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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
A year ago on Friday P&O Ferries made nearly 800 workers redundant with only half an hour’s notice.Experienced sailors with an average of 20 years on the job were replaced with inexperienced and poorly paid agency staff.
But for all the strong words from ministers, 12 months later British workers are more vulnerable than ever.
P&O Ferries was able to get away with its actions because weak UK employment meant any sanctions would be outweighed by the savings they could make on their wage bill.
We know this because the chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite openly admitted P&O Ferries had broken the law when questioned by MPs.
The government promised swift action to prevent a scandal like P&O Ferries occurring again.
But the Insolvency Service declined to pursue criminal charges for P&O Ferries’ failure to inform the authorities of its plans in time. It also hasn’t sought to disqualify P&O Ferries’ directors.
Ministers have done little to close the legal loopholes P&O Ferries exploited
The Seafarer’s Wages Bill is intended to ensure that all vessels that dock at UK ports a minimum of 120 times a year have to pay at least National Minimum Wage equivalent. This gives a lot of scope for employers to avoid it.
On top of that, the surcharges imposed on operators who fail to pay NMWe are determined by port authorities. These might be the same companies that operate the ferries; and if not they will be motivated to set the charges low to secure business from ferry operators.
In either case there is ample potential for charges to be set so low that it is economical for operators to pay well below the NMWe and pay the surcharges as the cost of doing business.
Laws intended to force employers to consult with workers, inform state authorities of their plans and do proper health and safety checks have been left untouched.
The right to strike is under attack
Not only have ministers failed to prevent another P&O Ferries, they have gone out of their way to undermine workers rights and leave them more vulnerable.
The government is rushing through legislation that could impose minimum service levels if workers in transport workers, teachers, nurses, border force, fire and ambulance services and in nuclear decommissioning take industrial action. This is a draconian attack on the right to strike.
It has already been condemned by trade unions across the world and criticised by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Rest assured if the government succeeds, it wont stop there: more and more workers will find their democratic right drastically undermined.
The government that swept to power promising to enshrine workers rights in law has done little but undermine them.
It’s been a year since the P&O Ferries sackings, but nothing has been done to stop another one.
ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY – NEW REPORT: Another P&O Ferries style scandal could be on the cards because of ministers’ failure to boost worker protections and close legal loopholes, TUC warns
Ministers borrowing from the P&O Ferries’ playbook by attacking the right to strike and threatening to rip up hard-won workers’ rights, says union body
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak to speak at RMT rally today in Hull to mark the one-year anniversary
The Conservative government has given rogue employers a “free pass to act with impunity” after the P&O Ferries scandal – the TUC has warned, referring to the unlawful mass sacking of 800 seafarers a year ago today (Friday).
The warning comes as the TUC publishes a new report which reveals that of the four ways P&O Ferries broke the law, the government has failed to act on every single breach – both failing to punish the company and to strengthen worker protections.
The TUC says P&O Ferries also exploited loopholes in minimum wage law, which the government has failed to close – despite the introduction of the Seafarers Bill.
The union body warns that without government action, another P&O Ferries-style scandal could be on the cards.
Flagrant law-breaking
The TUC sets out four breaches of law by P&O Ferries which have gone unpunished:
The duty to consult when making collective redundancies: P&O Ferries knowingly broke the law because they could price in the low cost of the financial penalties. Following the P&O Ferries scandal, the TUC called on the government to increase protective awards and sanctions to a level that would ensure employers are deterred from brazenly flouting the law. The government did nothing.
Unfair dismissal of workers: Since the P&O Ferries sackings the government has taken no action to strengthen unfair dismissal protections. Ministers have launched a consultation on a draft statutory code of practice that would apply in similar situations. But even when the statutory code is in place an employer would only face a 25 per cent increase in financial sanctions, if they flouted the law – the TUC says this won’t stop rogue employers from breaking the law.
Failure to notify the relevant government authorities: P&O Ferries failed to notify the correct state authorities. This meant a jobs rescue bid couldn’t be launched. Following the P&O Ferries scandal the government has failed act, meaning that any employer making large scale redundancies can price in the likely sanction for failing to notify the authorities.
