Tag: report

Unlocking Education For All

LEADING SCOTTISH VISION IMPAIRMENT ORGANISATIONS CALL ON SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TO ENDORSE NEW FRAMEWORK FOR VISION IMPAIRMENT EDUCATION

Scotland’s leading vision impairment charities, Sight Scotland and The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland are today supporting the launch of a new Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI). The CFVI addresses significant inequities in access to education for blind and partially sighted children and young people.

Calls for action which are presented in the CFVI report, published today, include:

  • recognised and referenced in Scotland Additional Support for Learning policies.
  • embedded in local authority service delivery frameworks.
  • followed by all educational settings supporting children and young people with vision impairment and their families, in partnership with vision impairment specialists.
  • To be embedded within competence frameworks for teachers of children with vision impairment and habilitation specialists across the UK.

The CFVI supports children and young people (CYP) with vision impairment (VI) to access an appropriate and equitable education. It ensures they are actively taught a range of independent learning, mobility, everyday living, and social communication skills.

Currently, access to these learning areas and teaching specialists is variable and differences in provision across local authorities mean many young people are missing out. The report details the significant consequences for children and young people which are evident in attainment and employment gaps.

Samantha Gough, 18, of Lasswade, Midlothian has been visually impaired from birth due cerebral visual impairment (CVI). For the last year, Samantha, who is now severely sight impaired, has had a flexible placement with Sight Scotland’s Royal Blind School in Edinburgh.

Her schooling is split between attendance at her mainstream school and the Royal Blind School, where she receives teaching and support from the Royal Blind School’s specialist team, including Qualified Teachers of Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (QTVIs) and habilitation specialists.  

Samantha said: “My sight started to get worse in 2014. As my sight has deteriorated over time, I’ve had to relearn how to live. I needed to do mobility training to find my way around the world again. 

“At the Royal Blind School, I’m learning how to use braille, which I love because I had lost the ability to read and write. I’m also learning independent living skills, things like cooking skills and learning how to go to the shops and advocate for myself by saying what support I need.

“I am just learning how to use the bus independently, which will hopefully progress to train travel. There are still struggles and things I’ll always need help with, but it’s about learning coping strategies and how I can do things on my own. I’ve been here for a year, and it’s been life changing. I think giving pupils with vision impairment the opportunity to have this specialist support is the best thing.” 

Davina Shiell, Director of Communications at Sight Scotland, said: “We know first-hand just how important specialist education is for children and young people who are blind or partially sighted.

“With the number of pupils in Scotland with a vision impairment close to reaching 5,000, blind and partially sighted children and young people must have full access to their education and for this to be achieved it is crucial we provide them with the additional specialist VI support they require to learn, develop and live independently.

“The title of the report says it all, ‘Unlocking Education For All’, yet access to specialist supports is fragmented across Scotland. That’s why we’re calling on the Scottish Government to embed the framework into ASN policies so that children and young people with a visual impairment aren’t left behind.”

Caireen Sutherland, Head of Education and CYPF at RNIB, said: “We need to work together to address where there are inequities in education provision and support available for CYP with VI.

“The CFVI shares the ambition of the proposed national standards and as it is grounded in both research and practice, it provides the evidence base on how to support CYP with VI.”

The report is the result from partnership working with vision impairment organisations across the UK, including the Vision Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research (VICTAR) at the University of Birmingham, the professional association for the Vision Impairment Education Workforce (VIEW) and Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT), who undertook a review of special educational needs and Additional Support Needs (ASN) across the UK.

For more information about the CFVI, please visit the RNIB website.

For more information on Sight Scotland please visit www.sightscotland.org.uk.

CFVI-Framework_Nov_22Download

Police Scotland is ‘Institutionally racist and sexist’

Chief Constable’s statement on institutional discrimination

Scotland’s Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM addressed the matter of institutional discrimination in policing at a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority Board today (Thursday, 25 May). His statement is in full below:

I have been the Chief Constable of Police Scotland for six of our 10 years and have been a police officer, holding the office of Constable for over 30 years. As such, I have a deep and personal sense of duty and responsibility for leading, shaping and representing an institution of which all the people of Scotland should be hugely proud.

Police Scotland has grown into an organisation known to be compassionate, values based, and highly competent. It is well regarded nationally, extremely well regarded internationally, but I know it can improve, must improve.

