Tag: Scottish Government

Five years of Scottish Child Payment

Boost to payment set to support 12,000 children

Scottish Child Payment has supported more than 241,000 parents and carers since its launch five years ago, helping put over £1.3 billion into the pockets of low-income families.

An increase to the payment for children under one will be introduced during 2027/28, estimated to benefit around 12,000 children and could be worth an extra £500 a year for each eligible child.

The payment, which is only available in Scotland, provides families with £27.15 a week, rising to £28.20 from April 2026, for every eligible child under 16.  Latest figures show more than 322,000 children are benefiting from the payment as of September 2025.  

Scottish Child Payment, and other family payments delivered by Social Security Scotland could be worth around £25,000 by a child’s 16th birthday — compared with less than £2,000 in England and Wales, where support ends at age four.

It is estimated that Scottish Child Payment will keep 40,000 children out of relative poverty in 2025-26, with the relative child poverty rate lower than without the payment in place. Clear evidence that the payment is central to the Scottish Government’s mission to eradicate child poverty.

On a visit to Home-Start Edinburgh to meet with parents and children benefiting from the payment, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“Scottish Child Payment has improved the lives of thousands of children and families across Scotland over the last five years. And our plans to raise the weekly payment to £40 for eligible children under one shows the Scottish Government’s level of ambition and determination to end child poverty in Scotland.

“This payment helps ease the pressure on family budgets and forms part of the best cost-of-living support package in the UK. It helps pay for essentials like food and clothing, things that people who are better off may take for granted but which children in these households might otherwise go without. I urge families to check if they are eligible.”

Eliza Waye, CEO of Home-Start Edinburgh, added: “Early childhood experiences are foundational to lifelong wellbeing and support better outcomes across health, education, wellbeing and more. 

“The Scottish Child Payment plays a vital role in easing pressure on families and helps ensure children grow up in a more equitable environment. Despite this, being a parent is incredibly hard.

“At Home-Start, we support parents to overcome the challenges they face; helping them build confidence and connect to networks of support. The combination of financial and community support enables the investment in families and children to go further.”

Scottish Child Payment opened for applications on 15 February in 2021 and began as a £10 per child, per week payment. It has increased by more than 170% since then. For 2026-27 Scottish Child Payment will increase to £28.20 per child per week, in line with inflation.

Over £1.3 billion worth of Scottish Child Payments have been issued to more than 241,000 individual parents and carers by 30 September 2025.

Reforming social care

Carers to help shape local services

Unpaid carers, disabled people and people with lived experience of social care will have a say on local services after Scottish Parliament regulations come into force.

Social Care Minister Tom Arthur tabled an order giving service users and third sector organisations a vote during integration joint board decision making. This ensures their perspectives carry equal weight in shaping decisions about services, such as care in the community to enable people with disabilities or long term conditions to remain at home.

The 31 boards bring together the NHS and local councils with key community and service representatives to oversee planning and delivery of social care and community health services. Until now only members appointed by the NHS health board and local councils can vote.

The draft regulations will come into force in September after the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s scrutiny of the legislation concluded yesterday.

Mr Arthur said: “I am determined to ensure those who access and support community health and social care services have an equal say in making decisions that affect their communities. 

“These regulations extend voting rights to unpaid carers, service users and third sector representatives, collectively representing the voice of lived experience. It is only fair that these voices carry equal weight alongside other members – to help ensure local services are funded properly to meet the needs of people.

“People with lived experience provide valuable insight into challenges and opportunities which should be considered during planning. This change will bring decision making closer to the people we all serve. We expect to see more inclusive, collaborative and improved choices as a result.”

Wet wipes containing plastic to be banned

Action to protect the environment and marine waters

The sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic in Scotland will be banned from 11 August 2027 under regulations published today.

Wet wipes containing plastic are a common and persistent source of marine litter and can break down into microplastics over time, harming the natural environment.

The move is part of wider action to protect Scotland’s environment and marine waters and includes a transition period for businesses to help them prepare.

The measures will include exemptions for medical and industrial uses as well as business-to-business sales. Members of the public who require specific wet wipes containing plastic for medical or healthcare reasons will also be able to request these from a pharmacy.

A ban will be introduced in all four nations of the UK following a UK-wide consultation in 2023, which found overwhelming public support for the proposals, with over 93% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing to the move.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Wet wipes containing plastic are an unnecessary single-use item, for which more environmentally friendly alternatives already exist. 

“As with all single-use items, it is vital they are disposed of correctly, otherwise they become a problematic source of marine litter and a threat to the health of our environment and wildlife.

