Tag: Scottish Government

Delivering Additional Support for Learning

National review lead is announced

A national review into the provision of  Additional Support for Learning (ASL) will be led by former Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland Janie McManus.

Announcing the appointment to Parliament, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said Ms McManus will lead an expert group to examine how to strengthen delivery, including provision in schools and how policy is translating into effective practice.

The review report will be completed within two months and be shared at a National Engagement Event on 12 March. This will be the first in a series of events, enabling teachers and practitioners to come together and showcase effective ASL practice from different local authorities across the country.

The Education Secretary said: “I am delighted that Janie McManus, our Professional Advisor for Education, is leading this work. She brings substantial experience in inclusive education and system improvement, and will lead a rigorous, evidence-informed review.

“Our ASL National Engagement Event will also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to come together, reflect on the findings, and to hear more about the short, actionable improvement agenda, which will inform the next phase of ASL policy design.

“This work will mean we are in a strong position to shape the next phase of ASL policy, ensuring future developments move swiftly from insight to implementation.

“Our commitment is unwavering to build an education system where school staff have the tools and confidence to meet diverse needs and where children and young people with additional support needs thrive – every day, in every classroom, in every community.”

Extra Time programme: After school clubs expansion

Supporting parents and improving kids’ health and wellbeing

More children across Scotland will have access to free after school activities as part of the government’s national mission to tackle poverty.

The Scottish Government’s Extra Time Programme, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association, supports local football clubs and trusts to provide free before school, after school and holiday activity clubs to primary school children from low income families.

Last year up to 5,000 children across 28 local authority areas were able to attend regular services which provide childcare options for their parents.

The 2026-27 Scottish Budget is increasing investment to expand delivery and reach of after school services, building on the success of the Extra Time programme, in areas where it is required for families most in need.  

First Minister John Swinney met pupils benefiting from after school activities provided by Hibernian Community Foundation as part of the programme.

First Minister John Swinney said: “We know that families greatly value the services provided through the Extra Time Programme, which extend the school day, helping parents enter and sustain employment.

“The clubs are also hugely popular with children, enabling them to take part in football and other activities, learn new skills and access healthy food – helping improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

“The Scottish Government has supported the successful delivery of the programme through grassroots football clubs and trusts across the country, working closely with schools and community organisations.

“This is an excellent example of how we are improving outcomes for families and delivering on my priorities for Scotland – tackling poverty and growing our economy.”

A Budget to tackle child poverty

SOCIAL JUSTICE SECRETARY VISITS PYCP

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said the draft Scottish Budget 2026-27 is a “landmark intervention” in the Scottish Government’s drive to tackle the root causes of child poverty and increase living standards.   

Around £8 billion has been earmarked for the social justice portfolio, boosting support for vulnerable people and low-income families.

This includes plans to:   

  • introduce a new premium element of the Scottish Child Payment in 2027- 2028, raising weekly payments for eligible parents of children under the age of one to £40 per child, benefitting around 12,000 children  
  • create a new £50 million package to boost whole family support. This will further enhance existing support and will include help with transport, skills, and commits £20 million for third sector partners to deliver the support that people need in their communities
  • increase the Tackling Child Poverty Fund from £12.5 million to £61.5 million in 2026-27 
  • invest £7.2 billion in social security, supporting disabled people, unpaid carers, those on low incomes and others, while also providing help with energy bills

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville met parents in receipt of any of the Five Family Payments, including the Scottish Child Payment, on Thursday (15 January) at Pilton Youth and Children’s Project, and said: “Eradicating child poverty is this government’s driving mission – no child should have their prospects hindered by circumstances beyond their control.  

“This Budget is a landmark intervention in our work to tackle the root causes of poverty and reduce the pressure on household finances – from increased support for Scotland’s newest parents, to new initiatives to help increase household incomes and ensure families receive the right support at the right time.  

“With more than £330 million committed across three years to our Tackling Child Poverty Fund and to investment in Whole Family Support, we are laying the groundwork to drive continued progress in the year ahead, breaking the cycle of poverty in Scotland for good.” 

