Tag: Scottish Government

Swinney pledges solidarity with Syrians in Scotland

First Minister calls for ‘peaceful political solution’

First Minister John Swinney has pledged solidarity with Syrians in Scotland following the collapse of the al-Assad regime.

In an open letter, the First Minister acknowledged the hope that many Syrians are feeling in addition to the concern and anxiety felt by others about the next steps for the Middle Eastern nation.

The First Minister also highlighted the heightened anxiety felt about the decision by the UK Government to pause the processing of asylum applications from Syrians.

Mr Swinney has also called for further assurances for people applying for asylum, stating ‘people applying for asylum should not be kept in limbo for any longer than necessary.’

First Minister John Swinney said: “I join the international community in calling for a peaceful and inclusive political solution that puts the Syrian people first and upholds the rights of all Syrians.

“I am proud that all of Scotland’s local authorities have welcomed refugees who had to flee Syria into their communities with over 3,300 refugees arriving under UK Government resettlement schemes since 2014. There are also many Syrians living in Scotland who have been through the UK asylum system, while some still await a decision from the UK Government. I hope that all Syrians living in Scotland feel safe and know that they are valued members of our communities.

“The contribution that Syrians have made in Scotland has been invaluable and our communities have been enriched by the skills you have brought as you have integrated into daily life, working and raising your families here.

“I stand with the Syrian communities in Scotland in support of their rights, their integration and in supporting their homeland through this hopeful transition.”

The letter follows a meeting with representatives of the Syrian community in Scotland on Monday 16th December at Bute House.

Open Letter to Syrians in Scotland

Dear Friends,

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on 8 December, I know that Syrians in Scotland and around the world have been coming to terms with what these changes will mean for them, their families and the future of their homeland. Hope sits alongside cautious optimism for the future however many people will naturally also be feeling concern and anxiety.

As the situation evolves, I join the international community in calling for a peaceful and inclusive political solution that puts the Syrian people first and upholds the rights of all Syrians.

I am proud that all of Scotland’s local authorities have welcomed refugees who had to flee Syria into their communities with over 3,300 refugees arriving under UK Government resettlement schemes since 2014. There are also Syrians living in Scotland who have been through the UK asylum system, as well as those awaiting a decision from the UK Government. I hope that all Syrians living in Scotland feel safe and know that they are valued members of our communities.

The contribution that Syrians have made in Scotland has been invaluable and our communities have been enriched by the skills you have brought as you have integrated into daily life, working and raising your families here.

On 16 December, I was pleased to meet with a group of Syrian community organisers in Scotland who are hopeful that a democratic Government can now be formed but also raised their concerns with me about the future.

They highlighted anxiety about the decision of the UK Government to pause the processing of asylum applications from Syrians. While I understand the need for review, given the evolving situation, I am clear that people seeking asylum should not be kept in limbo for any longer than necessary and must be given support to integrate into communities.

As asylum and immigration are reserved to the UK Government, I have written this week to the Home Secretary to flag these issues in response to the request from the Syrian community representatives that I met.

I extend the same commitment I gave the group to all Syrians in Scotland: We will do everything in our power to ensure that you are welcome and integrated into Scotland for as long as it is your home. You bring so much to the cultural, economic, and social fabric of Scotland and we value you in our communities.

For over 10 years now, our approach to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum has been guided by our New Scots refugee integration strategy. We are working with our lead partners, COSLA and Scottish Refugee Council, as well as wider partners to deliver the strategy and support integration for all refugees, people seeking asylum, displaced people and communities.

I stand with the Syrian communities in Scotland in support of their rights, their integration and in supporting their homeland through this hopeful transition.

JOHN SWINNEY

Healthcare over public holidays

Essential health services will be open on public holidays.

When your GP and pharmacy are closed and you are too ill to wait, visit NHS Inform.

For urgent advice, or if you think you need to attend A&E, but it’s not life or limb threatening, call 111.

ℹ️

http://nhsinform.scot/campaigns/right-care-right-place

First Minister encourages public to help protect front line services

NHS 24 resilience over festive period

An information campaign and increased recruitment of call handlers are among the initiatives NHS 24 has put in place to help protect vital front line health and care services over the festive period.

First Minister John Swinney visited the NHS 24 call centre in Dundee to observe preparations ahead of the Christmas and New Year period and to express his gratitude to staff.

