Tag: Politics

Campaigners call on Scottish Government to back world-leading legislation

A broad group of campaigners have united to call for wellbeing and sustainable development to be at the heart of policy making in Scotland

Over 130 social and environmental justice NGOs, grassroots community groups, faith groups, service providers, funders, economists, academics, think tanks and business leaders have again joined forces in an open letter to the First Minister.

The group is united in their support of the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill proposed by Sarah Boyack MSP.

The letter, led by the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland (WEAll Scotland), is signed by One Parent Families Scotland, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, The Poverty Alliance, Scotland’s International Development Alliance, Independent Food Aid Network, Quakers in Scotland and many others.

The group, who previously wrote to the First Minister in June, express their disappointment and concern that the Scottish Government failed to deliver on their long-promised Bill in the Programme for Government.

In the letter campaigners proclaim: “We believe this Bill is a vital step towards building a Wellbeing Economy by ending short term, sticking plaster solutions that fail to tackle today’s challenges at their source.”

WEAll Scotland Director, Aileen McLeod, said: “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.”

The letter, sent to the First Minister John Swinney today, sets out how a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill would create a step change in policy making: “It would create a clear and shared narrative of progress for Scotland; establish wellbeing and sustainable development as the drivers of policy and practice; help tackle the nature and climate crises; and contribute to global justice.”

Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive at Carnegie UK, said: “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.”

Tejesh Mistry, Chief Executive of Voluntary Health Scotland, said: “This Bill should provide a vital pathway for addressing the increasing poverty and inequality in Scotland at a time when a forward-thinking Wellbeing Economy driven vision is key to providing hope for people and services that are suffering.”

David Kelly, Head of Scotland for Community Transport Association, said: “Too many of Scotland’s cities, towns and villages have been designed with car dependency built in.

“Bigger roads, more drive-thrus and new neighbourhoods without buses, cycle lanes or even pavements have only driven up congestion, emissions and ill-health. We need a clear and rigorous definition of sustainable development in law to prevent bad planning decisions, build more accessible places and end transport poverty.

“We hope that the Scottish Parliament can unite behind Sarah Boyack’s Members Bill to help develop a sustainable transport system which works for everyone.”

Aileen McLeod continues: “Now is the time for action, it is essential that the First Minister gives his full support to Sarah Boyack’s Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill.

“There is already cross party support and our letter demonstrates the breadth and depth of support across Scotland. This is a key opportunity for the Scottish Parliament to work together to pass world leading legislation that delivers for the people of Scotland.”

The letter reads:

WEAll Scotland WSD Bill follow up letter (2)Download

Starmer’s Labour all about greed and power, says resigning Labour MP

CANTERBURY MP Rosie Duffield has resigned from the Labour Party, criticising Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer – now labelled Free Gear Keir – for accepting thousands of pounds worth of personal items while at the same time removing Winter Fuel Payments from thousands of struggling pensioners.

Ms Duffield will now sit as an Independent MP.

Her scathingly critical letter is below:

Councils Withdraw Support for National Care Service Proposals

Council Leaders have withdrawn support for the Scottish Government’s revised National Care Service Bill.

The Bill is currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament.

Though continuing to back key areas of reform, including enhanced support for unpaid carers, care home visitation rights and efforts to improve the experience of the social work and social care workforce, Council Leaders have expressed concern that the amended Bill currently does not reflect a model which Local Government can support.

The decision of Local Government Leaders today comes as several organisations
have expressed doubt on the legislative approach adopted by Scottish Government, including those working across the care sector. Experts have also questioned the evidence for including, within the National Care Service, services which support children and young people.

Commenting, COSLA’s Health & Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly said: “Local Government cannot support the amended National Care Service Bill brought forward by Scottish Government.

“Local Government has been committed to working in partnership with the Scottish Government to develop proposals to deliver a National Care Service, but unfortunately the revised legislation does not effectively represent that partnership.

