible.
“We have already begun work to implement the Independent Review’s recommendations, including to create a Victim Contact Team to provide personalised support for victims. Each victim has different needs that deserve to be handled sensitively and victims will automatically be referred to the team, who will explain their rights and provide support.
“This is a priority for the Scottish Government and we will use the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill already progressing through Parliament to ensure the reforms are taken forward at pace.
“I am grateful to all those who shared their experiences during the Independent Review, particularly victims and their families. We will continue to listen to their voices as we continue strengthening support for them and progress these latest reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme.”
VNS Independent Review Chair Alastair MacDonald and Vice Chair Fiona Young said: “The agreement to establish a Victim Contact Team to help victims understand what information they may receive and to get that information in a way that helps them is welcome.
“It is hoped that implementation of other recommendations will also be prioritised.”
Ann Fehilly, of domestic abuse court advocacy service ASSIST, said: “ASSIST has long advocated for the Victim Notification Scheme to be victim-centred, trauma-informed and responsive to the needs of victims.
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s acceptance of almost all of the Review recommendations and look forward to working collaboratively with them to put into effect the plan.
“We are pleased that choice for victims is at the heart of the process, alongside a commitment to work with organisations which support victims to access the right information timeously. It is crucial that victims of domestic abuse are kept informed to ensure they are safe from further harm.”
Ministers have unveiled the Employment Rights Bill to help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK
Legislation introduced in Parliament to upgrade workers’ rights across the UK, tackle poor working conditions and benefit businesses and workers alike
Ahead of International Investment Summit, government reveals landmark reforms in under 100 days to boost pay and productivity, showing the benefits of a ‘pro-business, pro-worker’ approach
New balance for early months of a job at heart of pragmatic reforms to help drive growth in the economy and support more people into secure work
Employment Rights Bill will end exploitative zero-hour contracts and unscrupulous fire and rehire practices, while establishing rights to bereavement and parental leave from day one
Today (10 October) ministers have unveiled the Employment Rights Bill to help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK.
Getting the labour market moving again is essential to economic growth with one in five UK businesses with more than 10 employees reporting staff shortages. Flexibility, for workers and businesses alike, is key to answering this challenge and is at the heart of the legislation to upgrade the law to ensure it is fit for modern life and a modern economy.
The existing two-year qualifying period for protections from unfair dismissal will be removed, delivering on the manifesto commitment to ensure that all workers have a right to these protections from day one on the job.
The government will also consult on a new statutory probation period for companies’ new hires. This will allow for a proper assessment of an employee’s suitability to a role as well as reassuring employees that they have rights from day one, enabling businesses to take chances on hires while giving more people confidence to re-enter the job market or change careers, improving their living standards.
The bill will bring forward 28 individual employment reforms, from ending exploitative zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices to establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers. Statutory sick pay will also be strengthened, removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and cutting out the waiting period before sick pay kicks in.
Accompanying this will be measures to help make the workplace more compatible with people’s lives, with flexible working made the default where practical. Large employers will also be required to create action plans on addressing gender pay gaps and supporting employees through the menopause, and protections against dismissal will be strengthened for pregnant women and new mothers.
This is all with the intention of keeping people in work for longer, reducing recruitment costs for employers by increasing staff retention and helping the economy grow.
A new Fair Work Agency bringing together existing enforcement bodies will also be established to enforce rights such as holiday pay and support employers looking for guidance on how to comply with the law.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “This government is delivering the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation, boosting pay and productivity with employment laws fit for a modern economy.
“We’re turning the page on an economy riven with insecurity, ravaged by dire productivity and blighted by low pay.
“The UK’s out-of-date employment laws are holding our country back and failing business and workers alike. Our plans to make work pay will deliver security in work as the foundation for boosting productivity and growing our economy to make working people better off and realise our potential.
“Too many people are drawn into a race to the bottom, denied the security they need to raise a family while businesses are unable to retain the workers they need to grow. We’re raising the floor on rights at work to deliver a stronger, fairer and brighter future of work for Britain.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “It is our mission to get the economy moving and create the long term, sustainable growth that people and businesses across the country need. Our plan will give the world of work a much needed upgrade, boosting pay and productivity.
“The best employers know that employees are more productive when they are happy at work. That is why it’s vital to give employers the flexibility they need to grow whilst ending unscrupulous and unfair practices.