Institutional racism, sexism and institutional discrimination have become iconic terms in the vital battle to tackle injustice. Police officers and staff, including police leaders, can be conflicted both in acknowledging their existence and in using such terms, fearing it would unfairly condemn dedicated and honourable colleagues or that it means no progress has been made since the 1990s.

Truly, I recognise and understand that conflict. I have experienced that conflict myself over a number of years.

The meaning of institutional racism set out by Sir William Macpherson in 1999 in his report on the appalling murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 is, rightly, very demanding.

The phrase, the terminology, however, can be and often is misinterpreted or misrepresented as unfair and personal critical assessments of police officers and police staff as individuals.

That is not the case.

Does institutional discrimination mean our police officers and police staff are racist and sexist? No. It absolutely does not. I have great confidence in the character and values of our people. I am proud of Police Scotland and I am proud of my colleagues, proud of my officers and staff.

So I know and have shared the reservations and concerns about acknowledging that institutional discrimination exists in policing.

However, it is right for me, the right thing for me to do as Chief Constable, to clearly state that institutional racism, sexism, misogyny and discrimination exist. Police Scotland is institutionally racist and discriminatory. Publicly acknowledging these institutional issues exist is essential to our absolute commitment to championing equality and becoming an anti-racist Service. It is also critical to our determination to lead wider change in society.

Prejudice and bad behaviour within policing, as highlighted by court and conduct cases, various independent reviews and by listening to our own officers and staff over recent years, is rightly of great concern and is utterly condemned.

There is no place in Police Scotland for those who reject our values and standards. Our vigilance as an organisation has never been stronger – rigorous recruitment; enhanced vetting; more visible conduct outcomes; and a focus on prevention.

Every officer in Scotland swears an oath when they take up the Office of Constable to do their duty with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding human rights and according equal respect to our fellow citizens, according to law. Such an oath rightly requires high levels of personal accountability.

Our officers and staff, my colleagues, do incredible things to keep our communities safe, to keep their fellow citizens safe. I know they take their duties and responsibilities incredibly seriously. Their success is illustrated by the strong bond of trust we share with the public of Scotland and our role as the service of first and last resort in times of crisis.

But we know, I know, people from different backgrounds or with different requirements don’t always get the service that is their right. We know that, for the same reasons, our own officers and staff don’t always have the experiences they deserve. When an organisation doesn’t have all the necessary policies, processes, practices and systems in place to ensure that doesn’t happen, it’s an institutional matter.

A candid, clear, assessment of institutional discrimination means recognising our absolute duty to provide just and effective policing for all according to their specific needs and circumstances. It also requires identifying and removing the deep-rooted barriers to achieving this. These are necessary steps to progress the commitment that Police Scotland will be anti-racist; a personal commitment I made to my fellow citizens at the commencement of the Public Inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh. And, as a commitment to the people of Scotland, it is also a commitment to Sheku Bayoh’s family and loved ones.

The onus is on us, the police service, to address gaps and challenge bias, known or unwitting, at every level, wherever bias occurs, to maintain and build confidence with all communities.

Recognising institutional discrimination, institutional racism, in my view, is a statement of reality. The real challenge, the real test, is how are we working to address it, what are we doing about it?

Our Policing Together programme identifies and co-ordinates effective and sustainable change right across Police Scotland.

We are actively, genuinely, listening to under-represented communities, inside policing and across our country and beyond, to understand how we can better serve them.

We are investing to give every police leader the skills and tools they need to build inclusive, effective teams. We are committed to increasing our knowledge and learning on inclusion. We are open, we want to know more. We are committed to regularly and actively challenging and changing our own policies and procedures to eradicate unwitting bias.

In my view, all organisations, not only in policing, should share and make those commitments to move beyond words and focus on action.

Our intention, my intention, is to move towards meeting the ambition set out by Sir William Macpherson to eliminate racist prejudice and disadvantage and demonstrate fairness in all aspects of policing.

A great strength of policing in Scotland is our diversity – anyone can be a police officer. We will attract, retain and promote a diverse workforce which reflects and represents our communities.

The police are the public and the public are the police and this is truer in Scotland than anywhere else.

Earlier this year, I appointed a chief officer dedicated to providing the sustained and visible leadership required to co-ordinate and drive this essential work.

