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Tag: Scottish Government
Social Care Roundtable on Employer National Insurance Contributions
Yesterday COSLA and the Scottish Government convened a roundtable discussion to consider immediate challenges facing the delivery of social care services:
COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson Councillor Paul Kelly, reflected on the meeting: “I was very grateful for the representation from across the care sector, including our partners in the third and independent sectors, involved in this critical discussion.
“We all have a shared responsibility to improve outcomes for people using health and social care services in Scotland, and I am acutely aware of how much more challenging this becomes when confronted with significant budget gaps for Local Government and Integrated Joint Boards.
“Of course, I know that it’s a similarly challenging financial context for our partner providers who deliver vital care and support for people.
“The reality is that the current financial challenges will have a very real impact on services and it’s for this reason I thought it was crucial to bring together key partners to highlight the impact this has been having – and will continue to have – on the system.
“The changes to employer National Insurance contributions, coupled with continued financial constraints and uncertainties, are a significant risk felt by Local Government which will impact upon the delivery, commissioning and procurement of services.
“There are no easy solutions to the challenges that were aired but I was encouraged by the frank and open contributions from attendees, and the consensus that it’s more important than ever that we work collaboratively to ensure continued delivery of social care for all those who need it.
“As COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, I want to reiterate that we are doing everything we can to address the challenges the sector collectively faces, and that COSLA remains absolutely committed to engaging with the Scottish and UK Governments on these matters.”
Taskforce recommends actions to attract and retain nurses and midwives in Scotland
A taskforce has published 44 recommended actions on how to improve working conditions for Scotland’s nurses and midwives.
The Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce was established by the Scottish Government in 2023 to build on efforts to make Scotland the best place for nurses and midwives to work. Chaired by Health Secretary Neil Gray, it brings together key stakeholders, including the Royal Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery, to engage with nursing and midwifery staff, understand the challenges they face and recommend ways to improve the profession.
A key part of this work was the Listening Project, which gathered insights from more than 4,000 nurses, midwives, students and academics to shape future improvements. The findings from the Listening Project have led to 44 recommended actions designed to improve recruitment and retention of staff and workplace conditions.
These actions include:
- ensuring appropriate staffing levels so that all staff can take the breaks they are entitled to
- reviewing data-inputting and paperwork requirements to reduce the administrative burden on nurses and midwives
- developing national guidance on rostering and flexible working to ensure better work-life balance
- ensuring nurses and midwives can participate in decision making and planning
- widening entry routes into nursing and midwifery careers
The next stage of the taskforce will focus on implementation, with a dedicated group developing a detailed work plan and timeline that ensures these recommended actions are delivered effectively.
Accepting all 44 recommendations, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Neil Gray said: “Our nurses and midwives are the backbone of Scotland’s healthcare system and we are committed to ensuring they have the support, flexibility and workplace conditions to thrive.
“The publication of the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce report marks an important milestone; we have heard directly from staff about what matters most to them, and this has shaped the recommended actions which will deliver real change for nurses and midwives.
“I am very grateful to everyone who has taken the time to take part in this important piece of work. The Scottish Government will now work with our partners to deliver the actions contained in the report.”
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director, said: “This is the culmination of two years of collaborative working, and we welcome the recommended actions announced today.
“We see this as a significant step and, as the implementation board begins its work, the recommendations should provide a strategic roadmap to begin to tackle the nursing retention and recruitment challenges in Scotland.
“Implementation of the recommendations will take time and investment, we look forward to playing a key role in the Implementation Board to ensure delivery and enable Scottish government to meet its aspiration of making Scotland the best place for nurses and midwives to work.”
SWALK? Call to help Scots reunite with loved ones
Equalities Minister urges UK Government to change family visa rules ON Valentine’s Day
Changes to the UK Family Visa Route would support the wellbeing of married couples and families by helping them reunite in Scotland, according to a new Scottish Government report.
Under current rules, people living in the UK need to earn a minimum of £29,000 to bring an immediate family member from abroad to live here.
Planned increases to this threshold were paused in July 2024 by the UK Government, which is currently seeking views on whether the requirements should continue in their current form.
The Scottish Government report sets out evidence that the minimum salary requirement does not support Scotland’s interests, and disproportionately impacts women and part-time workers.
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “This Valentine’s Day, I am calling on the UK Government to make the changes needed so that couples and families who do not meet the current financial requirements can be reunited.
“People who live in Scotland should be able to build a life with their spouse and raise children here – wherever in the world their husband or wife is from. Allowing more people to bring their families to live here would enrich communities, support public services and contribute to the economy.