“This ban delivers on an important commitment made in our Marine Litter Strategy and builds on previous actions to ban unnecessary single-use plastic items such as plastic-stemmed cotton buds, plastic straws, cutlery and single use vapes.

“These policies are all proof of the progress we are making towards protecting our environment and creating a more circular economy. In addition, we will continue to call on the UK Government to address issues such as misleading claims on product packaging which can lead to incorrect disposal of items such as wet wipes.”

Scottish Water Chief Executive, Alex Plant, said: “This ban will help us tackle one of the biggest challenges we face – responding to and clearing around 35,000 blockages every year in our sewers, at a cost of about £10 million, largely due to wet wipes wrongly flushed down toilets.

“Scottish Water’s Nature Calls campaign has led the way in making the case for a ban – and encourages everyone to bin wet wipes and stick to the 3Ps – flushing only pee, poo and toilet paper. 

“We are also calling on the UK Government for mandatory responsible ‘do not flush’ labelling for all bathroom products that risk being wrongly disposed of to sewers, and an end to misleading environmental claims on packaging to reduce customer confusion and reinforce the correct disposal option.

“This issue is reserved and the critical next step to reduce blockages further and prevent environmental harm.”

Head Teacher Leadership Academies

Joint funding to help next generation flourish

Hundreds of school leaders will benefit from extra training opportunities to further develop their leadership skills, helping to improve job satisfaction and bring benefits to the schools where they work.

The Scottish Government is contributing £400,000 to the Head Teacher Leadership Academy (HTLA), run by Columba 1400, with the Hunter Foundation matching this with an additional £400,000.

The total investment will enable up to 280 school leaders to strengthen their own development and enhance outcomes for pupils, staff and communities. The HTLA focuses on how school heads see themselves as social leaders.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth met with head teachers and deputy head teachers who have taken part in the HTLA during a visit to Royal High School in Barnton, where she formerly taught.

Ms Gilruth said: “As a former teacher, I have seen first-hand the pivotal role that head teachers and deputy heads have at the heart of schools and across the wider community.  

“They help drive up standards in classrooms, and this has resulted in clear improvements in attainment nationally and better futures for children and young people. They also provide invaluable support to teachers and staff in their schools, improving the working environment and ensuring everyone feels valued and able to be at their best in the classroom.

“The Head Teacher Leadership Academies are a proven success and I know that participation will ensure heads and deputy heads will get the time and support to reflect on their values and strengthen leadership, enabling them to create lasting change in their schools and communities.

“This investment is part of the Scottish Government’s wider support for the teaching profession, which also includes the recently-launched ‘Teaching Makes People’ recruitment campaign.”

Sir Tom Hunter said: “School leaders are the secret sauce to Scotland’s future, enabling the next generation to flourish and that’s precisely why we should invest in their values based leadership.

“The results are phenomenal and that’s why I’d like to see every head and deputy head teacher in Scotland go through the Columba 1400 Head Teacher Leadership Academies.”

Marie Clare Tully, Chief Executive of Columba 1400, said: “This investment allows us to reach even more Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers across Scotland.

“It is a privilege to be alongside school leaders as they pause, reflect and reconnect with their values. We see each and every day how this experience contributes to creating the conditions for cultural change through values-based leadership. 

“We are grateful to the Scottish Government for their re-investment and to The Hunter Foundation for their continued support and their belief in what is possible.”

Columba 1400 is a Scottish charity founded in 1997 and opened in 2000, dedicated to helping young people, especially those from tough realities, and the key adults in their lives discover their leadership potential through values-based leadership academies.

The Head Teachers’ Leadership Academy equips senior professionals in education with the confidence, resilience, and skills they need to create lasting change in their school and communities. 

ScotRail fares frozen for 12 months

ScotRail fares will be frozen for the next year to keep money in people’s pockets, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

The First Minister said this is part of the government’s resolute focus on the cost of living, and follows the abolition of peak fares which cut costs by as much as 48%.   

The freeze will apply to all ScotRail fares, including Season tickets and Flexipass.

Speaking at Edinburgh Waverley station, the First Minister said: “I know the cost of living crisis is still hurting people across Scotland – and this government is determined to take action to support people wherever we can.

“Freezing rail fares is an important way for us to keep people’s costs down and keep more money in their pockets.

“This follows the removal of peak fares for good across ScotRail services – which brought fares down by up to 48%.

“The Scottish Government is resolutely focused on supporting people with the cost of living – and food, electricity and other costs continue to rise, we are taking action to keep the costs of people’s commute down.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “We have implemented this freeze to maintain the attractiveness and affordability of rail.

“From September last year, Scotland became the only part of the UK to remove peak fares, the biggest reform to rail fares in decades.

