£2 million funding boost for housing payment scheme
A scheme helping low-income households avoid homelessness will receive an additional £2 million this year.
The Discretionary Housing Payment scheme provides direct financial support to low-income households struggling with housing costs and helps people to retain their tenancy in the rented sector.
The additional funding takes this year’s investment in the scheme to a record £117 million. This will help an estimated 100,000 households in Scotland sustain their tenancies. The scheme is the main way the Scottish Government mitigates the impacts of the UK Government’s ‘bedroom tax’ and benefit cap.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Our Discretionary Housing Payments are a vital lifeline to families at risk of losing their home and help protect people from the UK Government’s damaging bedroom tax and benefit cap policies.
“Our scheme is delivering and providing direct support to low-income households – helping to reduce poverty, safeguard tenancies and prevent homelessness. In Scotland, we offer a level of support not available elsewhere in the UK, and our different approach is working.
“However, the UK Government’s decision to freeze the support given to private renters at 2024 levels means people are struggling to pay their housing costs – this is driving homelessness and putting families at serious risk.
“I am extremely disappointed the Chancellor chose not to use his Budget to end the freeze and give households the breathing space they desperately need.”
An independent public inquiry will examine the scale, extent and prevalence of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland over the past three decades, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan has told Parliament.
The statutory inquiry, which will formally begin on 11 November, will provide recommendations to strengthen the protection of children. The Chair, Professor Alexis Jay, will report on specific aspects of the findings as they emerge.
Under the terms of reference, published yesterday, the inquiry will:
investigate Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE), covering the period from 1 January 1996 to 11 November 2026
scrutinise any failures by responsible organisations, including any deliberate concealment, alongside actions to address such failures
explore the characteristics of perpetrators so risk factors can be better understood and stronger protections developed
identify what changes are needed to strengthen practice, policy and, where required, legislation to protect children
avoid unnecessary duplication of matters already examined elsewhere, including by the independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
The Education Secretary also confirmed that a pilot of the Truth Project will launch this month ahead of a national rollout next year, offering survivors the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute directly to the inquiry.
Ms McAllan said: “Sexual abuse and exploitation are among the most serious harms that can be inflicted on a child. Our responsibility is to ensure that children are protected, perpetrators are pursued and survivors are listened to, supported and believed.
“This inquiry will undertake a thorough examination of Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation. Its purpose is not only to understand what has happened, but to ensure it cannot happen again. To ensure accountability is strengthened, and that we do everything possible to better protect children and young people in the future.
“However, we are not waiting for the inquiry to conclude before acting – due to the pressing nature of the issue work is already underway to strengthen Scotland’s collective response to child sexual abuse and exploitation, including by accepting the recommendations from our National Review and providing additional funding for Police Scotland’s Operation Decerno.
“I want survivors to know that your voice will be heard. This inquiry will investigate what you went through, without fear or favour, and action will be taken as a result. And to those who would seek to perpetrate harm to our children in Scotland, I say directly that there will be nowhere to hide from justice.”
Professor Alexis Jay said: “I welcome today’s announcement of the Inquiry’s terms of reference. This marks the beginning of our work, and I am clear that the focus of the Inquiry will be on making practical recommendations that improve policy, practice and, where necessary, legislation to better protect children in Scotland.”
Project 2035 to create new opportunities, backed by £250,000 this year
More girls and women across Scotland will have opportunities to play, coach, officiate and lead in football under a new long-term plan to grow the game.
Project 2035, supported by £250,000 of Scottish Government investment this year, aims to increase participation, strengthen pathways into the game and establish Scotland as a leading nation for women’s football by 2035.
A new Girls’ and Women’s Football Taskforce will oversee delivery of Project 2035 over the next decade. This will bring together the Scottish Government, Scottish Women’s Football, the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Women’s Premier League, the Professional Footballers’ Association Scotland, sportscotland and COSLA.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Football has the power to bring communities together, improve health and wellbeing, and inspire young people to achieve their potential.
“Project 2035 is about building the momentum we have seen in recent years in women’s and girls’ football and creating even more opportunities across Scotland.
“Our ambition is simple: every girl in Scotland who wants to be part of football should have the opportunity to do so, whether as a player, coach, official, volunteer, supporter or leader.
“By working together we can help Scotland become a leading nation for women’s football.”
Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the future of the Girls’ and Women’s game in Scotland.
