Scottish Government – Page 14 – The NEN

New housing agency to deliver simplicity, scale and speed

Accelerating housebuilding across Scotland

First Minister John Swinney has confirmed the Scottish Government intends to establish a new national housing agency with a focus on simplicity, scale and speed to enable the delivery of housing of all types, helping to meet housing need across Scotland.

The executive agency will be called ‘More Homes Scotland’ and is expected to start operating from 2027-28 and be fully functional in 2028-29, subject to the outcome of the Scottish Parliament election.

It will focus on a number of key areas – large-scale affordable housing projects; rural and island housing; acquiring, preparing and releasing land; enabling infrastructure work to unlock stalled sites; and closer working with the Scottish National Investment Bank to make best use of private finance.

A process to co-design the functions and operating model of the new agency will be led by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing in partnership with local authorities and the Scottish National Investment Bank over the coming months, with an update expected to be provided to the Scottish Parliament in March.

The First Minister made the announcement on a visit to a housing development in Wallyford, East Lothian alongside Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan. The 90-home site, developed by Wheatley Homes, includes mid-market and social rented homes.

The First Minister said: “Since 2007, the Scottish Government has supported the delivery of 141,000 affordable homes in Scotland, including 101,000 for social rent – proportionately far more than other parts of the UK.

“We have helped thousands of families to have a warm, safe and affordable place to call home. However, Scotland is facing a housing emergency. We recognise the difficulty that many Scots – in particular young Scots - have finding a home they can afford to rent or buy. 

“We have firm foundations and have recently stepped up our efforts. The 2026-27 draft Scottish Budget includes the single largest funding allocation to affordable housing since records began in 1989.

“We have committed to invest up to £4.9 billion over the next four years, backed by a record £4.1 billion of public investment, helping to deliver 36,000 affordable homes and providing a place to live for around 24,000 children. This is providing record funding and more multi-year certainty than ever before

“This, along with other policy measures, has given confidence to the investment community. However, we must have a public sector delivery model that can rise to our enhanced ambitions.

“A new national agency will mean less duplication, greater expertise, increased efficiencies, and making our substantial investment go further. It will also provide enhanced support to our local authority partners and we will work in partnership with the Scottish National Investment Bank to attract more commercial investment.

“It is a new body that will offer simplicity, scale and speed – boosting delivery, and maximising savings, as part of our commitment to a decade of public sector modernisation and reform.

“More Homes Scotland will meet the needs of this time. It will deliver – for a new generation of Scots – new homes more quickly, more affordably, in more liveable, climate friendly communities.”

David Ritchie Scottish National Investment Bank Chief Executive David Ritchie said: “The Bank has invested more than £130 million in housing to date, with a robust pipeline of more potential housing investments.

“We welcome More Homes Scotland being established to bring momentum in finding housing solutions.

“As a mission-led investor, the Bank makes commercial investments that drive long-term societal and economic growth for Scotland. Our ‘Place’ mission is focused on improving communities, and a good home is a key tenet of that.

“Working with private investors and homebuilders we have developed innovative approaches to unlock finance, getting much-needed homes built across Scotland.”

Housing Emergency Action Plan

New Suicide Prevention Action Plan published

Working together to prevent suicide

A new national action plan setting out Scotland’s priorities for suicide prevention over the next three years has been backed by an increased budget of at least £3 million in 2026-27.

Creating Hope Together: Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026–2029 aims to reduce suicide deaths, address the inequalities that can increase risk, and ensure anyone affected by suicide can access timely, compassionate support.

It’s the next phase of Scotland’s ambitious ten-year suicide prevention strategy, jointly led by the Scottish Government and COSLA, and focuses on four priorities:

supporting people at greatest risk of suicide, and creating safer environments
building understanding about suicide and capability to respond across communities
ensuring access to timely and compassionate support
strengthening foundations for effective delivery through improved data, evidence and collaboration

The latest official statistics from National Records of Scotland show the number of probable suicides in 2024 decreased by 11% compared to 2023 – the lowest number since 2017.