“With lower fares, more staff than ever before, and growing passengers and services numbers, we are delivering on our aim to make Scotland’s publicly owned operator an even greater success.”

Holyrood Budget agreement secured

New funding for social care, hospices and non-domestic rates relief

The Finance Secretary has welcomed Scottish Liberal Democrats support for the Scottish Government’s 2026-27 Budget.

Investment will be brought forward to update the Budget in a number of areas, including:

  • A further £2.9 million for the hospice sector, to delivery pay parity for staff with the NHS Agenda for Change
  • An additional £20 million to the Local Government Settlement for social care – which can be used towards funding the Real Living wage for adult and childcare sectors
  • Further strengthening the non-domestic rates package for licensed hospitality and music venues, meaning rates relief for eligible premises liable for the basic and intermediate property rates will rise to 40% for the next three years, subject to a £110,000 cap per business

Ms Robison said: “This Budget and our wider spending plans are focused on the priorities of the people of Scotland – ramping up cost of living support, driving further improvements in the NHS and supporting our landmark efforts to eradicate child poverty.  

“We have been clear that we would seek to work constructively to deliver on these priorities and the Liberal Democrats have engaged in our discussions in a positive manner throughout the Budget process.

“There are a range of areas where we share priorities and have acted upon – such as the college sector, hospices, and social care. With that agreement now in place to secure a majority in parliament in support of the Bill, I am confident we will make lives better for people in Scotland.”

COSLA has welcomed the budget announcement by the Scottish Government of an additional £20 million for local government to use for social care, which can be used towards funding matters such as the Real Living Wage for adult and childcare services.

Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA’s Health and Social Care spokesperson, commented: “”We welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to fully fund the cost of implementing the Real Living Wage across contracted Adults and Children’s Care.

“This decision is an important one that gives our partner providers assurance that direct care workers will receive at least the Real Living Wage in 2026-27.

“While the additional funding is welcome, the budget still falls short of the £750 million in urgent investment the sector truly needs. COSLA will continue to seek further investment in social care in the years to come.”

Additional £10 million budget funding for community justice

Reconviction rate after Community Payback lower than short term sentences

The success of community-based sentences in reducing reoffending and paying back to society has been highlighted by Justice Secretary Angela Constance following the recently announced extra funding for alternatives to custody.

The Justice Secretary visited Mayfield & Easthouses Development Trust in Dalkeith where people carrying out unpaid work while serving a Community Payback Order (CPO) transformed the garden from wasteland and refurbished the café, which now uses fresh produce grown on site.

In addition to local community benefit from unpaid work, latest statistics show the reconviction rate for people sentenced to undertake CPOs is 28.4%, compared to 52.6% for those completing short prison sentences of one year or less .

Scotland’s overall reconviction rate of 27.1% is the fourth lowest on record in 25 years, with the average number of reconvictions per offender falling 14% over the past decade.

The Scottish Government is investing around £169 million in community justice services in 2026-27, including an additional £10 million to support diversion from prosecution, alternatives to remand, community sentencing and throughcare services.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “It was great to see first-hand the fantastic work at Mayfield & Easthouses Development Trust, where the garden and café are brilliant examples of how community sentences create real, lasting benefits for local communities.

“The evidence is clear: community-based sentences are more effective than short prison sentences at reducing reoffending, contributing to fewer victims and safer communities. The recently-published Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission’s report echoed this view in some of its recommendations and the need to shift the balance to community justice.

“Community Payback Orders allow us to tailor support to individual circumstances, addressing the underlying causes of offending while ensuring people make amends to their communities. The Scottish Government’s continued investment in community justice reflects our commitment to shifting the balance from custody to community, giving people the best chance to turn their lives around while keeping people safe.”

Mayfield & Easthouses Development Trust manager, Sharon Hill, said: “Our work with the Community Payback Team helps us by giving us access to folks who can help us in a really practical way – whether that be by building, painting, moving or digging. 

“The Community Payback Team benefit from seeing the positive impact of what they have done.  It can give a sense of pride and purpose to everyone involved.”

As of 2nd February, there were 562 prisoners with overall sentences of 12 months or less 7% of the prison population. In 2023-24, 73% of short term sentences (under 4 years) imposed were for 12 months or less and 15% under 24 months.

Road safety campaign urges drivers to keep their minds on the road

A new Road Safety Scotland and Scottish Government campaign is urging drivers in Edinburgh to keep their minds on the road, warning that even a moment’s distraction can lead to devastating consequences.

The campaign also highlights how far a vehicle can travel in just a second or two when concentration slips, with drivers unaware of the danger they pose to themselves and fellow road users. 