“This upgrade to our laws will ensure they are fit for modern life, raise living standards and provide opportunity and security for businesses, workers and communities across the country.”
Alongside the legislation, a ‘Next Steps’ document for the Make Work Pay Plan has been published outlining the government’s vision and long-term plans and setting out our ambitions for the plan to grow the economy, raise living standards across the country and create opportunities for all.
Ending one-sided flexibility
The legislation will level the playing field where all parties understand what is required of them and good employers aren’t undercut by bad ones.
The bill will end exploitative zero hours contracts, following research that shows 84% of zero hours workers would rather have guaranteed hours. They, along with those on low hours contracts, will now have the right to a guaranteed hours contract if they work regular hours over a defined period, giving them security of earnings whilst allowing people to remain on zero hours contracts where they prefer to. According to TUC research nearly two thirds of managers (64%) believe ending zero hours contracts would have a positive impact on their business.
Ending unscrupulous employment practices is a priority for this government and none more so than shutting down the loopholes that allow bullying fire and rehire and fire and replace to continue. The government is closing these loopholes and putting in place measures to give greater protections against unfair dismissal from day one, ensuring that the feeling of security at work is no longer a luxury for the privileged few.
This bill turns the page on the previously ineffective, costly and conflicting approach to dealing with industrial relations that has brought so much disruption to businesses and livelihoods. lt repeals the anti-union legislation put in place by the previous administration, including the Minimum Service Levels (Strikes) Act legislation that failed to prevent a single day of industrial action while in force.
Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said: “We know that most employers proudly treat their staff well. However, for decades as the world of work has changed, employment rights have failed to keep pace, with an increase in one-sided flexibility slowing the potential for growth in the economy.
“The steps we’re taking today will finally right these wrongs, working in partnership with business and unions to kickstart economic growth that will benefit them, their workers and local communities.
“From tackling fire and rehire to ending exploitative zero hours contracts, we are delivering a modern economy that drives up living standards for families across the UK.”
Supporting working families
Too many people find that the current system isn’t compatible with the realities of everyday life, whether that’s raising children or supporting a loved one with a health condition. The government wants to make sure that everyone can get on in work and not be held back because work isn’t compatible with important family responsibilities.
That is why the government will:
Change the law to make flexible working the default for all, unless the employer can prove it’s unreasonable.
Set a clear standard for employers by establishing a new right to bereavement leave, with the entitlement sculpted with the needs of employees and the concerns of employers at the forefront.
Deliver stronger protections for pregnant women and new mothers returning to work including protection from dismissal whilst pregnant, on maternity leave and within six months of returning to work.
Tackle low pay by accounting for cost of living when setting the Minimum Wage and remove discriminatory age bands.
Establish a new Fair Work Agency that will bring together different government enforcement bodies, enforce holiday pay for the first time and strengthen statutory sick pay. It will create a stronger, recognisable single organisation that people know where to go for help – with better support for employers who want to comply with the law and tough action on the minority who deliberately flout it.
Beyond the bill
The Make Work Pay Plan doesn’t stop with this bill. Continuing to reform employment rights in line with changes to the economy and labour market is critical to maintaining growth, prosperity and opportunity. As an outlook to the future, the government has also today published a Next Steps document that outlines reforms it will look to implement in the future.
Subject to consultations, this includes:
A Right to Switch Off, preventing employees from being contacted out of hours, except in exceptional circumstances, to allow them the rest and get the recuperation they need to give 100% during their shift.
A strong commitment to end pay discrimination by expanding the Equality (Race and Disparity) Bill to make it mandatory for large employers to report their ethnicity and disability pay gap.
A move towards a single status of worker and transition towards a simpler two-part framework for employment status.
Reviews into the parental leave and carers leave systems to ensure they are delivering for employers, workers and their loved ones.
Responding to the government’s initiative, these businesses and employee groups have said:
Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of the Co-op, said: “We support the Government’s ambitions to strengthen rights for workers and value the co-operative approach to involve employers in the reforms.
“As the UK’s largest consumer co-operative, Co-op has long supported colleagues to have good working lives, with policies like our leading bereavement leave, day one right to request flexible working arrangements, and menopause support already in place. The positive impact of these policies is clear to see.