“Project 35 will play a pivotal role in supporting the sustainable growth of our game over the next decade to ensure every girl and woman in Scotland has the opportunity to be involved in football in whatever capacity they choose.
“On the pitch and beyond, our commitment is stronger than ever to grow the game in an equitable and sustainable way. The newly created Scottish Girls’ and Women’s Football Taskforce will provide an important focal point as we strive to achieve our collective ambitions for the game.”
Scottish Women’s Football Chief Executive Aileen Campbell said: “At Scottish Women’s Football we experience firsthand the incredible growth in participation of girls playing grassroots football, but we know challenges remain and more work needs to be done.
“That’s why this Scottish Government-led taskforce will be a gamechanger – harnessing passion and momentum to pull partners together, support volunteers and give every girl who wants to the opportunity to play the game they love.”
Scottish Women’s Premier League Managing Director Fiona McIntyre said: “Project 2035 will transform women’s football into an integral part of Scottish society, driving record attendances, expanding professional opportunities for girls and women, and unlocking sustained investment across the game to accelerate long-term growth and success.”
Helping teachers prepare for major curriculum changes
Local councils will be able to request up to two extra in-service days this academic year, so that teachers can prepare for the most significant curriculum changes in more than a decade.
The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) – which brings together the Scottish Government, local authority body COSLA, and teaching unions – has agreed up to two additional in-service days, which will form part of multi-year support for implementation of the updated curriculum.
Additionally, a short-term working group involving councils, unions and the Scottish Government will assess what additional support schools and teachers require to implement the refreshed curriculum, with a routemap to be published early next year.
Draft curriculum materials have now been made available to teachers by Education Scotland, which will be tested and refined through engagement with the profession. These have been co-designed by Education Scotland with input from over 1,500 primary and secondary teachers, early learning practitioners, and a range of other experts including from the Gaelic Medium Education sector.
The materials are being deliberately shared by Education Scotland in draft, as part of a process of engagement and testing with a sample of teachers ahead of wider engagement around more advanced drafts in early 2027. More than 3,800 teachers, practitioners, council education leads, and experts have so far registered an interest in reviewing the drafts and providing independent feedback to inform future drafts.
Education Scotland and Qualifications Scotland are working closely to develop qualifications for learners on the basis of the updated curriculum and aligned with it for the senior phase, for learners aged 16-18.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “This is a significant milestone in delivering the most substantial curriculum reform in a decade.
“The draft materials build on the strengths of Curriculum for Excellence and respond to the OECD’s call for greater clarity, stronger progression and a clearer focus on knowledge. By aligning curriculum, qualifications and assessment reform, we can deliver changes that work in the classroom and improve outcomes for young people.
“Teachers must have appropriate time and support to prepare properly – investing in dedicated time now will ensure high-quality learning and teaching for young people once the updated curriculum is implemented in August 2028.
“I have encouraged local councils to align additional days with existing school holidays to minimise disruption and look forward to taking forward a new curriculum designed to deliver excellence in our education system.”
Association of Headteachers and Deputes Scotland (AHDS) General Secretary Greg Dempster said: “AHDS is very pleased that we now have an agreement in place for two additional in-service days during the remainder of this school session, and that is work underway to ensure that further development days are swiftly agreed for subsequent years.
“This time investment is absolutely essential to enable school leaders and their teams to undertake the planning and preparation necessary for implementation of changes to our curriculum to be successful.”
School Leaders Scotland (SLS) General Secretary David Barnett said: “We are pleased that an agreement on additional in-service days has now been reached.
“This will allow schools to plan with confidence on giving staff time to engage with the draft curriculum materials and begin the process of what will be major curriculum reform.”
Councils will decide the exact dates for the additional in-service days, which are intended to be aligned to the existing holidays, based on local holiday timetables. Dispensation for the in-service days will be granted under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.
Committee questions timescales for reducing teachers class contact time
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic should provide more information on whether plans to reduce teachers’ class contact time are deliverable within the planned timescales, according to a Holyrood Committee.
In March 2026, the Scottish Government, local government and teaching unions agreed that teachers’ time with pupils would be reduced by 90 minutes a week. The tripartite agreement said this policy would be in place from August 2027 in primary and special schools, and August 2029 in secondary schools.
However, evidence presented to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Gaelic Committee indicated that it is unclear whether the policy can be implemented in time.