“Local Government is committed to continuing our engagement with key areas of reform which can deliver improved outcomes for people, unpaid carers and our workforce. We cannot, however, offer our support for the legislation brought forward at this stage”

“It is important that the views of people accessing, working in and planning front-line support services are listened to, both with regards to the NCS legislation and also the improvements needed to overcome the sustained financial and workforce pressures being experienced across Scotland.”

The National Care Service Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on June 20th 2022, and allows for the transfer of a range of social care, social work and community health functions from local authorities to a new centralised body under the direction of Scottish Ministers.

On July 12 2023, Local Government and Scottish Government announced a shared accountability partnership for delivering the National Care Service in an alternative way, with enhanced national strategic direction through the creation of a national NCS Board, but with a continued role for local decision-making and Local Government.

Parliament’s Health Social Care and Sport Committee has sought views on the revised National Care Service Bill. Responses include those from UNISON, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland,  Social Work Scotland, The Promise Scotland. COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson wrote to Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on 17th September 2024, accompanying COSLA’s full evidence submission on the draft, revised NCS Bill.

Ian Murray comments on Scotland’s latest GDP figures

Scotland’s onshore GDP grew by 0.3% in July 2024 according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician yesterday. This follows no growth in June 2024 (revised up from -0.3%).

In the three months to July, GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.3% compared to the previous three month period. This indicates a slight decrease in growth relative to the increase of 0.6% in 2024 Quarter 2 (April to June).

The two industries which made the biggest contribution to overall GDP growth in July were Manufacturing and Information and Communications Services, both of which contributed 0.1 percentage points of growth to headline GDP.

The monthly statistical publication and data is available from the Scottish Government’s website.

Starmer confirms Aberdeen to host Great British Energy HQ

2 smaller sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow

  • Prime Minister confirms Great British Energy will be headquartered in Aberdeen, a world-leader in engineering and infrastructure
  • Edinburgh and Glasgow will host 2 smaller sites, maximising skills and expertise across Scotland
  • the move will kickstart plans for the new publicly-owned company to ‘drive investment in clean home-grown energy, creating jobs and supporting growth across the UK’

Aberdeen has been named the new home of Great British Energy, drawing on the city’s world-leading engineering expertise to kickstart a UK-wide clean energy revolution.

As the location of the new headquarters, Aberdeen will be at the heart of the company’s plans to scale up clean homegrown power to boost energy independence, create skilled jobs across the UK and to support economic growth.

Two additional sites will open in Edinburgh and Glasgow, once Great British Energy is up and running, to benefit from local skills and expertise. The company will be initially located in government buildings across the cities, while permanent bases are established.

This marks the next step to kickstart Great British Energy, as part of its mission to become a clean energy superpower. An interim Chief Executive will soon to be appointed to take the lead on launching the new company and building its Aberdeen base – along with the start-up Chair Juergen Maier, former CEO of Siemens UK.

Within the first weeks of the new government, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband took immediate action to introduce the Great British Energy Bill to Parliament and – along with the Prime Minister – confirm a new partnership with The Crown Estate, to help accelerate new offshore wind farms.

The company – owned by the British people, for the British people – will attract private investment in the UK’s clean homegrown power, backed by £8.3 billion in government funding over this Parliament.

The move forms part of the government’s plans to support clean energy in the North Sea, ensuring Aberdeen continues to thrive as Scotland’s clean energy capital.

The UK Government recently announced the biggest ever investment in offshore wind and continues to progress technologies like carbon capture and storage and hydrogen – as well as ensuring that oil and gas is used for decades to come as part of a fair and balanced transition away from fossil fuels.

Scottish Parliament going to Glasgow to continue 25th anniversary events

HOLYROOD Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone will go to Glasgow next week as she continues her series of visits to all eight Scottish Parliament regions as part of marking the Parliament’s 25th anniversary.

The visit is an opportunity for the Presiding Officer to hear directly from local people about their reflections on the Parliament and their aspirations for its future. The Presiding Officer is seeking views on 25 years of devolution and how the Parliament has impacted local communities.

Taking place on Monday 30 September, the visit has been set up in collaboration with community organisations Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector and Willowacre Trust.