NHS 24 has been working proactively to bolster resilience and alleviate pressure on both the 111 service and other primary care resources. Initiatives include:

  • Launching a winter campaign focused on digital information and encouraging people to prepare ahead of service closures.
  • Recruiting a record number of call handlers and additional clinical supervisors to strengthen capacity.
  • Prioritising frontline services, including suspending non-essential activities within call centres and managing staff annual leave to maximize availability.

The First Minister said: “The festive period is traditionally very challenging for the NHS. The resilience and determination shown by staff in the face of pressures; both at NHS 24 and across the wider health and care sector is truly inspiring.

“NHS 24 data shows that a quarter of calls to 111 can be resolved online, and the service is encouraging more people to take advantage of its digital self-help guides for faster, more convenient care.

“These online tools can help ensure our front line services can focus on those who need urgent care.”

NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Ron Cook, said: “Our digital services use the same clinical advice people get if they call NHS 24 and offer a great first option when people are unwell and are not sure if they need to seek further help.

“We are advising patients to save time and look after symptoms safely and effectively at home by using NHS inform or the NHS 24 Online app’s symptom checkers which will give clinically assured health advice on a wide range of conditions including coughs, rashes, stomach bugs, or back pain.

“By checking symptoms online this will give advice on how best to manage your condition or what to do next if further help is required.”

The Right Care, Right Place campaign reminds the public to use healthcare services appropriately:

  • For advice on minor illnesses and injuries, visit www.nhs24.scot.
  • Call 111 for urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns.
  • Always call 999 in an emergency.

New Year, Old Challenges?

EDINBURGH SOCIAL CARE ANTI-CUTS CONFERENCE

Preliminary Notice of Anti Cuts Conference – Saturday 18th January 2025

Augustine United Church – George IV Bridge Edinburgh

9.30 am – Doors Open – Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

10.00am – 1pm  Conference 

The Conference is being convened by Edinburgh Trade Union Council and the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).

The purpose of the Conference is to consider how best to fight the social care and health service cuts that are being planned by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB).

Crucial budget decisions are going to be made by the Scottish Government and the City Council over the next two or three months which will determine the level of cuts.

The conference will discuss how best to lobby to obtain the resources  needed to meet service demands. This will include the services provided by  the  64 third sector organisations Edinburgh that are threatened with cuts and redundancies.

The conference is open to the public. The agenda will be an introductory session, workshops and a final plenary session. The conference will have input from speakers from the STUC. We will invite a speaker from amongst the Councillors on the EIJB and a speaker representative of Edinburgh community health organisations. 

We hope the conference will be able to draw up a City wide plan for lobbying and campaigning.

More details of the conference will be circulated on Monday 6th January 2025. Any comments or queries in the meantime will be responded to on 23/12/24 and 27/12/24.

Regards,

Des Loughney

Secretary, Edinburgh Trade Union Council

Regulation and licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures

Consultation launched on improving safety in the sector

The public is being asked for their views on how best to further regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures to improve client safety.

Independent healthcare clinics in Scotland are already regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, but the sector across the UK is not fully regulated.

The number of procedures which pierce and penetrate the skin is increasing and the Scottish Government is considering what requirements can be put in place to reduce the potential for harm from riskier procedures.

The new consultation builds on a previous one in 2020 and puts forward more detailed proposals for what that further regulation could look like.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “It is distressing to hear of cases where people have suffered as a result of non-surgical cosmetic procedures going wrong. 

“The current gaps in regulation means that anyone can perform most of these procedures without the need for any formal training or qualifications and this consultation aims to gather a wide range of views on how best to address this.

“We want to make sure procedures are carried out by appropriately qualified and skilled practitioners so that clients have peace of mind. We are aware of the potential impact on businesses and we are working with a range of stakeholders to make sure we get those details right. 

“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that robust and proportionate regulation is introduced to ensure that people who choose to have these procedures, can do so with the confidence they will be safe so please let us know your views.”

Chair of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners, Professor David Sines CBE said: “I warmly welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to consult on this new, proposed scheme of regulation and licensing.

“In my opinion the proposals included in this consultation document will dramatically improve consumer safety and reduce the risk of injury and harm arising from improperly performed cosmetic treatments. Nothing is more important than public protection and patient safety.

“I would urge everybody to support this move towards sensible and proportionate regulation in this important sector.”

Scotland’s criminals made to pay to support victims

Additional £1.1 million for people impacted by crime

More victims of crime are to receive support through a fund financed by penalties imposed on offenders.