Breach of Director duties: P&O Ferries’ directors admitted deliberately breaching the law – and the TUC believes that the directors breached their fiduciary duties. The Insolvency Services is responsible for the initiation of director disqualification proceedings but despite serious acts of misconduct, no action has been taken against the P&O Ferries’ directors. The government has also failed to take action to deter other directors behaving like this in the future.
The TUC adds that the government inadequately acted after P&O Ferries bypassed the law by exploiting loopholes in minimum wage legislation.
The new Seafarers Bill widens the scope of the minimum wage, which currently has very limited application to seafarers.
However, the TUC warns there are gaping loopholes in the Bill, including requiring ships to make a certain number of UK stops to fall within the law, meaning that employers whose ships don’t reach a required threshold of using UK ports a certain number of times could still dodge it.
According to the union body, when the replacement crew were first introduced after the mass sacking, P&O Ferries breached international safety standards by failing to ensure that the replacement crew were properly acquainted with safety procedures.
Maritime inspectors listed an unprecedented 31 separate failings on a P&O Ferries vessel detained last year, ranging from problems with fire safety to lifeboat drills.
Failing working people
The TUC has accused the government of “failing working people” following the P&O Ferries dismissals.
The mass sacking was a national scandal, which provoked serious uproar at the time from politicians across the political spectrum – including government ministers.
Then business secretary Grant Shapps stated that “where new laws are needed, we will create them, that where legal loopholes are cynically exploited, we will close them, and that where employment rights are too weak, we will strengthen them.”
Paul Scully, then business secretary, conceded that unlimited fines would be in stopping another P&O Ferries-style scandal.
The TUC says promised sanctions failed to materialise – adding the government did not rigorously pursue P&O Ferries or change the law to prevent future conduct similar to the company’s actions.
Pete Hebblethwaite, P&O Ferries CEO, faced calls for the sack by senior government ministers – but one year on since the mass sacking, Hebbelthwaite remains in post.
The TUC says ministers are rewarding P&O Ferries for its law breaking with government contracts.
The company has lucrative deals including with the Ministry of Defence, and new freeports have been awarded to DP World and P&O Ferries – despite Grant Shapps pledging to review all their government contracts since March 2022.
Urgent action needed
The TUC says that urgent action is needed to clamp down on fire and rehire style practices and make sure another P&O Ferries-style scandal is never allowed to happen again.
The union body is calling on government to:
Increase sanctions on employers who deliberately breach the law to provide a proper deterrent
Introduce fair pay agreements to help lift wages and prevent a race to the bottom, starting in low-paid industries, including ferries
Give workers protection from unfair dismissal from day one in the job
Ensure employers are required to reinstate workers where employers breach consultative duties
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “The mass sacking by P&O Ferries was a national scandal. It should have marked a new chapter for employment rights in the UK.
“But this Conservative government has failed working people and given rogue employers a free pass to act with impunity.
“Despite behaving like corporate gangsters, P&O Ferries has been allowed to get away scot-free because of our lax labour laws.
“Instead of boosting worker protections and closing legal loopholes, ministers sat on their hands and did next to nothing.
“And to add insult to injury, ministers are now actively borrowing from the P&O Ferries playbook.
“They are brazenly attacking the right to strike and threatening to rip up hard-won workers’ rights like holiday pay, equal pay for women and men and rest breaks.
“Workers need more power in the workplace, not less. It’s time for the government to put in place proper protections for workers who are at the mercy of bad bosses. That starts with a fair pay agreement for the ferry sector.
“Make no mistake. Without stronger regulation, another P&O Ferries style scandal is on the cards.”
Neil Todd, a senior trade union lawyer at Thompsons Solicitors, who acted on behalf of the RMT union at the time, said: “P&O Ferries took the callous business decision that sacking its staff unlawfully – despite the financial penalties and public backlash it would cause – was more convenient and cheaper than engaging in meaningful consultation and complying with legal obligations.