The Committee’s report points to “considerable challenges related to workforce planning in implementing the reduction in class contact time within the planned timescales”, due to geographical and subject specific teacher shortages.
The report also calls for greater clarity about the objectives of the policy. The Committee is unclear how the policy can both reduce teacher workload and give teachers time for additional preparation and learning. In addition, the Committee would like to understand what assessment has been made of how the policy benefits children and young people.
Additionally, there are questions about how the costs associated with reducing class contact time will be funded. Evidence shared with the Committee outlined that spending for the Education and Skills portfolio is not forecast to meaningfully increase, implying that the cost of this policy will need to be met by existing budgets.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Education and Gaelic Committee, said:“We have questions about the proposals to reduce teachers’ class contact time within the timescales agreed by the Scottish Government, teaching unions and local government.
“The evidence we heard highlighted the significant unresolved challenges that rural and remote communities face with recruiting teachers, alongside challenges related to recruiting teachers in several secondary specialisms.
“At the current time, it is difficult to understand how these can be resolved in time for the policy to be delivered effectively and on schedule. We would like to hear the Cabinet Secretary’s views on how achievable the policy is within the planned timescales.”
The Committee also scrutinised the Scottish Government’s progress towards delivering the reforms to the children’s care system known as The Promise.
In its report it explains that the lack of clarity around the implementation, delivery and accountability of the reforms makes it difficult to measure progress and asked the Scottish Government to respond to the evidence that said that there is a need for sustained investment to deliver on the aims of the policy.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Education and Gaelic Committee, said:“During our inquiry, we encountered a lack of clarity around the implementation, delivery and accountability on the Promise which makes it difficult to measure progress with any certainty.
“We would like to hear the Scottish Government’s response to calls for sustained investment, including progress in relation to social work recruitment and retention and availability of care accommodation, to make the progress that is needed to ensure The Promise fulfils its commitment to care-experienced children, young people, and adults.”
Publication of Trust in Public Institutions (2025): Findings from the Scottish Household Survey
The Scottish Household Survey: Trust in Public Institutions (2025): Findings from the Scottish Household Survey report, published yesterday, contains key findings for the survey question on trust in public institutions in Scotland.
In 2025, adults in Scotland were most likely to trust the Health System and the Police (both 74%). Trust was lowest for the Scottish Government (46%) and Local Government (50%).
The Scottish Government (45%) and Local Government (41%) attracted the highest levels of distrust in 2025, while distrust was lowest for the Police (19%), the Education System (20%) and the Civil Service (22%). Compared with 2023, distrust increased most for Local Government (from 35% to 41%) and the Health System (from 18% to 24%).
‘Net trust’ is the difference between the percentage of people who expressed trust in an institution, and those who expressed distrust. More adults expressed trust than distrust in six of the seven institutions.
The Police had the highest net trust (+54 percentage points), with 74% of adults expressing trust and 19% expressing distrust.
Net trust in the Scottish Government was neutral, with equal proportions of adults expressing trust and distrust.
Trust varied across population groups. Adults aged 16 to 34 generally reported higher levels of trust than adults in the older age groups, while disabled adults reported lower trust and higher distrust than non-disabled adults across all institutions.
Trust was also generally higher among minority ethnic groups and lower among adults living in the most deprived areas. Differences by sex and urban-rural classification were less pronounced.
Trust in all seven institutions was lower in 2025 than in 2022, with the largest declines for the Scottish Government and Local Government (both down nine percentage points).
Changes in trust since 2023 were generally smaller than those seen earlier in the period, with trust levels increasing slightly for the Justice system and remaining stable for four of the seven institutions (the Police, Scottish Government, Civil Service and Education system) – suggesting that the decline in trust may be stabilising.
Over the 2023 to 2025 time period, however, distrust increased for most institutions and fewer adults selected “don’t know”, indicating that views may have become more defined over time.
The Trust in Public Institutions (2025): Findings from the Scottish Household Survey report provides key findings relating to Trust in Public Institutions in Scotland from the Scottish Household Survey.
Holyrood Minister convenes industry to help unlock potential £23 billion boost to economy
Businesses across Scotland are being urged to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) as the Scottish Government brings together industry leaders to discuss how to turn its potential into growth.
Estimates suggest AI could generate more than an additional £23 billion in annual GDP for Scotland by 2035, with the right investment and leadership from government and businesses across the economy.