Of course, our operational response to reports from women; from people with black or Asian heritage; people who have disabilities; LGBTI citizens; anyone from a minority group; is vital, crucial, in maintaining the confidence of all our communities.

The confidence to come forward, the confidence to know you will be treated fairly, treated with respect and with assurance that Police Scotland will respond professionally and with compassion to your own particular circumstances, characteristics and needs.

Developing our policing response to violence against women and girls and hate crime will ensure we continue our vital role in helping build a society in this country where everyone feels safe and secure and is able to thrive and flourish and truly be themselves.

We know the onus is on us in policing to continue to earn the trust of all communities. Because that relationship is the foundation of police legitimacy and vital to our ability to keep people safe. It is our moral duty. It is an operational necessity.

Injustice and discrimination are insidious wrongs with deep roots in history and our work to address institutional discrimination will and must continue beyond me as Chief Constable, beyond any individual. Acknowledging institutional discrimination, acknowledging institutional racism will, I believe, act as a catalyst to drive and embed progress. The whole service must and will retain our resolve, our commitment and our focus.

Our success, the success of policing in Scotland, will be measured by the improved experiences of our officers and staff, and of all the communities, all our fellow citizens, who we serve.

Recognition that institutional racism exists within Police Scotland is a key step, a fundamental step forward towards being an inclusive Service which champions equality for all the people of Scotland. It is the right thing to do and will make policing in Scotland even more effective in keeping people safe.

Understanding and recognising institutional racism and all forms of institutional discrimination within Police Scotland can, and should, be a source of confidence and optimism for officers and staff, for our organisation, that, collectively, we can lead necessary change in the Service and, indeed, contribute to change across society.

And our progress, our commitments, should act as a challenge to other services, other agencies, organisations and institutions – whether in business; academia; political parties; media outlets; bodies across the public, private and third sectors – to look to themselves rigorously and honestly, as we have done, and join and support the mission to eradicate discrimination.

Scotland as a whole must commit ourselves to that purpose. The Police Service of Scotland is committed that mission, committed to ensuring our police service, your police service and institutions are, together with the people of Scotland, building fairness, equality and justice.

Scottish Police Authority Chair’s response to statement on culture in Police Scotland:

Unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and stereotyping exists in every part of our society and I would challenge any organisation to acknowledge its existence in their service or sector.

The Chief Constable’s announcement today is a watershed moment.

It is widely accepted that policing is not immune to the discrimination that exists in our society.

Acknowledging that the processes, attitudes and behaviours of an organisation are discriminatory – however unconsciously that may be – is the crucial next step for effective organisational development.

Police Scotland have put an enormous amount of work in to the strategies and process to drive a positive and anti-discriminatory culture.

The Authority is confident that this marks that moment for policing – one that moves the focus from continually describing problems within Police Scotland to ‘what and how we change’

Any right-minded person is wholly against such discrimination. However, as I know as former housing campaigner, being against things is not that difficult. The real challenge is to set out ‘what are we for and how are going to get there’ ….. not what are we against.

There will be two small, but very vocal groups, for whom this move to focus on change will be unwelcome.

First, those who think that all police services and indeed all police officers are irredeemably discriminatory. For them there is no optimism for policing. For them, all change is futile as policing is and always will be hopelessly and irreparably discriminatory.

The second group are those who refuse to accept there is any institutional or individual discrimination in policing. For them change is wholly unnecessary. In their eyes no change is needed because there is no problem.

We live in an increasingly polarised society. Given these two rather absurd extremes – hopelessness at one end and complacency at the other – we should be very wary of either pushing or pulling us into their camp.

Both are complete dead ends.

The Authority is grateful to the Chief Constable, his senior team and Police Service of Scotland as a whole. It takes a very advanced degree of realism, self-reflection, strength, effort and courage to reach this point.

Today’s agenda and focus on EDI shows that there is a rock-solid base for this announcement. A clear and open route map to move forward. Making change, measuring that change and increasing the pace of that change is now crucial and will be the test of sincerity.

We must also continue to listen to all those affected. Speak out and never be bystanders and support affected individual and communities.

There will be widespread relief that we can move onto talk about what evidence of change others can offer.

I want to challenge other public and private bodies: charities, academic institutions, the media, staff associations and trade unions. Where does your organisation stand on this issue?

Addressing institutional discrimination is complex and will require sustained joint effort and commitment.