National Galleries Scotland: ‘Major step forward’ for The Art Works

We’re delighted to share a major step forward for The Art Works! 🎉

The Scottish Government has committed £56 million in funding over the next three years, enabling us to move ahead with confidence on this ambitious project in North Edinburgh, part of the National Collections Hub.

With around 97% of the national art collection currently in storage, The Art Works will provide a new, free-to-visit home, ensuring more of Scotland’s art can be seen and enjoyed. It will also give greater access to art, not just for people in Edinburgh but by enabling us to lend more art across Scotland.

Not only will you be able to walk among some of greatest Scottish treasures, but you can also pop in for a coffee, use the space for work/study, watch our conservators take care of beautiful, historic art and even more.

This investment will help us make the best use of public funding while continuing to care for and share the national collection for the benefit of current and future generations.

Budget Bill published

Parliament to scrutinise spending plans

Legislation to implement the draft 2026-27 Budget with record funding for the NHS, landmark policies to tackle child poverty and enhanced cost of living support has been published.

The Budget Bill allows parliament to scrutinise the Scottish Government’s spending proposals of almost £68 billion before votes next month.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said she hoped to secure support from across parliament as she urged constructive engagement with the next steps of the process.

Ms Robison said: “Our spending plans provide help for hard-pressed families and businesses alongside investment in public services and infrastructure.  

“The Budget expands our game-changing efforts to eradicate child poverty and provides greater opportunities to attain the necessary skills to gain from, and contribute to, our economy.

“Following earlier cross-parliament engagement, priorities of opposition members are included alongside the Scottish Government’s spending plans, including more money to improve neurodevelopmental assessments and care for children and young people.

“It is a budget worth voting for, and we will continue to seek to work constructively to ensure it passes.”

Budget Bill

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 2026-27 Budget includes:

  • a record £22.5 billion for health and social care, including a record £17.6 billion for NHS boards and resources to begin the national rollout of walk-in GP clinics, making it easier to access same-day appointments
  • significant extra funding for universities and colleges, with colleges seeing a combined increase of £70 million in resource and capital funding, equivalent to a 10% uplift,  targeted support to help retrain workers in the oil and gas sector and ongoing commitment to Scotland’s apprenticeships, which this year will provide more than 31,000 Scots with a pathway to sustainable, well-paid jobs
  • a cost of living package to: help families with funding to trial a programme of activities in a range of primary schools between 3-6pm; a Summer of Sport – free children’s sporting activities, including lessons on how to swim for every primary school child in the country; and a breakfast club for every primary school by August 2027
  • funding to increase Scottish Child Payment to £28.20 per week and investment to allow the introduction of a premium payment of £40 per week for eligible children under 12 months from 2027-28, bolstering efforts to drive down child poverty
  • continued investment in Scotland’s existing cost of living measures, including free prescriptions, free eye examinations, removal of peak rail fares on Scotrail, free tuition fees for young Scots, free school meals for thousands of children, including all pupils in P1 to P5, and free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s

Fatal Accident Inquiry Review

Scottish Government pledges to improve system following deaths in custody

Action to reform the Fatal Accident Inquiry system relating to deaths in custody will be taken following an independent review.

The review was commissioned by Justice Secretary Angela Constance, in consultation with the Lord Advocate, to examine how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations into deaths in custody and ensure those affected are treated in a trauma-informed way.

Retired Sheriff Principal Ian Abercrombie KC, who chaired the review, has now published his report. It contains 34 recommendations aimed at improving the process, timescales and communication of Fatal Accident Inquiries held in response to a death in custody.

Many of the review’s recommendations will require collaboration and legislative change, and the Scottish Government will set up a multi-agency working group to drive forward action, which will include the Scottish Prison Service, Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and other key partners.

Ms Constance said: “I am very grateful to Sheriff Principal Abercrombie and the advisory group for this forthright review. Their report’s thorough and wide-ranging recommendations set out the evident need to improve the Fatal Accident Inquiry system.

