Call for clarity on National Insurance

48 organisations back letter raising concerns

Scottish public sector and voluntary organisations have come together to raise concerns at the impact of the impending increase to employer National Insurance contributions.

Organisations from across civic society in Scotland have backed a letter to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, calling for funding to fully cover the additional costs they face.

At present, the estimated cost to organisations delivering public services in Scotland to cover the increase in employer National Insurance contributions could amount to £700 million.

The joint letter from First Minister John Swinney and COSLA President Shona Morrison has been supported by 48 organisations including the Scottish Trades Union Congress, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and British Dental Association.

The First Minister said: “I would like to thank all the public and voluntary sector organisations who have come together to call in a unified voice for this decision to be reconsidered.

“We are disappointed that the UK Government did not engage with the Scottish Government on the change to employers National Insurance Contributions and we are concerned about the additional pressure it places on all employers. The Scottish Budget is expected to pass within weeks, and alongside local authorities, we need clarity.

“We will continue to press the UK Government to raise our deep concern about the implications of the increase to employer National Insurance contributions for organisations across Scotland, and the risk to the vital services they provide if these additional costs are not fully funded.”

SCVO chief executive Anna Fowlie added: “Coming on top of rising costs and fragile funding, this ill-thought-through rise in the cost of employing staff is a body blow to many Scottish charities.

“Employers, staff and people receiving vital public services will all be hit hard. It’s unusual to see this range of voices in collective agreement and I hope the Chancellor will reconsider her position.”

The letter has been supported by:

Roz Foyer, General Secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
Martin Green, Chair, Community Pharmacy Scotland
Eilidh Thomson, Chair, Optometry Scotland
David McColl, Chair of the Scottish Dental Practice Committee, British Dental Association
Jacki Smart, Chair, Scottish Hospices Leadership Group
Gavin Sinclair, Director of Funding and Partnerships, Venture Trust
Wilma Thomson, Manager, Rape Crisis Grampian
Sharon Aitchison, Chief Executive, Monklands Women’s Aid
Marsha Scott, Chief Executive, Scottish Women’s Aid
Lauren McGregor, Children and Young Person’s Team Leader and Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate, Committed to Ending Abuse (CEA Ltd)
Susie Stein, Chief Executive, Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre
Jan Swan, Chief Executive, Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
Colin Lee, Chief Executive, Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations (CEMVO) Scotland
Aaliya Seyal, Chief Executive Officer, Legal Services Agency Ltd
Donna Hutchison, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Cyrenians
Angela Barron, Chief Executive, Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre
Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Women’s Aid
Alana Harper, Chief Executive, Tayside Deaf Hub
Pam Hunter, Chief Executive, SAY Women
Karen Moore, Interim Change Manager, Motherwell District Women’s Aid
Shirley Middleditch, Manager, South Ayrshire Women’s Aid
Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive, Rape Crisis Scotland
Maria Jose Pavez Larrea, Co-General Manager, Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC)
Paul Wilson, Chief Officer, Volunteer Edinburgh
Nicola Livingston, Chair, Scottish Council of Jewish Communities
Dr Richard Groden, Chair, Jewish Care Scotland
Dr Donny Lyons, Co-Chair, Cosgrove Care
Sabir Zazai OBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Refugee Council
Jane Wood, Chief Executive Officer, Homes for Scotland
Catherine Dyer CBE, Chair, Community Justice Scotland
Stuart Stevens, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive, Scottish Childminding Association
Jaci Douglas, Chief Executive, Care and Learning Alliance
Ben McLeish, Director, 2020 Together
Louise Licznerski, Founding Director, Scottish Outdoor Learning Association
Irene Audain, Chief Executive, Scottish Out of School Care Network
Jonathan Broadbery, Director of Policy and Communications, National Day Nurseries Association
Sharon Fairley, Chief Executive, Scottish Private Nursery Association
Jane Brumpton, Chief Executive, Early Years Scotland
Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive, The Promise Scotland
Francis Scott, Director of Services, St Phillips School
Stuart Provan, Chief Executive Officer, Seamab Care and Education
Mary Geaney, Chief Executive Officer, Rossie Young Peoples Trust
Martin Boyle, Interim Chief Executive, Scottish Funding Council
Pauline Radcliffe, Chief Executive, Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
Graeme Jackson, Interim Chief Executive, Colleges Scotland
Frank Mitchell, Chair, Skills Development Scotland
Damien Yeates, Chief Executive, Skills Development Scotland

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Council Tax Reduction scheme hits £4 billion milestone

Households across Scotland have received £4.1 billion in relief since the Council Tax Reduction scheme was introduced in 2013.