“Being able to support colleagues when they need it, and in particular women, parents and carers, helps retain valuable talent and makes good business sense. We look forward to continuing to work with Government to make work pay and to deliver economic growth.”
Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, said: “After 14 years of stagnating living standards, working people desperately need secure jobs they can build a decent life on.
“Whether it’s tackling the scourge of zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire, improving access to sick pay and parental leave, or clamping down on exploitation – this Bill highlights the Government’s commitment to upgrade rights and protections for millions.
“Driving up employment standards is good for workers, good for business and good for growth. While there is still detail to be worked through, it is time to write a positive new chapter for working people in this country.”
Jane van Zyl, CEO at Working Families, said: “As campaigners for better rights for working parents and carers, we’re pleased there is hope on the horizon for the millions who stand to benefit from the transformational changes in the proposed Employment Bill.
“Establishing workplace rights from day one and making flexible working the default could be the key to unlocking labour market mobility, with the promise of getting the economy moving and ensuring parents and carers are not held back in their careers.
“In addition, we welcome any strengthening of legislation that helps protect pregnant women and new mothers against losing their jobs unfairly at a vulnerable time in their lives.
“The proposals in the Plan to Make Work Pay have the potential to remove barriers in the workplace, give a better start for new parents and reduce gendered roles in caring. The message it sends that worker’s rights matter, and the willingness to address inequalities, is very promising.”
Simon Roberts, Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “As one of the UK’s largest employers we put our colleagues at the heart of everything we do. We see the clear link between engaged, motivated colleagues and business performance and that is why we have increased colleague pay by over 50% in the last 5 years.
“We share the Government’s vision of making work pay, enabling growth and driving productivity. We welcome today’s announcement and Government engagement with business to date and look forward to seeing progress on business rates reform, which would deliver real benefits for our colleagues, customers and communities.”
Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of CIPD, the professional body for HR and Learning & Development professionals, said: “We share the Government’s ambition to raise employment standards and job quality through the Employment Rights Bill as part of the wider Make Work Pay agenda.
“The changes being proposed represent the greatest update in employment legislation in decades. We’re pleased to see the ongoing commitment from Government to engage with the business community to work through the important details to ensure they have a positive impact for both employers and workers.”
Jemima Olchawski, CEO of Fawcett Society, said: “Today’s draft employment bill is a win for women. Fawcett and our members have campaigned long and hard to see government chart a new course for inclusive economic growth and to improve women’s working lives.
“We share this government’s ambition to ensure all women can thrive at work and fully contribute to the economy.”
Mark Reynolds, Mace Group Chair and Chief Executive, said: “Ensuring British workers are supported with strong employment rights benefits everyone – employers as well as employees.
“This package of reforms is a welcome insight into the Government’s plans and show that they have engaged extensively with businesses and taken a pragmatic approach. We’re pleased to support it; both on behalf of Mace and the wider construction industry. We look forward to working closely with the Government as they take these plans forward.”
Brian McNamara, CEO of Haleon, said: “It is crucial that the Government continues to engage with the business community on such an important piece of legislation and we welcome the dialogue to date.
“Haleon is committed to creating an inclusive culture that provides all employees with equal opportunities. This is central to our company strategy and will be core to our future success.”
Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, said: “In formulating these proposals it’s clear that the government has listened to both workers and employers to create protections against bad practices while enabling good businesses to invest in growth and training.
“For example, the probation period will allow progressive employers to give a chance to people without typical experience or educational backgrounds, opening up new opportunities for them in great careers.”
Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, said: “As the largest Unionised workforce in the energy sector, we are pleased to see the Government publish their landmark legislation providing more rights and flexibility to employees.
“At Centrica, we offer a range of policies to support our 21,000 colleagues including flexible working and health and wellbeing support from day one, a leading 10 days paid carers policy, our Pathway to Parenthood which offers comprehensive financial support towards fertility treatment alongside paid leave to for any fertility, adoption or surrogacy appointments, and additional support for neurodivergent colleagues.
“It’s the right thing to do and we want to help our employees and share best practices with others. Our experience shows that there is a clear business case for doing this with savings from increased retention and ensuring colleagues don’t have to take unplanned absences.”
Helen Dickinson OBE, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, said: “As the country’s largest private sector employer, employing three million people, the industry stands ready to work with government to ensure these reforms are a win:win for employers and colleagues, and maximise employment opportunities, investment, and growth.