While individual and service actions can make a difference, lasting change will require collective action across all our public and private institutions to create a more equitable and just society.

You can watch the full discussion, including board member questions, on SPA’s Livestream channel.

Majority of Scots will take COVID-19 vaccines in the future

A report published yesterday by Healthcare Improvement Scotland finds that the majority of Scots will take COVID-19 vaccines in the future, based on their experiences with COVID-19.

The survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government, asked questions about people’s motivations around vaccination as we move away from the pandemic.

Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine has been high and the survey asked people if they would take up new offers of COVID-19 vaccination, or, if not, to understand their reasons why.

The Citizens’ Panel survey, which ran between November 2022 and February 2023, found that of the 667 people who responded to the survey, the majority of respondents (72%) said they would take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine in the future. The survey also found that of those who will take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine in future, their main reasons were to protect themselves (88%) and to protect others (82%).

One respondent said: “If I can do this to help myself and others, and know the vigorous testing the vaccines have gone through, then why wouldn’t I accept the vaccine?”

Some 12% said they would decline the offer and 17% were not sure. Where respondents did not want it, the most common reason given was concern over possible long-term side effects of the vaccine.

In addition, all respondents were asked if their decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine has changed over time. The majority said that their decision has not changed (82%). Some 16% said they wanted it at first, but now they don’t, and just 2% said that they didn’t want it at first but now they do.

The survey asks if people are more or less likely to take up the offer of other vaccines, such as flu or childhood vaccines, based on their COVID-19 vaccine experiences, with 36% saying  more likely, 56% saying it’s made no difference, and just 7% saying they are less likely.

Simon Watson, Medical Director at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “Vaccination is an absolutely essential element of our response to COVID-19 including future variants. It is vital to protect individuals, their families and the wider population of Scotland.”

Clare Morrison, Director of Community Engagement at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “The findings around vaccination motivations highlight the positive public attitudes towards vaccination, as well as potential areas for improvement, mainly around the need to develop clear and accessible information about vaccine side effects and the benefits of vaccination including their effectiveness against serious illness.”

The report recommends the Scottish Government should continue to consider how to ensure positive and accessible vaccination experiences for all.

It also notes the Government should consider exploring people’s concerns further and their experiences around side effects. Developing further clear and accessible messaging around side effects, and the benefits and effectiveness of vaccination against serious illness may help address this.

Visit our Community Engagement website to access the full report.

Air Quality Improvement Plan receives Committee approval

The Scottish Government’s Air Quality Improvement Plan has been met with approval following scrutiny carried out by Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee.

In its report published today, the Committee described the strengthening of policy guidance around air pollution as ‘a positive step forward’ in addressing nitrogen dioxide levels in Scotland. However, it says the Scottish Government must address important questions about how it will improve governance and enforcement of air quality standards.

The Committee calls for SEPA to take a more robust enforcement approach and says that clarity is needed as to whether the body has all the statutory powers and resources it needs to fulfil its role in relation to air quality – especially given its resources are already limited and it has other existing obligations.

The report also emphasises the need for local authorities to be better funded. With resource and staffing constraints relieved, councils would be better able to perform their crucial preventative, attention-raising, monitoring and enforcement role.

Edward Mountain MSP 22 November 2022. Pic-Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament

Launching the report, Committee Convener, Edward Mountain, said; “A robust system of monitoring and enforcement is crucial to tackling air pollution. Yet historically SEPA has not been assertive enough in its approach to tackling non-compliance by local authorities in meeting their air quality standards.

“If SEPA is to conduct its oversight role to full effect, the Scottish Government must ensure it is adequately resourced. Likewise, without the right funding and resources in place, councils will not be able to deliver the expected improvements to air quality in their local areas.

“To access the many economic, social and environmental benefits good air quality will deliver, including helping to meet the Scottish Government’s target of achieving Net Zero by 2045, positive action must be taken. We hope the findings and recommendations in our report will help to achieve this.

“Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge and expertise with us during our consideration of the Improvement Plan.”

Additional recommendations made by the Committee to accelerate the improvement of air quality in Scotland include that the Scottish Government should;

  • Lean harder on local authorities to ensure they speed up the implementation of their Air Quality Action Plans.
  • Clarify whether it is satisfied that SEPA has all the statutory powers and resources it needs to fulfil its oversight and enforcement of the Local Air Quality Management system.
  • Set out what steps it will take to ensure SEPA delivers greater transparency and accountability as Scotland’s main air quality watchdog.
  • Complete an air quality data review paying particular attention to the proportion of monitoring sites to be situated near schools and hospitals.