Total mental health spending is expected to exceed £1.5 billion in 2026-27.

Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur said: “Every person lost to suicide is a tragedy with far reaching impacts on families, friends and communities. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and I am determined that everyone has timely access to the right mental health support. While the latest official statistics show a decrease in the number of probable suicides, there is no room for complacency.

“The suicide prevention funding has increased to at least £3 million in 2026–27, up from £2.8 million. The increased budget will allow us to focus on tackling the stigma of suicide, encouraging people to seek help, and providing a range of support for people affected by suicide.

“The new plan is focused on prevention, early intervention and reaching those who need support most, including young people and those impacted by social inequalities, stigma and discrimination. I want to thank Suicide Prevention Scotland and the many other local and national partners, especially those with lived experience, who helped shape this Plan.”

Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: ““Suicide Prevention cannot be achieved by working in silos. We need to work across government – local and national – and with our communities to address the complex factors involved in creating conditions that can increase suicide risk, as well as harnessing those that promote better mental wellbeing.

“This new action plan is informed by learning from both national and local delivery and emerging practice. It builds on the ambition and achievements of the previous plan, accelerating progress towards our shared vision: that everyone in Scotland can access the right support at the right time.”

Declan Harrigan – CEO – S.M.I.L.E. Counselling added: ““S.M.I.L.E. Counselling warmly welcomes the Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026–2029 and is hopeful that its ambitions can be fully realised through strong partnership working across the third sector, statutory services and communities.

“The clear focus on children and young people, early intervention, and addressing inequalities reflects what we know is needed to prevent suicide and save lives.

“We strongly support the plan’s emphasis on community-based approaches and believe that increased training and development at a local level around suicide prevention, intervention and postvention is pivotal. By building confidence, reducing stigma and equipping communities with the right skills and compassion, we can work together to create suicide-safer environments and, wherever possible, prevent deaths by suicide.

“We look forward to continuing to play an active role alongside partners in supporting children, young people and families, and in helping to turn this shared vision into meaningful, life-saving action.”

The plan builds on the learning from delivering the first action plan, drawing on academic research, insights from Suicide Prevention Scotland, local and national delivery partners, and the voices of people with experience of suicide, including children, young people and their families.

Creating Hope Together: Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026-2029 – gov.scot

Investing in Scotland’s children

Funding for schools, breakfast clubs and free school meals to tackle child poverty

Children and families across Scotland will benefit from the Scottish Government’s sustained investment in Education and Skills as part of the national mission to eradicate child poverty.

The proposed Scottish Budget for 2026-27 commits up to £200 million to the Scottish Attainment Challenge, which has already delivered sustained progress in closing the poverty-related attainment gap. This includes Pupil Equity Funding that aims to empower headteachers to tailor support to meet the specific needs of pupils and families in their communities.

An additional £15 million will ensure that all primary school children are able to access a free breakfast club by August 2027, while free school meals are being expanded to a further 5,500 pupils for 2026-27.

Speaking ahead of a visit to see the breakfast club offer at Downfield Primary School in Dundee, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government’s budget plans reflect our unwavering commitment to giving every child in Scotland the best possible start in life, regardless of their background.

“Scotland’s schools are delivering literacy and numeracy attainment at the highest levels on record, with sustained progress in narrowing the poverty-related attainment gap through the Scottish Attainment Challenge.

“Our continuing investment of up to £200 million will build on these gains, with Pupil Equity Funding continuing to give headteachers the flexibility to respond to the specific needs of their communities.

“We know that children cannot learn if they are hungry or worried about what is happening at home. Our investment in free breakfast clubs and the expanded the rollout of free school meals to more children will help to address food insecurity and help to ease pressure on family budgets at a time when it is needed most

“These measures are central to our national mission to tackle child poverty and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

The latest published figures show that attainment levels are at record highs and the poverty-related attainment gap is at a record low in literacy and numeracy.

New Chief Inspector of Education

Greater powers of independence for role

A former head teacher is set to be appointed Scotland’s new Chief Inspector of Education.