“What message does it send to unscrupulous employers if P&O Ferries can get away with paying out what are to them small sums and carry on trading? P&O Ferries should have been a pivotal moment in recognising UK employment law does not go far enough to protect working people, but nothing has changed and three Conservative Prime Ministers later it is clear this is not a priority for any Conservative government.
“The financial penalties for sacking staff without notice and without any meaningful consultation need to be strengthened and there needs to be legislation that would more easily allow employees to take pre-emptive legal action before any dismissals take effect. It is only these sorts of changes which will ensure no company is emboldened ‘to do another P&O’.”
Chronic increase of ‘hidden homelessness’ in the countryside fuelled by cost of living crisis, groundbreaking report shows
A year long study exposes a surge in rural rough sleeping since the pandemic has been worsened by the cost of living crisis
According to analysis of official statistics, rough sleeping in rural areas shot up 24% in just one year
High housing costs in prosperous areas blamed for a ‘hidden homelessness’ crisis – with ‘shame and stigma’ keeping most vulnerable not recorded in official statistics
The countryside is battling a ‘hidden homelessness’ crisis driven by soaring housing costs and a gaping shortfall in local authority funding, a new report shows.
The true scale of the crisis is likely to be far higher than the official statistics. The year-long study, which included a survey of 157 frontline support workers, service providers, NGOs, and shelters, found an overwhelming majority thought rural homelessness was a serious problem that was getting worse.
Key findings include:
91% of respondents in rural areas have seen homelessness increase in the past five years;
83% of respondents in rural areas said their job had become harder in the past five years;
81% of respondents believe that rough sleeping is experienced differently in rural areas compared to urban areas.
The study, by academics at the University of Kent and the University of Southampton, on behalf of a coalition of rural charities and housing associations, shows rural areas being paid a fraction of what they need to tackle homelessness in their communities.
Overall, rural local authorities are receiving 65% less in funding per capita through the Homelessness Prevention Grant than urban areas, who are themselves chronically underfunded.
The sharp discrepancy in financial aid, discovered in statistics released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, shows urban local authorities were paid £7.15 per homeless person, compared to just £2.50 per homeless person paid to rural local authorities when compared on a like for like basis.
Interviews with more than 40 people, including people who sleep rough and outreach workers in four rural locations, paint a striking picture of isolation and resilience.
People who experience homelessness in rural areas often sleep rough in farmland or woodland, making them much harder for outreach workers to find and support, and putting their life and health in jeopardy.
Real life stories shared with the researchers included people digging trenches in the snow to sleep, going several days without food, being spat on, their tents set on fire, and muggings that resulted in brain injuries and teeth being knocked out.
The study found that isolation also made the problem far worse for those facing homelessness in rural areas, where limited transport options and the absence of support placed them at greater risk. Those with physical or mental health needs were found to be most vulnerable.
Martin Collett, chief executive of English Rural and co-chair of the research project, said:‘This research shines a spotlight on a growing rural crisis hidden in plain sight.
“You see here the brutal reality beyond the insufficient official statistics. People who have no chance of affording a basic standard of living through no fault of their own.
“You don’t tend to see people sleeping rough in rural areas – but they’re there, normally hidden in agricultural buildings, outhouses, sleeping rough on farmland or condemned to an insecure life of sofa surfing.
“Because funding is so inadequate, many people are moving to urban centres for much needed support. It is in all our interests to fix this crisis.
‘Rural homelessness is a significant problem, and a lack of support and funding for affordable homes and services in these areas puts vulnerable households at a distinct disadvantage. The findings of this research should drive a step change in our approach to the issue. Local and national leaders must come together to say clearly that ‘rural homelessness counts’.
Farmers were frequently cited as a lifeline by those experiencing rural homelessness, allowing people to pitch tents in their fields and providing clean water and cups of tea in the morning. But some farmers expressed frustration at regulations they said prevented them from allowing rough sleepers to stay on their land, for fear of being criminalised by local authorities.
Tom Fyans, interim chief executive of CPRE, the countryside charity, said: ‘Farmers caring for people sleeping rough in their fields is a shocking indictment of government indifference.