During the inquiry, the Committee also assessed the effectiveness of Scottish Government policy and practise by considering its’ ‘Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 Strategy’; the implementation and impact of Low Emission Zones; and Scotland’s performance in relation to international best practice.

Related recommendations include for example;

  • In the Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 Strategy – air quality considerations should be mainstreamed across all climate change, health, transport and planning policy decisions whether at a national or local level. There should also be a focus on encouraging an uptake in qualifications and roles within planning and environmental health professions.
  • The Scottish Government should work with all local authorities to find bespoke transport-based air quality solutions in urban areas and in rural areas it should identify what further support is needed for the launch of Low Emission Zones.
Net-Zero-Energy-Transport-Air-Quality-ReportDownload

Domestic Abuse Act has begun to have a positive impact but more must be done, says Holyrood committee

‘a thousand words’ commissioned by Scottish Womens Aid and Zero Tolerance. Copyright Laura Dodsworth

The introduction of the 2018 Domestic Abuse Act has been an important step but more action is needed in implementing the Act and tackling domestic abuse, say the Criminal Justice Committee.

As part of post-legislative scrutiny, the Committee has been reviewing the impact of the 2018 Act and how effective it has been in achieving the objectives set out by the Scottish Government. The Act’s key provision created a new offence around non-physical forms of abuse such as coercive control.

The Committee say there is strong support for the 2018 Act amongst prosecutors, law enforcement, and women’s groups and that it is beginning to have an impact, including increasing prosecutions.

However, the Committee believe progress has been too slow and they have called on several issues to be addressed.

The Committee highlight issues with the practical implementation of the 2018 Act, particularly within the police service, the Crown Office and the courts. They call for a ‘short-life implementation group’ to be setup tasked with accelerating progress and tackling the issues raised in the Committee report.

On Police Scotland, the reports highlights delays in specialist training for officers on domestic abuse cases. The Committee says it does not doubt the service’s commitment to tackling domestic abuse and notes resource implications.

However, they say more must be done to ensure that any officer called to the scene of a domestic abuse incident has received relevant training and can recognise the types of situations covered by the Act, particularly those of a non-physical nature.

The Committee also highlight criticism of the current sentencing regime for crimes of domestic abuse and whether more can be done in relation to breaches of non-harassment orders.

They welcome the review of sentencing guidelines by the Scottish Sentencing Council but call on the Cabinet Secretary to consider whether current sentencing policy for offences and for breaches is providing adequate protection for victims.

The Committee voice concern over evidence received by Dr Claire Houghton, who says victims and survivors have described the process of reporting domestic abuse and participating in court trials as “unremittingly grim”.

The Committee highlight the introduction of the recent Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill as an opportunity to tackle this issue and to ensure victims and survivors are not traumatised further when reporting these types of crimes.

Speaking as the report was published, Committee Convener, Audrey Nicoll MSP, said: “It’s clear the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 is supported across the sector and is an important part of efforts to tackle all forms of domestic abuse in Scotland. 

“However, there are undoubtedly still issues which need to be addressed.

“Evidence we have gathered has highlighted issues with implementing provisions in the Act, particularly across the police service, the Crown Office and the courts.

“We have concerns over the sentencing of crimes of this nature and on ensuring there is adequate and ongoing training so all police officers responding to domestic abuse cases can do so effectively.

The Convener added: “It is clear to the Committee that the original communication campaign around the 2018 Act was pivotal in raising public awareness of these issues at the time.

“We are calling on the Scottish Government to consider running an updated campaign, including one which targets children, as a way to continue to effectively highlight the various forms of domestic abuse.

“Domestic abuse as well as violence against women and girls is completely unacceptable and it is clear that more should be done to tackle this issue and support both victims and survivors.”

Other key recommendations in the report:

  • The Committee recommend the Scottish Government review how the use of an aggravator included in the Act is being implemented (as relates to the involvement of a child in domestic abuse cases).
  • The Committee highlight evidence that some perpetrators of domestic abuse seek to use the civil courts (e.g. through child custody and contact disputes) to further the abuse of their victims. They have asked the Cabinet Secretary to consider whether a pilot single court/judge model, when cases involve both civil and criminal matters, could help combat this.