Ruth Binks, currently Corporate Director of Education, Communities and Organisational Development at Inverclyde Council, will start in the role at the end of March, subject to final pre-appointment checks being completed and the appointment being made by an Order of His Majesty the King.

She has previously worked as a classroom teacher and head teacher.

The new office of HM Chief Inspector of Education Scotland (HMCIES) includes enhanced independence, as part of the provisions of the Education (Scotland) Act, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament last year.

The inspectorate provisions will come into effect in March.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Ruth has a depth of knowledge of Scottish education, both in the classroom and in a strategic leadership capacity. I’m confident that she brings the right experience to this key role.

“The new inspectorate body will have greater independence and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections. The office is at the heart of the education reform programme this Government is driving forward.

“This appointment will be pivotal in our efforts to drive improvement across Scotland’s education and skills system and to bring about the changes required to meet the needs of future generations of young people.”

Ms Binks said: “My passion for achieving excellence and reducing inequalities for our young people has been at the heart of everything I have undertaken in my career to date.

“In my new role as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education I will continue to pursue this passion, striving to get the very best for every young person regardless of their background.”

First Minister calls for sustainability of STV regional news

Response to Ofcom consultation

The First Minister has expressed deep concerns over proposals to end the STV North tea-time news bulletin.

The Scottish Government’s response to Ofcom’s consultation on STV’s request to change its regional programming commitments strongly urges consideration of the long-term implications this would have on local public service broadcasting in Scotland.

There has been significant public and political pressure to reverse the plans to end the STV North news bulletin.

First Minister John Swinney said that removing public service obligations to deliver regional news would set a ‘damaging precedent’.

Mr Swinney commented: “The Scottish Government strongly believes that these proposals would not achieve the vital aim to ensure audiences are well-served with high-quality news across Scotland.

“Regional news coverage and bulletins are essential for democratic accountability and local representation; maintaining audience trust and engagement and supporting regional journalism and sustaining jobs.

“It is vital that high-quality, independent local bulletins are preserved, editorial centres outside Glasgow are maintained, and Scottish-based jobs and equitable news access across Scotland are safeguarded.

“We strongly urge Ofcom to consider the long-term implications for plurality, local democracy, and the health of Scotland’s media landscape before removing current public service obligations. Weakening these obligations would set a damaging precedent and accelerate the decline of public interest journalism in Scotland.”

The Scottish Government’s response to Ofcom’s consultation can be found here:

STV regional programming commitments: Ofcom consultation – gov.scot

Tackling gender-based violence on campus

New requirements for colleges and universities proposed

MSPs voted yesterday on Scottish Government proposals to strengthen how colleges and universities prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV).

The measures would require all post-16 education bodies to act to address GBV and provide support for students experiencing abuse, as a condition of the funding they receive from the Scottish Funding Council.

The Scottish Government has tabled amendments to its Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) Bill to introduce the new legal duty. The Scottish Government worked with the organisation EmilyTest and Pam Gosal MSP to develop the amendments.

Institutions will be required to report annually to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) on compliance with these new requirements around gender-based violence, under the terms of the amendments brought forward by Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson.

Ben Macpherson said: “Our colleges and universities are remarkable institutions to learn in and thrive at for the vast majority of students.

However, we can always make them better and there is a clear need for more action on some campuses when it comes to tackling and preventing GBV.

“Our colleges and universities should always be places where all students can live, study and socialise safe from harm or harassment. Furthermore, all staff have the right to go to work in an environment free from the risk of abuse and violence.

“I know there is a lot of good work going on already across higher and further education institutions to address GBV issues on campuses and the changes we are proposing in this new law will strengthen that work.

“I would like to pay tribute to Fiona Drouet and her organisation, EmilyTest, for her important and inspiring work to shape these proposals during the Bill process and for her long-standing commitment to addressing GBV in our colleges and universities.