“This is a political choice being paid for by our most vulnerable. It shouldn’t be this way, but chronic underfunding and years of slashed budgets means there is no longer a social safety net in the countryside.
‘In many cases, the homelessness crisis in rural areas is hidden by the kindness of others. It’s very generous, and no doubt welcome, but contributes to the true scale of the crisis going unreported.
‘Hard working people are falling through the cracks of a broken system and the government must take responsibility. We need immediate action to fix a growing affordable housing crisis that, in one of the richest countries in the world, is nothing short of a national disgrace.’
The coalition is calling for local and national leaders to make a clear commitment that ‘rural homelessness counts’. They are recommending:
All future homelessness and rough sleeping strategies consider the needs of rural communities and ‘at risk’ residents living in them
Improved processes for better counting and identifying instances of rural homelessness.
Delivering new homelessness support services in rural communities that address mental health and social and physical isolation
Dedicated investment to fund much needed rural social housing and increasing funding through the welfare system to cover the cost of rent
For a copy of Homelessness in the Countryside: A Hidden Crisisclick here.
The report, which is thought to be the most comprehensive review of dog racing in Scotland for decades, concludes that the risks of poor welfare outweigh any likely positive aspects, and on average, a dog bred for racing in Scotland currently has poorer welfare than the average of other dogs in the population. It also states that its desirable outcome would be for no organised greyhound racing to take place in Scotland.
Most significantly, the report recommends a moratorium on any new dog tracks. It further recommends that greyhound racing should only continue at the last remaining track, Thornton, if a veterinarian is present when dogs are racing, and all injuries are reported. The continued operation of Thornton would be subsequently reviewed after a period of three to five years.
Christine A. Dorchak, President of GREY2K USA Worldwidesaid: “While we welcome the effort which has gone into to compiling such a comprehensive report, sadly it only serves to confirm what we already know – that greyhound racing is a cruel and inhumane industry which has precisely zero regard for the dogs bred into a life of racing misery.
“We are pleased the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission has underscored a number of significant problems within the industry including the risk of injury or death at the track; the over breeding of puppies; and that a significant part of a dog’s life may be spent in kennels with little or no social interaction along with the increased risk of neglect and poor veterinary care.
“The recommendation that no further tracks be opened in Scotland would be a significant development, and the requirement for a vet to be present, even at unregulated tracks, is something we welcome. This in our view could spell the end for dog racing at Thornton.”
The report also calls into question whether the Greyhound Board of Great Britain is fit for purpose as a regulator, citing serious concerns about its highly touted “Greyhound Welfare Strategy.” Finally, the report concluded that the Commission “did not find any evidence that the industry was prepared to make the radical changes that would be required to achieve improved dog welfare.”
Ms Dorchakadded: “We urge the government to follow these recommendations and pass legislation implementing a moratorium on greyhound racing, a new requirement that a veterinarian be present at Thornton and all injuries be reported, and a requirement that that continued operation of Thornton be dependent on a parliamentary review in 2026.
“That is a responsible policy that will help countless dogs.
“This is an industry which is inherently cruel, existing only on the exploitation of gentle dogs which are viewed as no more than collateral damage for the misguided entertainment of a very small minority.”
Research carried out by Panelbase on behalf of GREY2K USA Worldwide at the end of 2022 shows that six in ten Scottish people think the Scottish Parliament should vote to phase out greyhound racing, while 63% of respondents said they have an unfavourable view of the sport.
Welfare of racing dogs is among the biggest concerns for the Scottish public with 58% believing dogs bred for the tracks have a bad quality of life. Further to this, three quarters of the public think dog racing isn’t important to the Scottish economy.
Responding, Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), said: “Despite engaging fully and transparently with the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission’s (SAWC) research, we are disappointed by some of their conclusions, which depend on the unproven testimony of certain animal welfare charities and the lobbying campaign funded by American activists.
“We share a common goal with SAWC of protecting and promoting greyhound welfare in Scotland. But we are clear that strong and effective regulation is the only way to do this successfully and have therefore been working with Holyrood officials to support Scotland’s one unregulated track to be licensed.