Benefits health assessments system continues to let people down, say MPs

The health assessments system to access vital benefits for those who cannot work or face extra costs due to disability or ill-health continues to let down those who rely on it, according to Westminster’s Work and Pensions Committee.

In its latest Report, the Committee calls for the implementation of several measures that would be relatively quick and easy wins to improve trust, drive down the high rate of decisions reversed on appeal and reduce waiting times.

It says assessments should be recorded by default, with claimants having the option to opt-out, adding that footage could be used to review cases more accurately without having to go to appeal, and help assessors learn from past mistakes.

Some of the improvements the Committee suggest could drive down the high rate of decisions reversed on appeal, which still stands at 69% for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Although the Work Capability Assessment used for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance is due to be abolished, it will remain in place until at least 2026. Meanwhile, PIP assessments will continue, so retaining the status quo is not an option.

MPs on the Committee also recommended allowing claimants to choose between remote or in-person assessments, extending the deadline to return forms, targets to reduce assessment waiting times, and payments to people who have been forced to wait beyond the new targets.

The predecessor Committee originally published a report on significant problems in assessments in 2018, but many of the recommended changes have not been made.

Committee Chair Sir Stephen Timms MP said: ““We surveyed eight and a half thousand people as part of our inquiry and found a profound lack of trust in the system as a consistent theme.

“Many will welcome abolition of the Work Capability Assessment.  The Government’s process improvements, and recognition that the system causes undue stress and hardship, are steps in the right direction.

“However, waiting years for changes won’t cut it when quicker wins are available:  flexibility of choice on assessment by phone or face-to-face; recording assessments by default; extending deadlines to reduce stress; and sending claimants their reports. All this will give much-needed transparency to a process that so few trust yet affects their lives so fundamentally.

“All efforts must be made for unnecessary limbo and stress for claimants to be put to an end.”

easy-readDownload

Research highlights the challenges for unpaid carers aged 65 and above across Scotland

Carers Trust Scotland today is releasing research about the lived experiences of older adult unpaid carers in Scotland. Over 450 participants shared their experiences and the unique challenges they face as an unpaid carer.

The impact of caring unpaid on one’s health and wellbeing was highlighted in the report, with 80% of participants stating that their physical health, and 87% of respondents stating their mental health and wellbeing, had been affected by their caring role. 

65% of respondents said that they experience feelings of loneliness some of the time, and a further 19% said they often felt lonely.

“My health is deteriorating quite rapidly and I am afraid as to what may happen to loved ones should I die.”

The report also explores the support available for older adult unpaid carers. 18% of respondents feel as though they have no time for themselves.

Furthermore, a quarter of respondents (25%) reported having difficulty being able to find the support they need as an unpaid carer. By not having the adequate support in place to support their caring role, it prevents many from being able to have break. Our research found that in the past 12 months, 18% reported that they had tried to take a break but had not been able to.  

As well as an impact on health, many older adult unpaid carers experience financial difficulty, with 82% of respondents feeling as though their caring role has financially impacted them.

Challenges in retaining employment and developing a career alongside a caring role were highlighted by unpaid carers. Also, older adult unpaid carers with an underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance but no longer in receipt of the benefit due to receiving a full State Pension expressed their anger and frustration, with many feeling they are financially penalised due to their age whilst maintaining a substantial caring role.

“Not getting Carer’s Allowance is shocking. I care 24/7 non-stop. I would get State Pension anyway caring or not. Pension is not a benefit. When one needs the funds for caring, it stops. State Pension is there for me, not to supplement the caring role. I have not had Carer’s Allowance in 15 years.”

The report also explores the impact of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with many older adult unpaid carers sharing ways in which they have tried to save money over the past 12 months.

  • 37% have used less gas/electricity in their homes.
  • 35% have cut back on essentials.
  • 19% have skipped meals, and 16% have used a food bank.
  • 27% have used their pension pot for everyday expenses.

In addition to publishing the lived experiences of older adult unpaid carers in Scotland, the research report also puts forward recommendations for support for unpaid carers and carer services and staff.