More than £1.1 million from the Victim Surcharge Fund (VSF) will be shared among 12 organisations that support those impacted by crime.

Child victims, rape survivors and those who have suffered domestic abuse are among those who will receive support. This can include help with essentials like food and clothing, repairs for property damaged as a result of crime, and emotional support.

More than 5,000 people have already benefitted from the VSF since it was set up in 2019 and this fifth round of payments will mean hundreds more will receive support.

Under the scheme, offenders who receive a court fine after being convicted of a crime are charged an additional penalty – the victim surcharge. This is transferred to the VSF and distributed to organisations who support victims. Including this payment round, a total of £2,446,787 has been paid to 18 victim support organisations.

Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “The impact of crime on victims can be devastating – it can cause financial hardship, damage to property and ongoing trauma, and it is absolutely right that offenders should pay to support victims to recover.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund has already benefitted more than 5,000 victims and hundreds more will be supported with the distribution of more than £1.1 million in this latest round of payments.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund builds on the Scottish Government’s wider support for victims. We have invested £93 million to support victims in the past five years, while taking a series of other actions to ensure victims are placed at the heart of the justice system.

“This includes a significant package of reform proposed in the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill to ensure victims are treated with compassion and their voices are heard.”

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “This funding will be instrumental in expanding access to our Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF) to as many people impacted by crime as possible, helping them to rebuild their lives.  

“So far, we have supported thousands of people through the EAF, providing critical help to people who are in urgent need of financial aid – providing funding for things like emergency housing, security equipment, clothing and groceries. 

“With this new funding, we have the chance to reach even more people who have been affected by crime and explore options to develop our offering, including supporting access to mental health services. This funding will also benefit those supported by many of our specialist partner organisations, like Action Against Stalking and ASSIST.” 

Dot Horne, Director of 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café, which supports young victims of crime through their Cairn service, said: “We are delighted to be successful recipients from this round of the Victim Surcharge Fund. This funding will allow us to respond quickly to the immediate, practical needs of children and young people affected by crime.

“Additionally, it provides an opportunity to offer financial support for victims to access positive activities that can help ease the difficult times that young people may be facing.”

The following organisations will benefit from the Victim Surcharge Fund in this round:

  • Victim Support Scotland                                              £850,000
  • Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire      £31,800
  • Migrant Help                                                               £73,985
  • Dunbarton District Women’s Aid                                  £13,500
  • The Moira Fund                                                          £14,500
  • Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland)               £27,465
  • Jubilee House                                                            £10,000
  • Dundee Women’s Hub (Women’s Rape And Sexual Abuse Centre)    £10,000
  • 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café                                   £5,000
  • Action Against Stalking                                               £16,000
  • Central Advocacy Partners                                         £5,000
  • AberNecessities                                                          £67,100
  • Total                                                                           £1,124,350

Community benefits consultation

Views sought on benefits from renewable energy developments

Views are being sought on ways to improve how communities will receive additional benefits from renewable energy developments.

‘Community benefits’ are provided by developers to local groups and can include funding, actions such as in-kind works, the direct support of projects, or other site-specific benefits – such as a reduction in energy bills through local electricity discount schemes or building affordable housing.

Feedback on how to ensure the benefits are sustainable, meaningful and make the biggest positive impact on communities, will be used to update existing guidance for onshore and offshore energy developments, setting out the best practice approach for developers and local areas when delivering community benefits.

Over the past 12 months, more than £30 million has been awarded in community benefits in Scotland, up from £25 million in 2023.

This figure is expected to further increase with investment in clean energy sectors forecast to reach £40 billion over the next decade – providing greater opportunities for local areas to benefit from community benefit schemes.

Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Scotland is set to become a global renewables powerhouse – generating not only  enough green electricity to power all our homes and businesses, but also to export electricity to our neighbours who also need to decarbonise and become more  energy secure. 

“We believe that communities should be at the heart of this transition, and it is vital that they share in the significant economic and social benefits which will be created as we develop our renewable energy resources.

“This means making sure that energy developments provide community benefit schemes which deliver tangible and long lasting legacy benefits for local areas – as well as supporting local jobs, supply chain businesses and wider growth.

“I encourage everyone with an interest to take part in the consultation, to ensure that our arrangements deliver  positive and  meaningful impacts of the type that communities want and help support our just and fair transition to net zero and clean energy security.”    

Scottish Renewables, Chief Executive, Claire Mack said: “As our clean energy transition gathers pace it is important to ensure lasting benefits are secured for Scotland. Delivering our pipeline of projects will provide a significant boost for the economy through high-value jobs, supply chain growth and inward investment.