It reveals that:

The warning follows research showing 80 per cent1 of road users, including drivers and pedestrians, admitted their mind had wandered while using the road.

A total of 42 per cent2 admitted they had zoned out on a journey and couldn’t quite remember how they got to their destination.

The consequences of lack of proper attention can be devastating, with over one in five distracted drivers reporting a collision with another vehicle (16 per cent3) or a pedestrian (5 per cent3).

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop urged all road users to keep their minds on the road: “All road users, but especially drivers, have a responsibility to stay focused on the road and make sure they are aware of other road users at all times.

“This research shows how easy it is for both drivers and pedestrians to become distracted, and the consequences of these distractions have the potential to be devasting. It’s important to ensure our attention always remains firmly on the road.”

The impact of everyday distractions on drivers and pedestrians was reflected in the research behind the campaign. Of the road users who said they experienced distraction, over a third (38 per cent4) said thinking about other activities, tasks and plans was a regular cause.

After weather, drivers cited not knowing their route well (36 per cent), being tired (32 per cent), being in a hurry (25 per cent), and being worried or stressed (23 per cent) as the things that affect them most while driving.

The campaign is encouraging drivers and pedestrians across Edinburgh to reflect on their own journeys and the everyday distractions that can take their attention away from the road.

The Scotland-wide campaign will run across TV, radio, digital and outdoor channels.

For more information visit roadsafety.scot.  

First new GP walk-in service opens

Major milestone in delivering faster access to care

Patients will have access to GP-led care on the same day without an appointment as the First Minister opens the first of a new network of walk-in services. The new services will make it easier for people to get urgent care for medical issues while easing pressure on GP practices and hospitals.

The Scottish Government is investing £36 million into a pilot programme which will see a further 14 services established across Scotland.

First Minister John Swinney has opened the country’s first GP walk-in clinic at Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, marking a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to strengthen primary care.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Swinney said: “I know how important access to urgent medical care is for people, and how important it is for people to get the right care, in the right place at the right time.

“Our network of walk-in GP-led services will ensure people get the care they need at a time that works for them – and opening this first clinic is a major milestone as we continue to deliver trusted leadership for our health service.

“Open seven days per week from 12pm-8pm, these walk-in clinics will deliver over one million additional GP and nurse appointments, making it easier than ever for people to access urgent care when they need it most.

“With GP numbers up, long waits down, record numbers of hip and knee operations and 15 new walk-in GP clinics opening in Scotland, it is clear we are making progress in our NHS – and I am determined that we will continue to drive forward improvements.”

Tracey McKigen, Director of Primary Care for NHS Lothian, said: “We are proud to be launching this pilot service in collaboration with the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership.

“It will add to the range of health services in Wester Hailes and make it easier for local patients registered with eight eligible GP practices in southwest Edinburgh to get same day care for new, urgent conditions.”

The walk-in clinic at Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre is open every day from 12 noon to 8pm with no appointment needed.

During the pilot phase, the service is available to patients registered with a group of local GP practices in southwest Edinburgh. 

Depending on clinical need, patients may see a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

Walk in Clinic – General Practitioners (GPs).

Climate Engagement Fund reopens

Supporting community climate action

Community groups, cultural organisations and education initiatives are amongst the Scottish organisations who will be able to bid for support from a fund aimed at engaging people in tackling the climate emergency.

The £275,000 Climate Engagement Fund will support activities such as climate festivals, skills development and training, art exhibitions and showcasing clean technologies – all focused on increasing people’s understanding of the current and future impacts of climate change and encouraging climate action.

Since launching in 2023, the annual fund has supported 24 projects across Scotland – reaching a total of around 22,000 people with knowledge and skills relevant to tackling climate change. 

In 2025-26, this has included action by Changeworks to encourage people living in park homes to improve the energy efficiency of their accommodation, and by the Forth Valley Sensory Centre to enable blind, partially sighted, deaf and hard of hearing people, to explore sustainability through their local communities.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “It is vital that everyone in our society understands the positive opportunities of climate action, and how it can improve their own lives. 

“The Climate Engagement Fund will help increase awareness and empower people across Scotland to take action in their local communities whilst supporting Scotland in meeting its target of net zero emissions by 2045 and building our resilience to climate impacts.”

Changeworks’ Chief Executive Josiah Lockhart, said: “Climate Engaged Park Home Communities is a perfect example of how it’s possible – and necessary – to tackle climate change in ways that improve people’s lives at the same time.

“That means supporting and empowering communities to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes, especially those communities who have been under-served in the past.”

Applications for the Climate Engagement Fund will close at 23:59 on 1st March 2026.

Apply to the Climate Engagement Fund