Among its recommendations, Carers Trust Scotland is calling for:

  • Scottish Government extend Carer Support Payment to older adult unpaid carers with underlying entitlement who are receiving State Pension.
  • Health and Social Care Partnerships and local authorities provide ringfenced funding to local carer organisations dedicated to providing physical and mental health support for older adult unpaid carers. Additionally, develop specific programmes aimed at combatting social isolation and loneliness amongst older adult unpaid carers.
  • Scottish Government creates a dedicated section in the Older Adult Framework on older adult unpaid carers.
  • Scottish Government ensures there is a dedicated section on unpaid carers in the upcoming Dementia Strategy, with particular focus on where to turn to for support.

Jim Guyan, an unpaid carer from Shetland, said: “This report highlights the continuing lack of recognition and support given to elderly unpaid carers by the establishment. 

“It also makes recommendations that require action immediately.”

Becky Duff, Director of Carers Trust Scotland, comments: “The changes in demographic trends in Scotland has seen our population begin to age over recent decades. It is therefore vital that we understand the challenges facing unpaid carers aged 65 and above which will be key in helping us support them.

“The research report highlights that older adult unpaid carers across Scotland experience numerous impacts to their everyday lives, including in health, finances and support in their caring role.

“Many older unpaid carers have also faced challenges with employment, whether that is throughout their career and not having the same opportunities as those who don’t have caring roles, or in having to give up employment early due to their caring role.

“We are pleased to publish this report and believe every effort should be made to support the implementation of the report’s recommendations, which we believe will support older adult unpaid carers across Scotland.”

Cash call for crumbling colleges

More funding, more flexibility, and clearer priorities need to be given to Scotland’s college sector according to a report issued by Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People Committee.

The Committee have been looking at the progress of the regionalisation of Scotland’s college system. Their new report has found that while the reforms have had some positive impacts, Scotland’s colleges are being held back by funding issues. The Committee is now urging the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council to do more.

The Committee is extremely concerned about the significant back log in maintenance work that Scotland’s colleges need. Its report highlights a survey from 2017, which disclosed that one third of the college estate was not wind or watertight. This will also counter any progress with the sector reaching its net zero targets.

In response, the Scottish Funding Council told the Committee that it was providing colleges with around £30 million per year for maintenance. Yet a briefing from Audit Scotland said that this figure meant there was a £321 million shortfall in maintenance funding since 2018-19.

The briefing said that maintenance needs “…pose a risk to colleges’ ability to maintain the suitability and safety of their buildings.”

Scottish Government reforms to the college landscape began in 2012, resulting in the creation of 13 college regions. It was hoped that college provision would be better aligned with employer and learner needs, helping meet national ambitions for jobs and growth.

The report finds that the reforms have had some positive outcomes. The creation of ‘colleges of scale’, which are better placed to engage with educational and economic partners, is one such positive. The report also credits regionalisation with helping to widen access to higher education.

The Committee compliments colleges for their good work in the report, noting that they support skills development and platforms for lifelong learning. The report also says colleges play a critical role in helping the Scottish Government deliver its economic strategy.

However, the financial issues identified by the report are likely to become more pronounced. Colleges must meet net-zero commitments by 2045.

To help, the report asks the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council to ensure colleges have greater flexibility. Changes to colleges’ finances and goals are viewed as vital in ensuring their financial sustainability and delivering on their ambitions to support both the learner and the economy.

Sue Webber MSP, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee said: “Our report lays bare the shortcomings of the current funding model and the lack of flexibility our colleges have.

“During our inquiry we heard witnesses express frustration about colleges finances. The challenges colleges face will make it more difficult for them to respond to Scotland’s needs and priorities.

“However, the critical findings in our report are not a reflection on the hard work of colleges or their staff. Colleges continue to deliver high-quality, highly respected qualifications and professional training.

“Regionalisation has been, on balance, beneficial, but we want to help colleges meet the ambitions of all Scots. The Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council must work together to ensure our colleges have more cash, more flexibility, or clearer priorities.”

Minimum Unit Pricing ‘reducing alcohol deaths’

Report estimates the policy has saved hundreds of lives

Today, Public Health Scotland (PHS) and The Lancet publish new evidence showing the impact of alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP) on deaths and hospital admissions attributable to alcohol consumption. The report has been welcomed by the Scottish Government.

Carried out in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, the study evaluated the impact of MUP on alcohol health harms, over the first two-and-half years of the policy.