“Many of the expected provisions, including stopping exploitative contracts and offering flexibility in employment, are things that responsible retailers already do. Introducing these standards for everyone means good employers should be competing on a level playing field.
“We look forward to engaging the government on the details, including around seasonal hiring and the use of probation periods.”
Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said: “I’m pleased the Government has recognised the importance of flexibility to both workers and businesses. This is crucial for hospitality, which employs 3.5m people and provides countless flexible roles for working parents, students, carers and many more.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement and consultation with the Government on its plans, which are not without cost, to get the details right for all parties.”
A BT Group spokesperson, said: “BT Group believes that a strong economy is one that works for everyone, and has already adopted many of the measures that will be covered by this legislation.
“It will be crucial to get the details right, to avoid unintended consequences and keep the UK competitive, and we welcome the constructive, consultative approach that the Government is taking.”
Not all employers’ organisations are rejoicing, however. The Federation for Small Businesses (FSB) says the legislation will be devastating for the industry.
Edinburgh North and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert has today called for the GB Energy Satellite Site due to be located in Edinburgh to be based in Leith.
The UK Labour Government was elected on a manifesto to establish Great British Energy, a publicly-owned energy generation company. Last month, the Prime Minister announced that GB Energy would be headquartered in Aberdeen with two satellite sites – one based in Edinburgh and another in Glasgow.
GB Energy is one of the key ways the UK Labour Government is decarbonising the economy while ensuring energy security and lower energy bills in the long term.
Today in the House of Commons, Tracy Gilbert MP called for the Edinburgh site to be located in Leith due to growing renewables sector that has already developed in the area.
In the House of Commons, Tracy Gilbert MP asked, “Can I welcome the actions outlined by my right honourable friend. In particular, I would like to welcome the announcement over the conference recess that GB Energy will be headquartered in Aberdeen with satellite sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“Can my right honourable friend outline the role he expects the satellite sites will have and given the investment already underway at the Port of Leith, the number of renewables companies already based in Leith and the potential for supply chains and manufacturing nearby will he consider locating the Edinburgh site in Leith?”
Speaking after her question, Tracy Gilbert MP said, “The transition to renewables is already taking place across Edinburgh and Leith, from the multi-million pound investment at the Port of Leith to support renewable infrastructure as part of the Forth Green Freeport deal.
“Alongside the number of renewables companies and manufacturers based locally and with the proximity to research and academic Leith is the ideal place for a GBE satellite site.
“I look forward to working with stakeholders in Leith to make the case for Leith to be chosen as the location for the GBE satellite site.”
The full exchange between Tracy Gilbert MP and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero can be found here:
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is calling on the Scottish Government to take urgent action to address the specific challenges faced by remote and rural communities in accessing and delivering healthcare services.
The Committee’s inquiry has found that recruitment and retention of staff is one of the key challenges to effective delivery of services in remote and rural areas. The report highlights the availability and affordability of housing, and access to education and training as significant barriers to recruiting and retaining staff.
The Committee is calling on decision-makers to recognise the extent to which a lack of available and affordable housing is acting as an indirect barrier to healthcare provision in remote and rural areas of Scotland, by making it very challenging for healthcare workers to locate themselves within the communities they wish to serve. It calls on relevant NHS Boards, local authorities, professional bodies, trade unions and other key stakeholders to work together to find practical solutions to these problems.
Another barrier highlighted in the report is the lack of locally available training and development opportunities for staff. The Committee is calling on the Scottish Government and the new National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care to set out how they will improve the availability and suitability of local training and development opportunities.
Difficulties with accessing healthcare services in remote and rural areas were repeatedly raised during the Committee’s evidence gathering. These include practical challenges for patients attending in-person appointments and the often substantial additional travel and accommodation costs, which the Committee say must be addressed.
The Committee highlights significant variations in policy on reimbursement of patient travel costs, depending where an individual lives and whether or not they are in receipt of benefits. It calls for a fairer and more consistent policy for reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs to be developed.
The importance of technology and digital infrastructure in facilitating access to healthcare in remote and rural areas was also raised repeatedly during the Committee’s evidence gathering.