In the morning the Presiding Officer and Glasgow MSPs will meet with people who are supported by local community groups, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises. They will discuss the opportunities that exist for people to get involved in the Parliament’s work and will also hear about efforts to improve citizen engagement in the city.

In the afternoon, the Presiding Officer and MSPs will attend an interactive presentation of Willowacre Trust projects from community members. This will be followed by an opportunity to hear their views on the Parliament at 25 and what their priorities are for the future.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Presiding Officer Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “I’m excited to continue our visits across Scotland to meet with local people and to hear their views on the Parliament and their aspirations for its future.

“Although in its 25 years the Parliament has become an established part of public life in Scotland, we know there is work to do.

“Having already visited the Highland and Islands region and the Borders, this visit to Glasgow is an opportunity to meet with local community groups to hear about the challenges facing them and how their Parliament can best meet the needs of their communities.

“Scotland’s Parliament belongs to its people and its vital their voices are heard and help shape the Parliament’s future.”

Linda Allan, Community and Support Services Manager at Willowacre Trust said: “We are excited to welcome the Presiding Officer and members of the Scottish Parliament to Willowacre Trust’s community centre at the heart of Glasgow’s bustling Barrowfield community.

“Our team works in partnership with a diverse range of residents, volunteers and organisations from the local area to provide services and host events that address the needs of residents and help encourage community togetherness.

“This visit will be a valuable opportunity for our community members to meet the Parliamentary Team, and to speak with them about their experiences and the issues that matter most to them.”

Ian Bruce, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (GCVS) said: “We look forward to welcoming people to this Scottish Parliament anniversary celebration with the Presiding Officer and MSPs.

“This event will contribute to people feeling that the Scottish Parliament is accessible to them, which is so important. It won’t be too serious, though, and we’ll make sure everyone has fun with a little help from our friends at Nemo Arts.”

Chancellor unveils package to deliver new government’s agenda

  • 750 schools with primary aged pupils funded for breakfast club pilot to run from April 2025
  • New Industrial Strategy to be published in spring
  • Decision to write off over £640 million in written off Covid PPE contracts reversed
  • HMRC to consult on e-invoicing for businesses and government departments

The Chancellor yesterday unveiled a package of measures to deliver on the agenda of the new government including a breakfast club pilot for 750 schools with primary aged pupils, new powers for the Covid Corruption Commissioner, e-invoicing to support business and the next steps on the Labour government’s industrial strategy.

School Breakfast Club Pilot

The Chancellor announced that up to 750 schools with primary aged pupils will be invited to take part in a £7 million breakfast club pilot. The funding will allow these schools to run free breakfast clubs for their pupils in the summer term (April-July 2025).

The Department for Education will work with the schools selected as part of the pilot to understand how breakfast clubs can be delivered to meet the needs of schools, parents and pupils when the programme is rolled out nationally.

This will help reduce the number of students at schools with primary aged pupils starting the school day hungry and ensure children come to school ready to learn. It will also support the government’s aim to tackle child poverty by addressing rising food insecurity among children.

Covid Corruption Commissioner

Reeves also announced a block on any Covid-era PPE contract being abandoned or waived until it has been assessed by the new Covid Corruption Commissioner, whom will be appointed in October. 

The decision will affect £647 million of Covid PPE contracts where contract recovery was previously earmarked to be waived. 

It follows action already in motion to cut government waste and curb unnecessary spending. In her statement to Parliament in July, the Chancellor pledged to halve government consultancy spend from 2025-26, with savings targets of £550 million this financial year and a further £680 million in the next already announced.

Excessive use of ministerial travel by aeroplane and helicopter is also being cutdown, with confirmation that a military contract for a helicopter also used for VIP trips, is not being renewed at the end of the year as previously announced.

Industrial Strategy

The Chancellor also today announced that the Industrial Strategy will be at the heart of the government’s mission to grow the economy, unlock investment and make every part of the country better off. It will focus on delivering long-term change to the economy by making Britain a clean energy superpower and accelerating to net zero, breaking down barriers to regional growth, and building a secure and resilient economy.

A green paper will be published around Budget in October outlining the long-term sectoral growth and priority industries of the government, ahead of the final strategy published in the spring of 2025 following a consultation with business.