“Scotland’s renewable energy industry is proud of our positive record to date on community benefits from projects and we want to ensure they continue to deliver for communities. In that effort, however, we must not lose sight of the challenges facing project deployment.

“We look forward to engaging constructively with this consultation to ensure community benefits are sustainable for industry and strategically placed to deliver a long-term, positive impact for local communities.”

Zoë Holliday from the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy said: “We commend the Scottish Government for committing to update the Good Practice Principles for community benefits.

“Since its establishment, the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy has been calling for these to be overhauled to reflect current technologies and context.

“Now is the time to be ambitious and to make improvements to the guidance to ensure a Fair Deal from the energy transition for communities across Scotland.”

Take part in the consultation

Community benefits are additional benefits, that are currently voluntary, which developers provide to the community. The Scottish Government does not currently have the power to legislate for community benefits, which lies with the UK Government.

Budget Bill published

Spending plans to be scrutinised by Parliament

Finance Secretary Shona Robison has urged Parliament to engage constructively with the 2025-26 Scottish Budget.

The Budget Bill, published today, gives Parliament the opportunity to scrutinise the Scottish Government’s public spending proposals as set out by Ms Robison on 4 December. Committees will take evidence on the plans before MSPs debate the Bill’s general principles in the Chamber.

The Finance and Public Administration Committee will consider the detail of the Bill and any Government amendments ahead of the Parliament’s final debate and vote on whether the Bill should become law.

Proposed income tax rates and bands, which will apply from April, are set out in a Scottish Rate Resolution that is subject to a separate vote before the final stage of the Bill.

The Finance Secretary said: “This Budget invests in public services, lifts children out of poverty, acts in the face of the climate emergency and supports jobs and economic growth.

“Parliament can show that we understand the pressures people are facing by coming together to bring hope to people, to renew our public services and deliver a wealth of new opportunities in our economy.

“I am urging all parties to work with us to pass this Budget and to deliver the progress and hope that people in Scotland desperately want to see.”

Budget (Scotland) (No. 4) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website

The 2025-26 Budget includes:

  • a record £2 billion increase in frontline NHS spending, taking overall health and social care investment to £21 billion to reduce NHS waiting lists, make it easier for people to see their GP and progress the Belford Hospital, Monklands Hospital and Edinburgh Eye Pavilion projects
  • funding for universal winter heating payments for older Scots and investment to allow the mitigation of the two-child cap from 2026
  • tax choices that freeze income tax rates, increase the Basic and Intermediate rate thresholds to put more money in the pockets of low and middle-income earners, and provide business rates relief for hard-pressed local pubs and restaurants
  • a record £15 billion for local government to support the services communities rely on and £768 million to provide 8,000 more affordable homes
  • £4.9 billion of action on the climate and nature crises to lower emissions and energy bills, protect the environment and create new jobs and opportunities
  • a real-terms uplift of 3% for spending on education and skills to maintain teacher levels and invest in school infrastructure, as well as new funding to expand access to breakfast clubs in primary schools
  • a £34 million uplift for culture in 2025-26

Scottish Government unveils 2030 Route map to circular economy

PLAN TO BOOST REUSE AND RECYCLING

Actions aimed at ensuring households and businesses in Scotland boost reuse and recycling rates and cut waste have been published.

The Circular Economy and Waste Route Map sets out 11 priority areas where efforts and resources will be concentrated to support a transition to a circular economy – where resources are kept in use for as long as possible. 

They include:

  • setting new circular economy targets
  • reducing the amount of food waste produced
  • developing a model for regional hubs and networks for the reuse of construction materials and assets
  • improving the provision of recycling and waste services
  • minimising the carbon impacts of the energy from waste sector

The Route Map is the product of extensive collaboration and engagement with the public, private and third sectors through two consultations since 2022, with consistently high levels of support for the proposals.

The overall recycling rate in Scotland is at its highest level since records began in 2011, and the actions in the Route Map complement provisions in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, which was passed unanimously by MSPs in June.

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin launched the Route Map at a visit to Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh, which upcycles discarded wooden furniture into new items.

She said: “Reusing and recycling materials has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to tackling the climate crisis. 

“We must make the circular option, where we value materials and keep them in use for as long as possible, either in their original form or recycled, an easier choice for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector.

“The Route Map sets out an ambitious plan to help make this a reality and I want to thank all those who have contributed to its development.