Innovation Minister Alyn Smith met techUK Chief Executive Julian David and a roundtable of industry representatives at CodeBase in Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday 3 November).
The Scottish Government convened the discussion to hear directly from businesses about what is helping and what is holding back AI adoption.
Mr Smith said: “AI is one of the biggest opportunities for Scotland’s economy in a generation. The potential is there, with an additional £23 billion a year within reach by 2035. But it will only be realised if businesses take action.
“Whether you are an established firm or a growing start-up, and whether you are curious, cautious or sceptical about AI, now is the time to explore what it can do for you. We want Scottish businesses to harness AI to meet that ambition, and to exceed it.
“Scotland has a real advantage in the world-class talent our universities and colleges produce, and in the research and computing power behind them. That strength, working hand in hand with business, is what will turn this potential into jobs, investment and growth.
“Government can set the direction and help clear the way, but we need industry to tell us what works, what doesn’t and what would make the difference. That is why we have brought this group together today.”
Julian David, Chief Executive Officer of techUK, said: “The opportunity AI offers Scotland is significant, but it will only be realised if businesses and government pull in the same direction.
“Today’s roundtable is a chance for industry to share what is working on the ground and for government to listen and act. By collaborating, we can help more businesses of every size make the most of AI.”
Scotland’s AI Strategy is the Scottish Government’s five-year plan to harness AI to drive responsible and inclusive growth. Support is already available for smaller businesses. The National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs, backed by £1.8 million and launched in August, helps small and medium-sized businesses get started with AI and build confidence in using it safely and effectively. Its predecessor reached more than 1,000 businesses.
The roundtable will also discuss the role of Scotland’s universities and colleges in developing the AI and data skills the economy needs.
Action is being taken to ensure domestic abuse survivors are not unfairly burdened by council tax debt.
The Scottish Government will create a statutory exception to joint and several liability rules to protect those who have faced domestic abuse, with a consultation launching as the first step in the process of reform.
This will mean that, where relevant criteria are met, survivors would only be liable for 50% of their liability for both council tax and water & sewerage charges. They would also be able to seek support from the local authority in reducing that remaining liability or removing it entirely.
From 1 April 2027, survivors and all council taxpayers will also benefit from a 63-day period after missing a council tax payment before any enforcement action can be taken.
The consultation will consider other reforms planned for all council taxpayers including:
Improving processes around council tax administration and enforcement
Easing rules around the backdating of council tax reduction
Exploring changes to the rules around the twenty-year debt expiration (prescription) period
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “This government is taking action to tackle the epidemic of violence against women and girls.
We know that financial issues can too often be a barrier to leave an abusive relationship and so we must act where we have the power. We will ensure that our council tax system protects and supports those who have experienced domestic abuse.
“Controlling a person’s finances, building up debt in their name without their knowledge, or forcing them to take on debt through threats or coercion are all forms of abuse.
“This package of reforms will ensure women are not unfairly burdened by council tax debt, and prevent women being tied to men who abuse them by a debt to the state.”
Dr Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women’s Aid, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to introducing a statutory exception from joint and several liability for council tax.
“Women experiencing domestic abuse can be left facing debts they knew nothing about because of an abusive partner’s financial control.
“This financial abuse can leave women facing significant debt and hardship, making it harder to leave the abusive partner and rebuild their lives. This change is a step towards reducing women’s liability for debt that is not their own.”
Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “Council tax debt is the most common type of debt people seek advice about from our network of local Citizens Advice Bureaus (CAB).
“We very much welcome the extension to the period before debt recovery begins. This will be crucial for helping people who are struggling to pay their council tax, giving them much-needed time to get advice and support from their CAB.
“The wider review of council tax administration can play a vital role in rewiring the system to prevent unnecessary debt and support people to make payments.”
The Scottish Government’s Statement of Action following the statutory review of joint and several liability for council tax arrears and how they impact victim-survivors of domestic abuse can be found here –
This week’s COSLA Explains looks at how the Local Government workforce could be impacted by public service reform proposals and why trade unions, staff, and employers must be meaningfully involved in shaping reform:
Fund financed by offenders opens for new applications
A victims’ fund financed by penalties imposed on convicted offenders is open for new applications.
More than 10,000 people have been helped through the Victim Surcharge Fund since it was established in 2019, with almost £3.5 million paid out so far.
The fund has now opened for new applications, giving organisations that support victims of crime a chance to apply for a share of a further £800,000.