“Under our remit, racing greyhounds receive far more protection than domestic dogs. We have over 200 Rules governing those within the sport, including the requirement that a veterinary surgeon is present before, during and after any racing, and setting strict standards on the care of greyhounds at tracks, during transportation and at home in their trainers’ residential kennels.
“SAWC has been bounced by the animal rights lobbyists to conclude that domestic dogs already have better welfare protection than this, but this is clearly untrue, and it is frustrating that they have fallen foul of the activists’ agenda.
“Those groups who have campaigned against the sport in Scotland have continued to propagate misleading, inaccurate and unevidenced facts about the regulated sector of the sport. This has been supported by significant funding from animal activists Grey2K USA – something which should concern everyone who believes policy and politics should be dictated by those who live here.
“We are disappointed that this activism has influenced SAWC’s ultimate report, in which anecdote has been prioritised over data, accuracy and transparency. We will, however, continue to engage with members and officials in Holyrood to support greater regulation, as what we know to be in the best interests of racing greyhounds.”
Over the last year, the Scottish Parliament has been carrying out an audit looking at barriers to equal representation and participation at Holyrood.
A cross-party board established in early 2022 to look at the representation and influence of women at Holyrood published its recommendations yesterday.
They include:
Rule changes to guarantee women’s representation on key bodies and groups such as committees, the Parliamentary Bureau and the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.
A rule change to ensure there are no single sex parliamentary committees.
The establishment of a forum for women MSPs to discuss issues of mutual interest.
A review of the Parliament’s sitting time data to determine what changes need to be made to limit unpredictability of sitting times and maximise inclusion and wellbeing.
The permanent introduction of a proxy voting scheme covering parental leave, illness and caring/bereavement leave.
The establishment of an Advisory Group to oversee the implementation of the recommendations and make sure progress continues.
The report acknowledges that the Parliament has made good progress since 1999 in a number of areas. But the audit showed that there have been fluctuations over time in the number of women in leadership and decision-making roles. This suggests that equal representation of women is not yet embedded within the Parliament, nor is it guaranteed going forward.
The audit found that women are less likely than men to intervene in debates and to participate in First Minister’s Question Time. Other findings suggest that women tend to be under-represented in some committees such as Finance, Audit and Standards and Procedures.
Launching the report, Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone MSP, said: “We currently have the highest percentage of women elected to the Parliament since 1999, and women are well represented in some of our key positions. However, history shows us that progress cannot be taken for granted.
“The package of measures published today is designed to strengthen equal representation and participation at Holyrood.
“Having women in key roles and ensuring they are properly represented across the Parliament helps bring different voices and perspectives to decisions.
“This report is only the first step towards substantive reform. I believe that the recommendations will help drive institutional change over the short, medium and longer-term.
“I am very grateful to Dr Fiona McKay and the Board for all their work on the audit and report over this past year. I look forward to working closely with colleagues to make sure that these recommendations are implemented.”
Commenting on the report, Dr Meryl Kenny, a member of the board and the University of Edinburgh said; “The recommendations together promise an inclusive Scottish Parliament for the twenty first century; one that in its work, procedures, and institutional culture is representative and effective.”
Her colleague, Professor Sarah Childs, another board member added: “This report marks an important moment, with Scotland building on its record and joining a growing number of countries around the world committed to reforms that will gender sensitise its parliament.”
The report states that short, medium and long-term measures are needed to secure the lasting impact of cultural change and that further research, data collection, monitoring and adjustment of new rules and reforms, will be essential.
It also calls for an advisory body, made up of cross-party MSPs, to be appointed to oversee the effective delivery of the recommendations, drive forward the Parliament’s overall progress and ensure alignment with internationally recognised standards.
You can read the report with the full set of recommendations:
A new report published by Holyrood’s Cross Party Group on Poverty says that bias against people in poverty affects their mental health and wellbeing, makes it harder to access the support they are entitled to, lessens their educational chances and makes policies designed to tackle poverty less effective.