“The message from families who gave evidence to the review is clear, they feel let down and their experience of the system has added to their grief.

“This needs to change and families who have lost loved ones in custody cannot wait for a lengthy process to conclude before they see improvement.

“Responsibility for acting on the recommendations sits with a range of justice partners, which is why I am setting up a multi-agency group to drive forward reforms.

“The group will consider the review’s recommendations and develop a shared action plan to improve the system of fatal accident inquiries for deaths in custody, with an emphasis on implementing reform as a priority.”

Protecting football fans from ticket touts

UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill passed

The Scottish Parliament has approved government legislation which will help ensure EURO 2028 in Scotland is fair and affordable for supporters and businesses.

At the heart of the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill is a commitment to putting fans first by helping to safeguard against touts and preventing EURO 2028 tickets being sold above face value or for profit in Scotland.

It is part of a package of measures to make sure tickets are sold fairly and accessibly. UEFA has announced that more than 40% of tickets sold for the tournament will be in the lowest price categories and that there will be no surge or dynamic pricing. Tickets will be allocated through a ballot to avoid queues and pressure on fans.

An official UEFA resale platform will also allow tickets to be resold only at face value to avoid ticket touts. Resale outside the official platform will not be authorised, ensuring greater fairness for fans.

Provisions in the Bill will also protect commercial rights by preventing unauthorised street trading and advertising in event zones and give Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council the powers they need to enforce rules fairly.

Minister for Business Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland is the perfect stage to host three of the world’s top sporting events over the next three years – the Commonwealth Games 2026, the Tour de France Grand Depart 2027 and the UEFA EURO 2028 – bringing real and lasting benefits, from supporting jobs and local businesses to showcasing Scotland to millions of people around the world.

“The passage of this Bill confirms that Scotland is ready to co-host EURO 2028 in a way that is fair for supporters and businesses.

“This Bill put fans first, with strong protections against ticket touting and measures to tackle ambush marketing, so supporters can enjoy this once-in-a-generation event on equal terms.”

Executive Director of Supporters Direct Scotland Alan Russell said: “As supporters of our national game, and football in general, we welcome this Bill which we hope will keep tickets affordable and accessible to all.

“By banning the unauthorised sale of tickets for more than face value, UEFA have sent a clear signal that football is for the fans, and that profiteering by ticket touts is not welcome here.

“We’re looking forward to another fantastic tournament, with Hampden packed to the rafters with real fans, and can’t wait to follow Scotland all the way to the final!”

Around three million tickets are expected to go on sale across the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland in June and July 2028.

Six matches will be played at Hampden Park in Glasgow and the Scottish Government is investing up to £73 million to support delivery of EURO 2028 in Scotland.

The tournament is expected to generate an estimated £270 million boost to the Scottish economy, supporting jobs, tourism and local businesses across the country.

£3.2 million of Scottish Government funding will help to reduce barriers to opportunity, bring communities together through shared national moments and showcase Scotland as a world class host of major events.

Reimagining secure care

Consultation open for views on proposals on the future of secure care

Proposals to strengthen the sustainability of secure care and enhance the support available to vulnerable children are being consulted upon.

The consultation seeks views on a range of proposed reforms to future secure care services, which will continue to be a critical part of Scotland’s child welfare and justice systems.

Among the proposals are:

  • whether secure care should be nationalised or nationally coordinated
  • models from the ‘Reimagining Secure Care’ report, including community-based hubs that are designed to deliver early intervention, crisis support and ongoing care within a child’s own community
  • new models for the funding and commissioning of secure care settings
  • standards for the safe transport of children to and within secure care.

The proposals will ensure that children’s rights are at the centre of secure care services, aligning further with the incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law and the Scottish Government’s commitment to The Promise.

Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes said: “This national consultation marks a significant moment in our journey to reimagine how we care for and support some of the most vulnerable children in Scotland.

“Every child in secure care deserves support that is therapeutic, understanding of their experiences, and tailored to their individual needs. This consultation explores how we can create a system where children receive the right care, at the right time, in in environments that support their recovery and rehabilitation, keep them connected to family and community, and prepare them for positive futures.