“The UK Government’s review of the income threshold is welcome, and the Scottish Government is clear that the minimum income threshold needs to be reduced or removed altogether to allow more families to build their lives here in Scotland.”
Sarah Douglas is from the Scottish Borders. She is currently living in Perugia, Italy with her husband and their three children. Sarah would like to return to Scotland with her family, however due to the minimum income requirement, they are unable to move to the UK.
Sarah said: “The minimum income requirement is currently preventing me from living in Scotland with my Italian husband.
“As a mother to three young children meeting the threshold is challenging especially since I’m expected to do so whilst being separated from my husband and caring for my children alone.
“I am faced with a choice between separating my family or permanent exile. It is a cruel policy which places unnecessary emotional and financial strain on families. A new policy should be implemented to ensure that families like mine can stay together.”
Demi Kara is from Edinburgh. She married her husband, who is from Adana, Turkey, in 2024. Due to the minimum income requirement, the couple are currently living separately in Scotland and Turkey.
Demi said: “A price on love seems very much unfair. Younger long distance couples have no chance in this generation – you pay the price and put your life on hold, or you leave, it’s as simple as that.
“I put my degree on hold to fight for my husband to be by my side – a basic right every person should have. A change the minimum income requirement would allow my life to be whole, allow my heart to be full of love and not broken and torn between two countries.”
Scotland to be showcased at Expo 2025
Scotland’s innovation, skills and natural resources are to be showcased at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan later this year.
Three one day events at the global exhibition will highlight the country’s strengths in creative industries, life sciences and the offshore wind sector.
It follows a successful attendance at Expo 2020 in Dubai, which generated forecast sales of almost £90 million for participating Scottish businesses.
Games companies will be the focus of the creative industries day on 17 April, including eight being supported through the Scottish Government’s Techscaler business accelerator. Also attending will be KeelWorks, an established Edinburgh game development company with an existing deal with Japanese publisher KONAMI.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead visited the company to launch the Expo programme and hear about its export success.
Mr Lochhead said: “This is an opportunity for Scotland to showcase and shine on the global stage. Our message in Osaka will be simple – Scotland is open for business and is one of the best places in the world to invest.
“We will demonstrate first hand that we have the skills, technology and opportunities in a range of emerging industries. KeelWorks is just one example of that and later in the year our buoyant life sciences businesses and the offshore wind sector will also be centre stage.
“Japanese businesses already recognise Scotland’s economic potential, including Sumitomo, which is currently building a subsea cable factory at Nigg in the Highlands. I am confident that further companies and significant investment will follow as result of our presence at the Expo.”
KeelWorks Chief Executive Meher Kalenderian said: “This activity is about strengthening connections, driving investment and opening new doors for collaboration. So, we’re thrilled to be part of Scotland’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka, highlighting the strong business opportunities between Scotland and Japan’s prominent gaming industries.
“This platform offers a great chance to showcase our thriving creative sector and build new collaborations. At KeelWorks, we’ve seen first-hand the value of such partnerships through our work with KONAMI on CYGNI: All Guns Blazing.
“Our presence at the Expo reflects the growing potential for Scottish and Japanese gaming sectors to engage, as both countries lead in innovation.”
Expo 2025 Osaka takes place from 13 April to 13 October. It is an international event at which countries, organisations and companies showcase innovations, cultural exchanges and solutions to global challenges.
It is expected to attract about 28 million visitors and more than 150 participating countries. Scotland’s three events are supported by Scottish Enterprise.
Making the Council Tax fairer
PUBLIC TO HAVE SAY ON LOCAL TAXATION REFORM
The public will be invited to submit their views on how to make the Council Tax system fairer, as part of wider efforts to explore options and build a consensus for potential reform.
As part of a joint programme of engagement by the Scottish Government and COSLA, independent analysis will also be commissioned to examine the Council Tax system accounting for market changes, reforms, and improvements.
This will inform public engagement later this year, followed by a Scottish Parliament debate on the findings and proposed policy reforms.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “Partnering with COSLA, we want to examine ways to make Council Tax fairer, which will help to continue to deliver better public services across Scotland.
“By working closely with local authorities and listening to the public, we will be seeking a consensus on a local taxation system that is fairer, financially sustainable and fits a modern Scotland.”
COSLA Resources Spokesperson Cllr Katie Hagmann said: “Local Authorities wish to see a fair and proportionate Council Tax, which benefits people and communities.
“COSLA is looking forward to working with the Scottish Government on a programme of engagement with the public, with the shared goal of achieving a better, fairer system of local taxation.”
Anti-poverty campaigners say yet another consultation about local government finance must lead to an end to the ‘unjust and regressive’ council tax.
Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: “People across Scotland want local services that support a just and compassionate society. We need a fair system of local taxation to support those local services. The unjust and regressive council tax is simply not up to that job.
“We have been waiting for years for political leaders to take responsibility to bring in a progressive system of local taxes that will ease the burden on low income households and raise the investment needed for public services.
“There have been manifesto promises, consultation after consultation, and an independent commission. Now we have yet another deliberation process between the Scottish Government and Cosla.
“Scotland can no longer wait. The Poverty Alliance has been giving evidence for years on how council cuts are hitting people on low incomes the hardest.
“This consultation must lead to real and substantial change – not only to fairly fund the local services we all need, but to rebuild trust in our political process.
After years of broken promises on changing local tax, the time for action is now.”
Programme of engagement:
Expert and independent analysis will be commissioned, including to provide high level analysis and modelling on alternative scenarios and reforms of the system.
Following that, a range of activities to seek the views from a wide range of people from across Scotland will be undertaken, consisting of three key elements:
- A formal public consultation process.
- A number of public events or ‘town hall’ meetings held over the autumn months, ensuring a reasonable geographical spread and diversity.
- A set of focused discussions with key stakeholders and experts.
The public engagement will aim to capture a wide spectrum of opinions and considered responses, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives, including representation from those paying Council Tax across different bands.
Funding boost to tackle gender-based violence
Delivering Equally Safe Fund increased
More than 100 organisations across Scotland working to tackle violence against women and girls will share in a funding uplift of £2.4 million.
The funding boost will bring the total Scottish Government investment in Delivering Equally Safe, which funds projects to prevent violence and support survivors, up to £21.6 million for the year ahead subject to the 2025-26 Budget being approved.
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart announced the funding increase on a visit to SAY Women – a Glasgow charity offering safe accommodation and emotional support for young survivors of sexual abuse who are facing homelessness.
Ms Stewart said: “Grassroots organisations across Scotland are at the heart of tackling violence against women and girls. Their work is fundamental to creating a country free from gender-based abuse.
“This funding boost will support these organisations, will help prevent abuse occurring and ensure that women and girls who have experienced violence can continue to access the support they deserve.”
https://twitter.com/i/status/1889710674542006720
SAY Women CEO Pam Hunter said: “SAY Women is delighted to receive the additional funds. This will go towards increasing our investment into projects for the young women within our services.
“In the face of the rising cost of living, increase in N.I contributions and inflation, the organisation made the challenging executive decision to limit the variety of activities on offer to those in our care so that we may allow the staff to have a fair living wage.
“This additional funding will reinstate many of the services that were temporarily paused so that SAY Women may continue to do the good work supporting young women affected by sexual violence and homelessness.”
The Delivering Equally Safe Fund supports organisations across Scotland in their work to tackle violence against women and girls, and has done since 2021.
The organisations funded through Delivering Equally Safe are as follows:
| Aberdeen City Council |
| Aberdeen Cyrenians Ltd |
| Aberlour Child Care Trust |
| Action for Children |
| Amina – the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre |
| Angus Women’s Aid |
| Argyll & Bute Rape Crisis |
| Argyll & Bute Violence against Women and Girls Partnership |
| Argyll & Bute Women’s Aid SCIO |
| ASSIST, Glasgow City Council |
| Barnardo’s Tayside |
| Barnardo’s Falkirk |
| Border Women’s Aid Ltd |
| British Red Cross Society |
| Caithness & Sutherland Women’s Aid |
| CEA Committed To Ending Abuse |
| Central Advocacy Partners |
| Children 1st |
| Clackmannanshire Women’s Aid |
| Close the Gap (SCIO) |
| Deaf Links |
| Dumbarton District Women’s Aid |
| Dumfries & Galloway Council |
| Dumfries & Galloway Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Support Centre |
| Dumfriesshire & Stewartry Women’s Aid |
| Dundee City Council |
| Dundee International Women’s Centre |
| Dundee Women’s Aid |
| East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership |
| East Ayrshire Women’s Aid |
| East Dunbartonshire Association For Mental Health |
| East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid SCIO |
| East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee |
| Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre |
| Edinburgh Women’s Aid Ltd |
| Edinburgh Women’s Aid Ltd |
| EmilyTest |
| Engender |
| FENIKS Counselling, Personal Development & Support Service Ltd |
| Fife Council |
| Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre |
| Fife Women’s Aid |
| Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre |
| GEMAP Scotland Ltd |
| Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis |
| Glasgow Women’s Aid |
| Grampian Women’s Aid |
| Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid Limited |
| INVERCLYDE WOMEN’S AID SCIO |
| Inverness Women’s Aid |
| JustRight Scotland SCIO |
| Kenyan Women in Scotland Association (CIC) |
| Kibble Education and Care Centre |
| Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project |
| Lanarkshire Rape Crisis Centre |
| LGBT Youth Scotland |
| Liber8 (Lanarkshire) Ltd |
| Lochaber Women’s Aid |
| Monklands Women’s Aid |
| Moray Rape Crisis |
| Moray Women’s Aid |
| Motherwell & District Women’s Aid |
| Multi-Cultural Family Base |
| North Ayrshire Women’s Aid |
| North Lanarkshire Council |
| Cumbernauld & District Women’s Aid SCIO |
| Orkney Rape & Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS) SCIO |
| Perth & Kinross Council |
| Perthshire Women’s Aid |
| Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Perth & Kinross |
| Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland |
| Rape Crisis Grampian |
| Rape Crisis Scotland |
| Renfrewshire Council |
| Renfrewshire Council, Children’s Services, Women and Children First |
| Renfrewshire Women’s Aid SCIO |
| Respect |
| Ross-Shire Women’s Aid |
| Rowan Alba Ltd |
| Sacro |
| SafeLives |
| Saheliya |
| Sandyford – NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde |
| SAY Women |
| Scottish Borders Council |
| Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre (SBRCC) |
| Scottish Commission for Learning Disability |
| Scottish Women’s Aid |
| Shakti Women’s Aid |
| Shetland Rape Crisis |
| Shetland Women’s Aid (SCIO) |
| South Ayrshire Women’s Aid |
| South Lanarkshire Council |
| South West Grid for Learning Trust Ltd |
| Stirling & District Women’s Aid |
| The Highland Council |
| The Improvement Service |
| The Star Centre |
| The Venture Trust |
| West Dunbartonshire Council |
| Western Isles Rape Crises Centre |
| Western Isles Women’s Aid SCIO |
| West Lothian Council |
| West Lothian Women’s Aid (WLWA) |
| White Ribbon Scotland |
| Wigtownshire Women’s Aid |
| Women’s Aid East and Midlothian Ltd |
| Women’s Aid Orkney |
| Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire |
| Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Dundee and Angus |
| Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Dundee and Angus |
| Women’s Support Project |
| YWCA Scotland |
| Zero Tolerance |
Edinburgh council facing £1 million compensation payouts over unlawful planning fees in ‘shambolic’ short-term let licensing rollout
More than a hundred self-catering operators have lodged formal complaints of maladministration against City of Edinburgh Council, citing unlawful charges amounting to thousands of pounds in unnecessary planning fees.
These fees were imposed during the rollout of the Council’s controversial short-term let (STL) licensing scheme under the leadership of former Council Leader, Cammy Day.
A recent Judicial Review at the Court of Session confirmed that self-catering businesses operating before 5th September 2022 were not required to apply for planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness. However, in 2024, operators were compelled to incur these costs, which could now lead to financial repercussions for the Council exceeding £300,000.
With additional complainants expected, the total compensation owed could surpass £1 million in unlawfully levied fees.
This development follows multiple legal challenges by self-catering operators against the Council’s STL licensing policies. Edinburgh Council has already been forced to amend its policies twice following rulings against it in the Court of Session.
A third legal threat recently prompted the Council to concede once again that its policy was unlawful.
Ralph Averbuch, spokesperson for Justice for Scotland’s Self-Caterers, commented: “Edinburgh Council’s recent actions have caused immense distress and in some cases loss of employment to self-catering operators that had historically been advised no action was required other than moving from council tax rolls to non-domestic rates.
“Now that we have a new regime in place, it has never justified the retrospective hounding of those that traded prior to the introduction of STL Licensing and the opportunities the Council took to use this as a pretext for closing down a sector that accounts for well under 1% of all homes in the capital.
“To be clear, this city needs self-catering to function and the Council’s lack of recognition of the wider impacts has already done great harm, adding cost to operators and visitors alike.”
Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), added: “It is deeply regrettable that the self-catering community must yet again challenge Edinburgh Council’s STL policies which amount to an ideologically driven de facto ban.
“Despite being a professional and integral part of Edinburgh’s tourism economy, legitimate businesses continue to face an existential threat. The mishandling of STL regulations by the Scottish Government was evident from the outset. We continuously warned that they were not fit for purpose and now we are seeing the consequences unfold.
“With the shambolic roll out of licensing across the country, it is only a matter of time before further compensation claims emerge throughout Scotland.”
The city council has yet to comment on this latest development.