Group convener Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP said: “Scotland is a place that believes in compassion and justice, but people in poverty and on low incomes are having to face almost daily prejudice. That’s just not right, and it must stop.
“Poverty is caused by an unjust economy, and a social security system that doesn’t meet people’s needs. Our inquiry has found that the way people talk about poverty matters, and can have a clear impact on people on low incomes. That’s especially true when the people talking are politicians, in the media, or those delivering the public services that we all rely on.
“It’s time for everyone in Scotland to turn our back on these unjust attitudes and behaviours, and to call it out when they come across it. We’ll be a better, fairer, more just society as a result.”
Since January last year, the Group has been carrying out an inquiry into the stigma associated with poverty in Scotland today, hearing evidence from people with lived experience of living in poverty and on low incomes.
One disabled participant speaking to the Glasgow Disability Alliance said: “It can be difficult if you have a hidden impairment – people think there is nothing wrong with you or you are ‘at it’. My adviser at the Department for Work & Pensions actually said ‘This is not a disability’.”
One 15-year-old school pupil told the Child Poverty Action Group: “Well, I think if all of your friends or people you know go to the after-school clubs, school trips, that kind of isolates you from them. You’re singled out, you’re not with them, just a spare person.”
Another 12-year-old pupil said: “They talk behind your back [about what you wear] and stand staring at you.”
The Group heard evidence about the difficulties faced by parents on low incomes. The Child Poverty Action Group spoke to parents and caregivers heard about the ‘guilt, embarrassment and shame’ they are often made to feel about their financial situation.
Poverty Alliance director Peter Kelly said: “We all have a right to social support, and no-one should be made to feel ashamed for using it. We are recommending that more investment is made into making sure every household is able to get all the help they’re entitled to.”
The inquiry report highlights how involving people with experience of poverty can make public services better. The new Social Security Scotland agency was praised for its work to make sure staff know how important it is to treat people with dignity and respect.
The Group is calling for people who work with the public in Scotland to be trained about the reality of poverty, and for a strong stand against language and behaviour that stigmatises people on low incomes.
And the report also recommends making education about poverty part of Scotland’s national curriculum for schools, helping to project young people from its effects and giving them the tools and confidence to call it out and stand up against it.
Pam Duncan-Glancy said: “The submissions to this inquiry have highlighted that poverty-related stigma is extensive and deep-rooted in Scotland.
“It is impacting people’s mental health and wellbeing, erecting barriers to accessing support, restricting educational attainment, and influencing the design and resourcing of policies that can tackle poverty.
The Scottish Government needs to be clearer about how long it will take the NHS to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and to reform services, says public spending watchdog Audit Scotland.
The government’s NHS recovery plan aims to reduce the healthcare backlog and change how services are delivered. But the plan does not contain the detailed actions that would allow progress to be accurately measured. It also lacks robust modelling to understand demand and capacity. The backlog has continued to increase in the 18 months since the plan was published as the NHS deals with a range of pressures.
Workforce capacity remains the biggest risk to the recovery of NHS services. Health boards are continuing to find it hard to recruit the doctors, nurses and other health professionals needed to make sure NHS services are sustainable in the long-term. Key recruitment targets, such as recruiting 800 GPs by 2027, are unlikely to be met. The NHS workforce remains under severe pressure and there are concerns over staffing levels, wellbeing, and retention.
The Scottish Government is moving ahead with the innovation and reform essential to NHS sustainability. But it is too early to gauge the impact of this work. In the meantime, every NHS board is facing significant financial challenges which could limit how much they can invest in recovery. And the Scottish Government also needs to make information on how long people will have to wait for treatment clear and meaningful.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “NHS staff remain under severe pressure and the Scottish Government is facing tough choices.
“Money is tight but investment is needed in recovery. That means ministers have to prioritise which NHS aims can realistically be delivered. And they need to be more transparent about the progress they’re making.
“The Scottish Government has set out the big challenges facing the NHS. But it also needs to clearly explain to the public what those challenges mean for the level of service they can expect, including waiting times.”