Victims of domestic abuse, stalking and other forms of violence against women and girls are among those who have been supported through the fund. Help includes emergency food and clothing expenses, installation of alarm systems to make victims feel safe, and emotional and psychological support.
Victims Minister Kirsten Oswald said: “Crime can have a lasting and traumatic impact and it is absolutely right that offenders should be made to support victims. That is exactly what happens through the Victim Surcharge Fund where penalties imposed on offenders are used to provide vital help for victims.
“More than 10,000 people impacted by crime have been supported when they need it most through the Fund. This includes direct, practical help with essentials like food and clothing for those fleeing abuse, violence or exploitation.
“The Fund has paid out almost £3.5 million so far and applications have opened for the seventh time, meaning many more victims will be supported.”
Grampian Women’s Aid (GWA) CEO Aileen Forbes said: “The support provided through the Victim Surcharge Fund has enabled us to respond to the practical and immediate needs of women and children recovering from domestic abuse, providing essential items and home security measures that help them feel safe, secure and able to rebuild their lives.
“Alongside GWA’s specialist support, these resources make a significant difference at a critical point in a woman’s recovery, reducing anxiety, increasing stability and creating the conditions for longer-term wellbeing and independence.
“On behalf of the many women the fund has supported to date and the many more that are to come, we are sincerely thankful for this investment and the lasting difference it continues to make to the lives of the victim-survivors we support.”
Michelle Rennie, Head of National Programmes at Victim Support Scotland, said: “The true impact of the Victim Surcharge Fund is reflected in the honest and heartfelt feedback from applicants who have benefitted from Victim Support Scotland’s Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF), the costs of which are entirely met from the Victim Surcharge Fund.
“Victims have told us that the items provided through the EAF would ‘truly make a difference in their life’, with partner organisations adding that ‘I am pretty sure that their faith in humanity just got restored a little bit’.
“The Victim Surcharge Fund enables Victim Support Scotland to address urgent financial hardships and practical issues people may face as a direct result of crime.
“Over the last six months, our Emergency Assistance Fund supported approximately 720 people impacted by crime, as well as indirectly supporting a further 489 dependents. We are seeing a high number of applications from women experiencing domestic abuse, reflecting the heightened dangers and worrying increases in this type of crime.
“We have distributed goods and services worth nearly £300,000. Typical items include basic essentials, household goods, food, clothing, security equipment, and moving costs. Security equipment remains the most frequently requested item, reflecting the concerns victims have for their own safety.
“Victim Support Scotland can provide ongoing emotional and practical support for any type of crime.”
Consultation on a household recycling code of practice
People across Scotland are being invited to have their say on proposals to make recycling easier and more consistent.
The Scottish Government consultation seeks views on a new household recycling code of practice, which also aims to increase recycling rates and help reduce carbon emissions.
Clear standards for how councils collect and manage household waste and recycling are part of the draft code, which proposes:
a move towards more households having collections of paper and card separately from plastic, metal and cartons to reduce recycling contamination
clear and consistent definitions of materials accepted for kerbside collection to provide clarity for the public on what can be recycled
limits on general waste capacity, to encourage greater use of recycling and food waste collections
nationally recommended colours for recycling bins to make it easier to understand how to recycle
Delivering a key commitment of the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act, the code has been developed through extensive engagement with local authorities, waste management practitioners and environmental organisations. The consultation now gives communities, individuals and organisations across Scotland the chance to shape the final code before it is laid before the Scottish Parliament.
It also clarifies that flexible plastic and plastic films should also be collected from households. The consultation also seeks views on proposals developed with local authorities and stakeholders regarding how food and garden waste should be collected and how rural exemptions should apply.
Modelling suggests the code could increase Scotland’s household recycling rate by approximately 2.5% and reduce carbon emissions by around 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year, equivalent to the annual emissions from more than 27,000 petrol cars.
Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, said: “Recycling well shouldn’t depend on where you live. This code will help make sure it is easier for people right across Scotland, in both our cities and rural communities, to recycle more.
“We’ve worked closely with councils and stakeholders on these proposals and I am grateful to them for their constructive engagement to get us to this stage. However, it is clear that there’s more to get right before the code is finalised.
“I’d encourage everyone with a view, whether you’re a council, a community group or simply someone who wants to see Scotland recycle better, to take part in this consultation and help us shape the final code.”