Supporting Orkney’s farmers and food producers
Plans for new abattoir get funding boost
Orkney’s farmers, crofters and producers could benefit from a new local abattoir which will help them bring their produce to market, benefit the island’s economy and support high-welfare meat production.
First Minister John Swinney visited Orkney Auction Mart, which has received a £15,000 grant as a lead partner to help build the business case for a new, fit-for-purpose processing plant.
The funding is part of the Scottish Government’s Small Producers Pilot Fund, which this year has provided a total of £256,500 to support private kill abattoirs including in Shetland, Wishaw, Barra, Dingwall and Mull.
By creating more localised supply chains, the Fund aims to increase the proportion of food grown and processed by small farms and small holders, and consumed within the community.
The First Minister said: “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting small producers and strengthening Scotland’s food supply chain. We know that local marts and abattoirs play an important role in supporting island businesses and ensuring the best animal welfare.
“A new facility in Orkney would bring many benefits for the people who live and work here, supporting economic growth in the area and the future sustainability of the island’s food production industry. We will continue to work with HIE and the Orkney Islands Council as the project develops.”
Chair of Orkney Auction Mart Alan Corrigall said: “We were delighted to welcome the First Minister to Orkney to explain, first hand, how vital a new abattoir is for our community. Our case has been well received and we very much welcome the Scottish Government’s support.
“We’re looking forward to working in partnership with local butchers and other stakeholders, to build a strong business case for this important project.”
Scottish Government kicks off campaign to help Scots stay ‘Onside’ with their mental health
Last week, the Scottish Government launched their adult mental health campaign aimed at continuing the conversation around mental health and raising awareness of the free resources available through the Mind to Mind site on NHS inform.
Mental health concerns affect an estimated one in three people in Scotland*, with research indicating a direct correlation between poverty, social exclusion, and poor mental health. Additionally, those from marginalised minority backgrounds are often less likely to seek or find support.
This campaign aims to address these disparities across communities in Scotland to encourage those struggling with their mental health to get the help they need.
To mark the start of this phase of the campaign, a group of Scottish personalities and community advocates came together at the iconic Hampden Park to share their experiences of mental health, emphasising the importance of staying ‘onside’ by supporting others to access support and resources available to them.
Attendees included media personality Gail Porter, viral content creator Howey Ejegi (@HoweyDon), former professional footballer Zander Murray, Founder of Diversity Scotland Tony McCaffery, and David Duke, Founder of the social initiative Street Soccer Scotland.
Their standout advice focused on the importance of talking to someone they trust about their struggles and making use of resources like the Mind to Mind site (nhsinform.scot/mindtomind).
If you’re going through a difficult patch or are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or lonely, you are not alone and support is available.
Mind to Mind (nhsinform.scot/mindtomind) is a dedicated NHS Inform resource that aims to help people who may be facing challenges with their mental wellbeing.
The site helps people look after their mental wellbeing in ways that suit them, featuring over 30 videos of people talking about their own mental wellbeing challenges in a bid to show others who may be going through the same that they’re not alone.
Mind to Mind aims to contribute to the national conversation around normalising mental health and wellbeing, giving people the courage and skills to open up and encouraging them to share their stories in a bid towards reducing stigma.
The website also provides practical advice on how to deal with life’s ups and downs and signposts where people can access further support.
Gail Porter, TV personality, said: “Mental health struggles affect so many of us, and it can be difficult to start those conversations around accessing support.
“I know that any time I’ve felt like I needed support, my first inclination is to keep it to myself and not burden anyone else – but the truth is there are so many resources out there like the Mind to Mind site, to start your journey.”
David Duke, founder of Street Soccer Scotland, said: “Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland has never been more important, and at Street Soccer Scotland we do that through our shared love of football.
“We believe that by engaging in sport and physical activity, our players can create positive habits through our weekly football sessions.
“With dedicated mental health and wellbeing sessions across Scotland, we provide a safe space to socialise for players as well as offering an accessible environment for one-to-one counselling, but we’re not the only resource out there.
“Sites like Mind to Mind are such a great first port of call for anyone looking to start that mental health support journey.”
Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd, said: “When you, a friend or relative is struggling with their mental health, it can be an upsetting and daunting time, but it’s important for all of us to understand and make use of the resources out there – help is available.
“One of the key elements of the Mind to Mind campaign is asking us to think differently about mental health, and how we approach these conversations with each other. Visiting nhsinform.scot/mindtomind can be a really important first step, and there are so many resources that we can take advantage of to help the people closest to us to lead fulfilling lives.”
The Mind to Mind multi-channel campaign is live across radio, press, social and digital channels, and out of home advertising, supported by a PR campaign.
For more information around supporting someone living with mental health struggles, please visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/MindtoMind