HMRC package

Chancellor Reeves also outlined a package of reforms to improve the UK’s tax system to help fix the foundations of the UK economy.

As part of the package, HMRC will soon launch a consultation on electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) to promote its wider use across UK businesses and government departments.

The introduction of e-invoicing can significantly reduce administrative tasks, improve cash flow, boost productivity, introduce automation, and reduce errors in tax returns – all helping to close the tax gap. The consultation will gather input from businesses on how HMRC can support investment in and encourage e-invoicing uptake.

The Chancellor also announced that Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray, the minister responsible for the UK’s tax system, has become the Chair of the HMRC Board. This is to help oversee the implementation of his three strategic priorities for HMRC; closing the tax gap, modernising and reforming, and improving customer service.

It was also announced that a new Digital Transformation Roadmap, aimed to be published in Spring 2025, will set out HMRC’s vision to be a digital first organisation underpinned by customer insight. The Roadmap will include measures to ensure digital inclusion and support for customers who cannot yet interact digitally.

There was a further update that new staff are expected to join HMRC’s training programme in November as 200 additional offer letters have been issued as part of the 450 letters already sent. This is part of HMRC’s plans to recruit an additional 5,000 compliance staff to help close the tax gap.

Housing Bill presents an opportunity to prevent homelessness – but more detail required, says Holyrood Committee

A Holyrood Committee has raised concerns about a lack of detail in a Bill which proposes a move away from a crisis management approach to a preventative approach to homelessness in Scotland.

The Social Justice and Social Security Committee has been scrutinising the homelessness and domestic violence aspects of the Housing (Scotland) Bill. While the Committee supports the principles of the proposals in the Bill, it wants the Scottish Government to outline how the measures will work in practice.

The practicalities of the “ask and act” duty, which calls on relevant public bodies to ask a person about their housing situation and to take action to prevent homelessness, were one aspect the Committee would like to understand in greater detail.

The Committee’s report asks how the Scottish Government will ensure that relevant bodies do not just refer people to the homelessness officers in their local authority.

The report also notes that there are problems with the Bill’s costings, as laid out in the Financial Memorandum. The Committee calls for this to be updated.

Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: “Our Committee agrees with this Bill’s goal of shifting Scotland’s approach to homelessness away from crisis intervention towards prevention.

“However, we do share witnesses’ concerns about the lack of detail in the Scottish Government’s plans. In particular, we would like to see more detail about how the ‘ask and act’ duty will operate in practice.

“We also acknowledge concerns raised about the Financial Memorandum. Our report recommends that the Scottish Government consult with stakeholders again and update costings as appropriate ahead of the Stage 1 debate on the Bill.”

The Committee also backed proposals in the Bill to support people affected by domestic abuse, although its report requests more information about the measures in the Bill will interact with other relevant policy and legislation.

In particular, the Committee heard that the Bill is linked to the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021. As the Act has not commenced in full, the Committee calls for a detailed plan and timeline to confirm when the laws in the Act will come into force.

Edinburgh MSP warns of looming deadline for Winter Fuel Payment

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has encouraged those across the city of Edinburgh who have not already applied for pension credit to do so by 22nd September to ensure they receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year.  

Across the UK, 37% of those eligible do not claim pension credit, which is now a prerequisite for receiving the Winter Fuel Payment of £300 after the UK Labour government cut its universal provision as part of its austerity agenda.

16th – 22nd September 2024 is qualifying week for those who are eligible for the payment this year, however over 800,000 pensioners across Scotland are now set to lose out.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald said: “The abhorrent decision by the Labour UK government to cut the Winter Fuel payment has put thousands of pensioners in an unimaginable situation.

“As a result, 67,555 across Edinburgh will miss out on the payment altogether whilst some who are eligible are also in danger of missing out.

“The SNP are clear;  this is a cruel and inexplicable decision by the Labour government that leaves pensioners across the city worse off.

“If you have not already done so, please check your eligibility and apply for pension credit by the end of this week to ensure you don’t miss out on vital support this winter.”