“Your views will help shape a secure care system that places children’s rights at its heart, ensures secure care remains a last resort, and gives every child the best chance to thrive.”

The consultation on the future of secure care is open for views until 16 April 2026.

£36 million to expand walk-in GP services

Investment will improve same-day access to urgent care

People will benefit from faster access to GP care as part of a £36 million investment announced in the Scottish Budget.

The funding will support the rollout of a new network of walk-in General Practice (GP) services, designed to make it easier for people to see GPs and other primary care clinicians quickly for urgent health concerns without needing an appointment.

Fifteen walk-in service centres will be established, with services focused on urgent, on-the-day primary care needs, similar to the care currently provided by GP out-of-hours services.

Services – which will be open 12pm-8pm, seven days per week – will allow people to attend without a prior appointment and will complement existing GP practices, NHS 24, community pharmacy, and hospitals.

Visiting the first future pilot site to be announced – Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre – Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray said: “This £36 million investment will help more people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Walk-in services will make it easier to access urgent care on the day it’s needed, while easing pressure on GP practices and hospitals.

“Open seven days per week, between 12pm-8pm, our new walk-in centres will ensure people can get the care they need at a time that works for them – and will deliver over one million additional GP and nurse appointments.

“The funding for the walk-in services is just part of almost £22.5 billion allocated to health and social care, including a record £17.6 billion for NHS services and resources. Our continued investment in the NHS is allowing us to target areas which are experiencing long waits, reducing backlogs, and getting people the appointments and treatments they need as quickly as possible.

“I am determined to keep driving forward improvements so everyone can get the care they need, when they need it.”

Tracey McKigen, Director of Primary Care for NHS Lothian, said: “We are working closely with Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, the Edinburgh Health and Social Care partnership and the Scottish Government to shape proposals for piloting a new walk-in GP service.

“While plans are still being refined, we believe the new service will help improve access to primary care and complement existing local health services.”

Greens highlight potential funding cuts to community organisations

At yesterday’s meeting of the city council’s Finance and Resource Committee (Thursday 15 January) the Scottish Greens presented an amendment which drew attention to a £15m Scottish government budget cut to community organisations and the end of Investment in Communities.

The shock proposed cut by the Scottish government risks a long list of local community groups being left high and dry as core funding for charities continues to be a pressing issue in the city (see list below).

Finance spokesperson Alex Staniforth said, “We’re glad our amendment passed at committee and officers will investigate the impact of these proposed cuts, but every time we think we’ve got a handle on cuts to the third sector some other proposal comes forward to squeeze it still further.

“The Scottish government should reflect on whether this is the best way to save £15 million given the vital work community organisations do in the city.”

List of Edinburgh organisations potentially affected:

  • About Youth, Calder Youth Action Project (part of Wester Hailes Together), City of Edinburgh, £105,822
  • Community Renewal Trust, Our Neighbourhood: A new hyperlocal Community Wealth Building partnership, City of Edinburgh, £300,732
  • Dr. Bell’s Family Centre, Start Well, Live Well: Wellbeing Support for Families in Leith, City of Edinburgh, £348,067
  • Edinburgh Food Social Cic, Changing Craigmillar Food Culture, City of Edinburgh, £325,847
  • Fresh Start, Fresh Connections, City of Edinburgh, £280,201
  • North Edinburgh Arts, North Edinburgh Arts Link Up, City of Edinburgh, £331,400
  • Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, Together We Can, City of Edinburgh, £350,000
  • The Venchie Children And Young People’s Project, Family Support Service, City of Edinburgh, £208,732
  • Transition Edinburgh South (Scotland) Ltd, Investing in Gracemount, City of Edinburgh, £302,196
  • Whale, The Arts Agency, Creativity, Place and Enterprise in Wester Hailes (part of Wester Hailes Together), City of Edinburgh, £332,494

Link to relevant part of Scot Government budget:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-budget-2026-2027/documents