“Institutions must take every action within their power to reduce the risk of GBV happening. Also, we need to be consistent and cohesive in our approach, and the additional measures in this legislation will help us all move forward in delivering that collective endeavour.

“If passed by MSPs, these amendments and this Bill will make a meaningful and important impact.”

COSLA: “Quite simply, this Budget is not just disappointing for social care, it is damaging”

The Scottish Budget represents a cut to social care funding in Scotland, a concerning and disappointing reality for the people who access and work in social care.

In both COSLA’s manifesto and pre-budget lobbying, the voice of Scottish local government, made a clear and urgent ask for significant additional investment of £750m to protect and strengthen social care. The Scottish Budget as it currently stands, fails to deliver on this. There is no dedicated, additional funding for social care, and the £160m allocated for paying the Real Living Wage to adult social care workers falls short of the estimated £175m cost of this policy commitment.

This is not additional investment – it is underfunding of an existing promise.

The consequences of this budget are real. Without significant new resources, people will continue to face unacceptable delays for social work assessments and care packages. Services already under immense strain will be pushed even closer to breaking point, and councils will be forced into impossible choices.

This will directly impact individuals – those who access care and support and those in hospital waiting for care – at a time when our shared ambition should be to shift the balance of care and improve population health. It is for these reasons that COSLA sees this as very poor settlement for local government which fails to address the dire financial situation.

COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Cllr Paul Kelly commented: “Social care is fundamental to the wellbeing of our communities.

“The Scottish Budget – which COSLA Leaders agree is very poor – undermines the foundations of a fair and sustainable care system and risks reversing progress toward a model that truly meets people’s needs.

“Quite simply, this Budget is not just disappointing for social care, it is damaging.

“COSLA remains committed to improving the design and delivery of social care and we would welcome the opportunity on offer to take forward focused joint working to support our shared ambition of ensuring those with complex needs are supported in the right setting. But without proper investment, that ambition cannot be realised.”

Improving the health of women and girls

Second phase of Women’s Health Plan backed by over £2.4 million to tackle gynaecological waiting times

New plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 and transform gynaecology services – ending long waits – have been published as part of the second phase of the Women’s Health Plan.

This phase is backed by additional funding of over £2.4 million to tackle gynaecological waiting times, bringing additional investment in gynaecology services to almost £13 million this year.

Scotland’s Women’s Health Plan was published in 2021 and was the first of its kind in the UK. Informed by the experiences of women and girls nationwide, Phase Two sets out new action focusing on:

gynaecology transformation, eliminating cervical cancer and brain health priorities.
better research, data and information on women’s health
prevention and early intervention throughout women’s lives
improving menopause and menstrual health, including endometriosis
supporting sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing

In addition, a new £350,000 Women’s Health Research Fund, in partnership with Wellbeing of Women has also launched today. The fund will support research into menstrual and gynaecological health, menopause, pelvic floor health, healthy ageing and long-term conditions.

Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “This year, we have already allocated over £10.5 million for gynaecology, and I am very pleased to announce today a further commitment of £2.4 million to tackle the longest waits – bringing additional funding to nearly £13 million. Latest data shows that this investment is working, with longest waits for new outpatients having fallen by over 18%.

“Phase Two sets clear targets to transform women’s health in Scotland, ending long gynaecology waits, eliminating cervical cancer, and prioritising brain health to support women to live longer, healthier lives.

“We continue to improve menopause and menstrual health, support sexual and reproductive health, and have opened Scotland’s first Women’s Health Research Fund to tackle historic gaps in women’s health research.”

Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion, Professor Anna Glasier OBE said: “Phase Two is ambitious, and rightly so.

“I want women to be able to get the gynaecology care they need without delay, and for women and girls to have the vaccination and screening necessary to prevent cervical cancer. Increasing our focus on prevention and early intervention is vital so women live not just longer, but healthier lives.

“We have a consensus on where we want to get to and importantly, I think we have the commitment and enthusiasm needed to get there.’’

Dr Alison Wright, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “We welcome Scotland’s Women’s Health Plan – Phase Two and look forward to supporting the Scottish Government in implementing its ambitions on the ground.