The study estimated a 13.4% reduction in deaths, and a 4.1% reduction in hospital admissions, wholly attributable to alcohol consumption following the implementation of MUP. The study also found that MUP reduced deaths and hospital admissions where alcohol consumption may be one of a range of causative factors. The findings cover the period from MUP implementation up to the end of 2020.

This latest report builds on previous work that estimated alcohol sales reduced by 3% in the three years following the implementation of MUP.

Dr Grant Wyper, Public Health Intelligence Adviser at PHS, said: “Our study estimates that, following more than two and a half years of implementation, around 150 deaths, and around 400 hospital admissions, wholly attributable to alcohol consumption, were averted each year due to MUP.

“The greatest reductions were seen for chronic alcohol health harms, in particular alcoholic liver disease, which were slightly offset with less certain evidence of increases in acute alcohol health harms.

“The findings highlight that the largest reductions were found for males, and for those living in the 40% most deprived areas, groups which are known to experience disproportionally high levels of alcohol health harms in Scotland.

“We know that those living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas in Scotland experience alcohol-specific death rates more than five times higher compared to those living in the least deprived areas.

“The results published today are therefore very encouraging in addressing this inequality, and the overall scale of preventable harm which affects far too many people.”

Prof Daniel Mackay, Professor of Public Health Informatics at the School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, said: “The methods we’ve used in this study allow us to be confident that the reduction in alcohol health harms we’ve shown is due to the introduction of MUP, rather than some other factor.

“This was important as the COVID-19 pandemic occurred towards the end of our study period and may have had an impact on alcohol-related health harms that was unrelated to MUP. Our main findings for the whole study period were consistent with findings from an additional analysis that focused on the pre-pandemic period only.

“In fact, we tested our main finding across a range of different scenarios and found the results to be largely consistent with our main finding, strengthening our conclusion that MUP has been effective at reducing the harm to health caused by alcohol.”

Prof Jim Lewsey, Professor of Medical Statistics also at the School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, added: “Our approach compared what happened to alcohol health harms in Scotland with its neighbouring country, England, where MUP was not introduced.

“The methods we have used and the consistency of our findings with what was anticipated before MUP was introduced, allow us to be confident that the reduction in alcohol health harms is because of the MUP intervention.”

The MUP Evaluation Portfolio comprises of a number of research studies that are being undertaken to assess the impact of MUP across a range of outcomes, all of which have now been concluded. A report bringing together all the evaluation findings will be published in June 2023.

Research which estimates 156 deaths were averted each year following the implementation of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) has been welcomed by the Public Health Minister Maree Todd.

A Public Health Scotland and University of Glasgow study indicates a 13.4% reduction in deaths, and a 4.1% reduction in hospital admissions wholly attributable to alcohol consumption in the first two and a half years after MUP was introduced in May 2018. The report also concludes the policy had reduced deaths and hospital admissions where alcohol consumption may have been a factor.

Researchers say they are confident there is a link between the introduction of MUP and the reduction in alcohol health harms. They also noted there had been significant reductions in deaths in areas of deprivation, suggesting MUP has helped reduce inequalities in alcohol-attributable deaths in Scotland.

Ms Todd said: “I am very pleased with these findings which point to more than 150 lives a year being saved and 411 fewer hospital admissions, further underlining the value of our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing policy which has helped reduce alcohol sales to their lowest on record.

“We’re determined to do all we can to reduce alcohol-related harm which is one of the most pressing public health challenges that we face in Scotland.

“Minimum Unit Pricing continues to achieve its aim – cutting overall sales, particularly cheap high-strength alcohol, which is often drunk by people drinking at harmful levels.

“It’s also encouraging to see that the research has highlighted that the policy is having an effect in Scotland’s most deprived areas – which experience higher death rates and levels of harms from problem alcohol.”

The study – published by PHS and the Lancet – focused on the first two-and-half years of the policy. It follows a previous report which estimated that alcohol sales had dropped by 3% after MUP. A report bringing together all the evaluation findings on MUP will be published in June this year.

PHS report – ‘Evaluating the impact of alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP) on alcohol-attributable deaths and hospital admissions in Scotland’. 

evaluating-the-impact-of-alcohol-minimum-unit-pricing-mup-on-alcohol-attributable-deaths-and-hospital-admissions-in-scotland-briefing-paperDownload