While recognising that some will continue to prefer face-to-face appointments, the Committee is calling on the Scottish Government to set out the specific actions it is taking, or that may be required at UK Government level, to improve digital access to healthcare services in remote and rural areas.
The Committee commends existing good practice in the provision of remote and rural healthcare services, including that demonstrated by third sector organisations. However, it concludes that more action is needed to ensure this good practice is more consistently and widely shared across different organisations and areas.
Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said:“Our inquiry has shone a light on the unique challenges facing remote and rural healthcare services, both for those accessing and those delivering those services.
“The evidence suggests that often healthcare policy is developed as ‘one size fits all’, which fails to address the particular needs of remote and rural communities.
“We want to see a whole system approach which designs services in a way that is more flexible and responsive to local needs – while systematically learning from the good practice that is out there.
“We believe that developing a tailored approach to healthcare service delivery that reflects local challenges and circumstances should be an overarching priority of the new National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care.
“We also look forward to the forthcoming publication of the Scottish Government’s Remote and Rural Workforce Recruitment Strategy and how this strategy will address some of the workforce-related issues our report highlights.
“The voices of people who live in remote and rural areas and work or receive care in these settings have been at the centre of our inquiry and we thank them for their vital contribution to this report.”
Other findings in the report include:
The evidence gathered by the Committee suggests that the current NRAC funding formula fails to meet the specific needs of remote and rural areas. The Committee reiterates previous calls for this formula to be reformed to take better account of the specific challenges and associated higher costs of healthcare delivery in those areas, which include an ageing population, depopulation, and the greater requirement for small scale service delivery.
The Committee says it has heard extensive evidence of the specific challenges associated with implementing the 2018 General Medical Services (GMS) contract in remote and rural GP practices, in particular the practical challenges associated with trying to develop multi-disciplinary teams. The Committee is calling on the Scottish Government to explore the extent to which a revised, more flexible approach to implementation of the contract, specifically in remote and rural settings, might help to improve the sustainability of these services.
The Committee highlights evidence of acute pressures on the provision of social, palliative and end of life care services in remote and rural areas and warns that the tendency of an ageing population increasingly living in more remote and rural areas of the country will mean demand for these services will increase significantly in the years ahead.
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has slammed the Housing Minister over his statement to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday last week saying “Paul McLennan should be ashamed of his out-of-touch statement, which seems to be an embarrassing attempt from the SNP to congratulate themselves on their own failures.”
Mr Briggs highlighted the damage that rent controls have done to the rental sector, as well as the disastrous impact of SNP Ministers slashing £200 million from the housing budget.
Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian and East Lothian have received a total of 6,513 homelessness applications in the last year. The number of live homelessness applications across the four local authorities is 9,971.
The shockingly high number of children living in temporary accommodation, across Lothian local authorities, has risen to 3,700, well over the a third of the total number of children living in temporary accommodation across Scotland, 10,110.
Miles Briggs spoke in Labour party business on Housing last week to again raise the issue of homelessness as well as lack of appropriate housing stock in Scotland.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“Over the last eight years in which I have served as an MSP, I have never seen a more out if touch statement delivered by a Government Minister.
“After 17 years of this SNP Government homelessness across Lothian is dramatically worse than when the SNP came to power.
“The number of children living in temporary accommodation is shockingly high, with local authorities in Lothian having over a third of all children living in temporary accommodation across Scotland.
“SNP Ministers have made blunder after blunder leading to a national housing crisis, which could have been avoided with better leadership.
“We urgently need to see a new Scottish Government, with new ideas to start tackling Scotland’s homelessness crisis.”
Over 130 organisations, including NGOs, social justice charities, think tanks and economists, have come together to urge First Minister John Swinney to give the government’s backing to Sarah Boyack MSP’s Member’s Bill.
In a letter organised by WEAll Scotland, they tell Mr Swinney that “this is a key opportunity for the Scottish Parliament to work together to pass world leading legislation that delivers for the people of Scotland”.
Ms Boyack’s Member’s Bill aims to create better outcomes for future generations by placing new definitions of sustainable development and wellbeing into legislation.
It also seeks to establish a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Commissioner to end short-term thinking in policy decisions.
The bill received cross party support but has not yet been formally endorsed by the SNP.
In the SNP’s 2021 manifesto they committed to bringing forward a Wellbeing and Sustainability Bill, however only put a consultation forward after Ms Boyack published her bill.