“We are particularly pleased to see the commitment to transform gynaecology services and to tackle long waiting lists, with over 66,000 women across Scotland currently waiting for gynaecology care.

“We also welcome the shift towards prevention, early intervention and to improving women’s health across the life-course, including the focus on tackling inequalities, access to contraception, and the elimination of cervical cancer.

“If implemented successfully, this plan will help women in Scotland to access appropriate gynaecological care more easily, when they need it.

“We now need the other governments across the UK to go further and faster on women’s health, including tackling the capacity challenges driving the gynaecology waiting list crisis.”

Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive at Wellbeing of Women, said: “We are delighted to join forces with the Scottish Government as partners on the Scottish Women’s Health Research Fund.

“Despite progress, significant gaps remain in women’s health research. By directing funding towards areas that have long been overlooked – such as menstrual, gynaecological, and pelvic floor health – we can collectively drive improvements in health outcomes for women across Scotland and beyond.”

Women’s Health Plan – Phase Two

Easy Read Version

The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge

Backing young people to become entrepreneurs

Young entrepreneurs will be supported to turn their ideas into successful businesses through a new Scottish Government programme. The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge will empower young people aged 18 – 30 from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds to start innovative businesses.

Delivered in partnership with The King’s Trust and social enterprise Dechomai, around 20 participants will be selected for a six-month accelerated entrepreneurial apprenticeship. This will provide tailored support and access to masterclasses, workshops and hands-on experience.

Participants will receive a £500 “Test Your Business” grant, with those ready to launch eligible to apply for a £5,000 start-up grant. At the end of the programme, one winner will be awarded £30,000 to dedicate a full year to developing their business.

First Minister John Swinney said: “I am unashamedly ambitious for Scotland’s young people and want to ensure my government leaves no stone unturned in supporting them to achieve their ambitions.

“That is why I am excited to be launching the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge which will help unearth and expand the creative entrepreneurial spirit that stretches across Scotland.

“This will provide vital support, including mentorship from those who have built their business, and funding to young people to set up their own business.

“It will not only be life changing for the young people taking part but will have a ripple effect across the country – inspiring entrepreneurial spirit, creating a constant flow of future founders and strengthening Scotland’s’ position as a nation of innovation and enterprise.

“Attracting investment into the country whilst reinforcing Scotland’s emerging reputation as a fast-growing entrepreneurial economy, will be crucial to achieving my key priority of growing the economy while also ensuring we can invest in our other vital priorities such as eradicating child poverty. We’ve long been an innovative and entrepreneurial country and this investment will ensure the next generation can set up the businesses of tomorrow.”

The Kings Trust Director of Delivery (Scotland) Lou Goodlad said: “”The King’s Trust is delighted to partner with the Scottish Government and Dechomai to deliver The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge.

“This programme builds on our collective experience supporting young people to start their own business, and together, it will empower young people facing barriers to self-employment. Participants will benefit from a bespoke programme and access to grant funding to help scale their businesses.

“This unique initiative will make a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy, offering young people an incredible opportunity to unlock their entrepreneurial potential. We’re excited to play a key role in the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge and to support the next generation of entrepreneurs in Scotland.”

Founder of Dechomai Bayile Adeoti: ““Working alongside The King’s Trust to deliver the First Minister’s Start-Up Challenge for the Scottish Government is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Dechomai and for the work we do across Scotland.

“At Dechomai, we believe that real and lasting impact happens when founders, educators, communities and institutions come together to build collaboratively.

“The Start-Up Challenge represents what’s possible when we invest in young people and take a genuinely place based and person-centred approach to enterprise and opportunity.

“Partnering with The King’s Trust is also a deeply personal milestone for me. As a former Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust grant recipient, this feels like a full circle moment and a powerful reminder of the importance of belief, access and collective effort. We’re excited to help shape a future where more young people across Scotland can see themselves as founders, leaders and changemakers.”