“There have been consistently high levels of support for its actions, which promote and support responsible production and consumption, along with the sustainable management of Scotland’s resources – and the final route map will be key to supporting the Scottish Government’s net zero and economic growth goals.”

Helene van der Ploeg, CEO of the Grassmarket Community Project said: “We pride ourselves on our initiatives to repurpose, recycle and reuse through our wood workshop, and Tartan shop. Old furniture, church pews and fallen trees are donated and re-worked into beautiful pieces of furniture or small household items. Leftover tartan from weavers, and donated fabric scraps are handcrafted into beautiful gifts.

“These materials, once considered waste and destined for landfill, are now valuable contributors to the circular economy. Thanks to generous donations, we’re recycling these materials, giving them new purpose, and creating timeless treasures that will be passed down through generations.

“Along the way, we generate income, provide essential skills training for our members (beneficiaries) and volunteers, all of which embodies and reinforces the values of the Route Map and our commitment to the circular economy.”

Read the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map 

Summary of priority actions:

* = Relates to provisions in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024

  1. Publish a Product Stewardship Plan to set out how we will tackle the environmental impact of priority products by 2025/26
  2. Develop an intervention plan to guide long-term work on household food waste reduction behaviour change by 2026/27
  3. *Develop with stakeholders’ effective options to implement mandatory reporting for food waste and surplus by businesses from 2025/26
  4. Support the development of a model for regional Scottish hubs and networks for the reuse of construction materials and assets from 2025-2027
  5. *Facilitate a co-design process for high quality, high performing household recycling and reuse services, 2024 – 2026
  6. Review of compliance with commercial recycling requirements, 2026
  7. Co-design measures to improve commercial waste service provisions, commencing by 2030
  8. Develop a Residual Waste Plan to 2045, by 2027
  9. Facilitate the development of a Sector-Led Plan to minimise the carbon impacts of the energy from waste sector, by 2027
  10. *Develop a circular economy strategy every five years, with first one published in 2026
  11. *Set new circular economy targets by 2027.

State of the art learning campus opens in Fife

INVESTING IN SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

First Minister John Swinney has officially opened two new schools in Dunfermline which were supported by £53.4 million of Scottish Government investment.

Based within the new state of the art Dunfermline Learning Campus, St Columba’s RC and Woodmill High School will provide education opportunities from primary school all the way through to college. The campus will also be home to the new Fife College which is expected to open in early 2026.

If the Scottish Parliament votes for the 2025-26 Budget, it will ensure councils share a record funding settlement of more than £15 billion which will help provide vital support for schools and education.

The opening of the two new schools also adds to the proportion of schools in “good” or “satisfactory” condition which has increased from 62.7% in April 2007 to 91.7% in April 2024.

The increasing number of high quality school buildings is supported by the Scottish Government’s £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) – delivered in partnership with local authorities. A further nine school projects included in the programme will open in 2025-26.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Investing in our children’s education is one of the most important investments we can make and my government is determined to continue to deliver progress in Education. The pupils of the two schools on the Dunfermline Learning Campus will be learning in state of the art and modern facilities.

“It is my pleasure to officially open the schools within the Dunfermline Learning Campus and to see this fantastic facility come to life which has been supported by over £53 million of Scottish Government investment.

“There is so much to be proud of in Scottish education, with literacy and numeracy at a record high and record numbers of our young people going on to university.  Our budget will invest to ensure we can continue this progress.

“That is why I am calling on Parliament to unite behind the Budget and ensure we can drive further improvements in our schools, and deliver for our young people.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Dunfermline Learning Campus is a key example of the Scottish Government – in partnership with local authorities – delivering for local communities through the £2 billion LEIP. For the pupils attending these schools, this campus will be transformative for their education, for their families and for their future.

“I’m really pleased to see that community initiatives have been a focus during the building period. 814 weeks of apprenticeships have been supported for local young people and more than £56,000 donated to local community groups – putting community and social value at the heart of the campus.”

Mr Swinney attended a rather older ‘learning campus’ earlier this week when he returned to Carrick Knowe, his old primary school in Edinburgh.

Carrick Knowe opened 70 years ago this week and the school has been celebrating that special anniversary by creating an impressive exhibition highlighting key moments in the school’s history. Current pupils also performed a wonderful birthday celebration show – on the very same stage that young John Swinney himself will doubtless have performed as a wee laddie quite a few years ago!

Happy birthday, Carrick Knowe!