In the open letter, signatories highlighted the benefits of this bill and urged Mr Swinney to support Sarah Boyack in bringing it into law
Commenting on the support, Ms Boyack said: “It is great to have such a wide range of support from stakeholders across sectors, for my bill.
“There is clearly a deep recognition of the benefits that this bill can bring Scotland.
“This gives us in Scotland the opportunity to be a real leader in this field.
“I hope the First Minister listens to these stakeholders and supports my bill to ensure that we can finally embed wellbeing into the heart of Scotland’s politics.”
WEAll Director Aileen McCleod added: “In a just and compassionate Scotland, everyone should have the opportunity to live a good and dignified life.
“We know that people are struggling as we face multiple crises for people and planet. It doesn’t have to be this way.
“Right now, the Scottish Government is not utilising the full extent of their devolved powers. The recent Programme for Government was a missed opportunity to deliver lasting change.”
Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive of Carnegie UK also commented: “New wellbeing legislation could help Scotland make headway with the biggest challenges of our time by forcing more long-term thinking.
“The Scottish Parliament should get behind Sarah Boyack’s Bill because the only way we’re going to tackle issues like climate change or child poverty is through thoughtful action, co-ordinated across government and the wider public sector.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statement on one-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks:
7 October 2023 was the darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. One year on, we stand together to remember the lives so cruelly taken.
Over a thousand people were brutally murdered. Men, women, children and babies killed, mutilated, and tortured by the terrorists of Hamas. Jewish people murdered whilst protecting their families.
Young people massacred at a music festival.
People abducted from their homes.
Agonising reports of rape, torture and brutality beyond comprehension which continued to emerge days and weeks later.
As a father, a husband, a son, a brother – meeting the families of those who lost their loved ones last week was unimaginable. Their grief and pain are ours, and it is shared in homes across the land.
A year on, that collective grief has not diminished or waned.
Yet their strength and determination to cherish the memories of those they had lost continues, and our determination to bring those still captive home endures. I stand firm in our commitment to bring the hostages home, and we will not give up until they are returned.
One year on from these horrific attacks we must unequivocally stand with the Jewish community and unite as a country. We must never look the other way in the face of hate.
We must also not look the other way as civilians bear the ongoing dire consequences of this conflict in the Middle East. I reiterate my call for immediate ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, and for the removal of all restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza.
We will not falter in our pursuit of peace and on this day of pain and sorrow, we honour those we lost, and continue in our determination to return those still held hostage, help those who are suffering, and secure a better future for the Middle East.
First Minister John Swinney expresses sympathy as he calls for peace:
First Minister John Swinney expressed his sympathy to the Jewish community as he remembers all those who lost their lives in the Hamas 7 October terror attacks a year ago.
Since the attacks, the Scottish Government has consistently called for the immediate release of all hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to all who need it, and a two-state solution with sovereign Israeli and Palestinian states.
The First Minister said: “The atrocious attacks carried out by the terrorist organisation, Hamas, on 7 October resulted in the worst single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. Jewish communities across the world, including here in Scotland, are deeply traumatised by the attacks.
“As we remember those who died, I express my sympathy to the Jewish community and all those who mourn.
“I also remember the thousands of innocent people who have been killed in the crisis over the last year. Now more than ever, an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza, and the Middle East.
“As communities across Scotland reflect on the 7 October terrorist attacks and the subsequent loss of further innocent life that has followed, I pledge the unwavering support of my government to ensure our communities remain united, that all communities are kept safe and that we live in a Scotland where people of all faiths, and none, can live in peace.”
‘Waiting Times Will Soar and Patient Care will Suffer’
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are urgently seeking answers from NHS Lothian regarding the temporary closure of the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh due to emergency repair works.
The sight loss charities are questioning the six-month closure timeline and are warning that it will result in longer waiting times and declining patient care, putting the eye health and mental wellbeing of thousands at heightened risk.
During a recent round table discussion in the Scottish Parliament on Monday 30th September, Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland, along with NHS Lothian’s Interim Chief Executive Jim Crombie, MSPs Sue Webber, Miles Briggs, and Sarah Boyack, and representatives from Visibility Scotland, RNIB Scotland, Sight Scotland’s Policy Group and the KEEP campaign, discussed the implications of the temporary closure.
Key concerns raised included:
Resilience and Contingency Plans: Clarity is needed on how NHS Lothian will handle patient reallocations, especially if moving patients to other locations becomes unviable, and what longer-term contingency plans exist if repairs exceed the 6-month timeframe.
Relocation of Services: NHS Lothian must confirm where outpatient, inpatient, day care, and emergency services will be provided during the closure.
Communication and Patient Support: Will NHS Lothian commit to timely, accessible updates and appointment information (e.g., large print, colour contrast, Braille, telephone calls) and ensure consistent patient support services throughout the disruption?
Transport and Accessibility: What transport options will be available for patients, especially those struggling to reach new locations? Will NHS Lothian seek to secure additional funds from the Scottish Government for taxis and ambulances?
Access to Medication: How will patients access medication from the specialist pharmacy, and will community pharmacies be an alternative?
Patient Data: How will patient data records be secured and shared, and what system will ensure quick transfer of essential paperwork to prevent delays in CVI registration?
Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “We are extremely concerned that the health and wellbeing of eye patients in Edinburgh and the Lothians is being overlooked once again.
“The temporary closure of the eye hospital raises serious questions about patient care, continuity of services, and access to essential treatments.
“This building has been deemed unfit for purpose for over a decade, yet NHS Lothian is set to pour millions into patching up a leaky roof, while the entire facility remains a disaster zone.
“This is a significant blow to patients in a region where ophthalmology services are already severely strained. With waiting times at an all-time high, they are now expected to worsen, causing further delays to vital treatments and placing the eye health and mental wellbeing of thousands at serious risk.
“Since the building was declared unfit for purpose in 2014, outpatient waiting times have quadrupled. Now, less than a third of patients are seen within 12 weeks, compared to 90% ten years ago. Patients cannot afford to wait this long for critical treatments, and it’s only going to get worse.
“There are so many urgent questions which need answered. What resilience plans are in place if some patient reallocations to alternative sites prove unviable?
“What contingency measures exist if the repairs extend beyond the planned six-month timeframe, will there be increased funding if the £1.8 million allocated for emergency repairs falls short? Where will those needing access to emergency eye care go?
“It is essential NHS Lothian works in partnership with third-sector organisations to support vulnerable patients during this difficult time, as many of them will be severely impacted.”
“The recent roundtable made it clear that concerns are widespread, and there’s still no comprehensive plan to improve eye care in the capital. We must keep pushing NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government for answers, both for immediate solutions and long-term improvements.
“How many more lives must be disrupted before funding for a new eye hospital is finally secured?”
A public health levy on alcohol and tobacco retailers is a crucial step to supporting frontline recovery services, says Scottish Green MSP Lorna Slater.
Ms Slater’s comments come as new Scottish Government stats show that 1,277 people in Scotland died in 2023 from alcohol misuse, with 163 of those deaths in the City of Edinburgh.
In the Scottish Parliament Lorna Slater pushed Scottish Government Minister Jenni Minto to reconsider the reintroduction of this levy as a surcharge on the non-domestic rates for large retailers selling alcohol and tobacco.
Currently retailers keep the additional revenue raised from minimum unit pricing. A recent report by the Fraser of Allander Institute for Alcohol Focus Scotland showed that a levy on retailers with a licence to sell alcohol and tobacco, set at 13p per pound, could raise £57 million a year for support services.
The majority of the funds raised would come from big national supermarket chains, who they say would make up 86% of all revenues.
The Scottish Government has committed to exploring the potential for the introduction of a levy as a result of budget negotiations with the Scottish Greens.
Ms Slater said: “Every one of these lost lives is a tragedy, and there will be people missing them and mourning them. We clearly need to change Scotland’s relationship with alcohol.
“We urgently need to tackle the root causes of alcohol misuse and ensure that we are funding recovery services to support people and communities that need it.
“Minimum unit pricing has been an important step forward, but the money made from it is staying with the supermarkets rather than being used to support people and families who are on the frontline of the crisis.
“If retailers are profiting from the sale of products that are damaging public health, like alcohol and tobacco, then they should also pay towards mitigating the health and social costs that they cause.
“This is something that I hope MSPs from all parties can agree on and work together to deliver. With a budget due later this year, I hope that the Scottish Government will apply a public health levy to ensure that we are supporting frontline recovery services.”