People on low incomes are eligible for the benefit if they live in Scotland – there is no equivalent in England where most councils require each household to contribute a minimum amount of council tax, irrespective of ability to do so.

The latest figures show 460,560 recipients were eligible for Council Tax Reduction in October 2024, saving an average of over £850 a year.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “The First Minister has been clear that one of the Scottish Government’s key missions is to eradicate child poverty. The Council Tax Reduction scheme is just one of the groundbreaking initiatives that we have introduced and continue to fund to support households.

“Alongside the Scottish Child Payment, we will continue the fight against poverty through the Scottish Budget by providing vital funding for universal winter heating payments for older Scots, and investment to allow the mitigation of the two-child cap from 2026.

“I urge people to check their eligibility for Council Tax reduction, Council Tax discounts and other financial support by visiting our online resources or by contacting their local council.”

People can check whether they are eligible for Council Tax Reduction through mygov.scot or by contacting their local council.

COSLA: What does the Scottish Budget mean for councils?

COSLA has shared two new documents setting out high-level analysis of the Scottish 2025-26 Budget and what it means for Councils and essential local social care services.

What does the Scottish Budget mean for councils?

Following the Scottish Budget announcement earlier this month, we shared a short briefing setting out high-level analysis on what the Budget means for Scottish Local Government.

Commenting, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Katie Hagmann, commented: “This Budget is a welcomed step in the right direction for Local Government and provides a small amount of additional uncommitted revenue and capital funding for 2025/26.

“However, due to the unprecedented financial challenges being faced by our councils, this additional funding may not be enough to reverse planned cuts to vital services across our communities.”

Read the ‘What does the 2025-26 Budget Mean for Councils? document here.

What does the Scottish budget mean for social care?

Our councils have increased real terms spend on social care by 29% since 2010/11 at the expense of other preventative, non-statutory services. However, rising operational costs, escalating demand for services, and high inflation mean that the need for greater funding is more urgent than ever.

The level of funding provided in the 2025/26 Budget will not resolve the unprecedented challenges being faced in local social care services.

COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, added:
“Without additional funding to increase capacity across all of our social care services, there is a very real risk that key services will not be able to transform to the scale that our communities require and deserve.

“COSLA and Local Authorities are ready and willing to work constructively to support improvement and reform in social care that is aligned to local needs and priorities, but this should be backed by the much-needed investment.”

Read COSLA’s Social Care Budget Analysis document here.

Severe Flood Warnings issued

Very high river levels forecast along the River Spey with a danger to life

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued three severe Flood Warnings for the Aviemore and Carrbridge areas with very high river levels forecast for the early hours of Tuesday morning along the River Spey, with a danger to life.

Further warnings are in place over large parts of Scotland with rivers expected to continue to rise, especially across Speyside, the Great Glen and Tayside where impacts are most likely.

A meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) – chaired by Justice Secretary and Minister for Resilience Angela Constance and attended by the First Minister and senior Ministers – was held last night (Monday) to ensure appropriate measures are in place to deal with the severe weather expected.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for rain that covers parts of the southern Highlands and Moray, valid from midnight until 5pm today. A yellow warning for rain and snow covering much of the rest of Scotland remains in place until midnight tonight. There is also a yellow warning for wind across southern Scotland from 7am to 11pm today.

Police Scotland is encouraging road users in the area covered by the amber warning to consider whether they need to travel and are advising people to avoid travelling into the area.

Travel disruption is expected across Scotland, with Transport Scotland making preparations across the trunk road network. Rail, ferry and airport operators are also working to ensure that people can reach their destination over the remainder of the festive period, when it is safe to do so and once the worst of the conditions have passed or expired.

Ms Constance said: “Severe flood warnings with a danger to life are rarely issued and it’s imperative all those in the affected areas play their part to stay safe. I would urge everyone to take action now by staying away from flood water and not taking any unnecessary risks. Please follow the advice of emergency services and first responders on the ground, and where advised to evacuate please do so.

“I would also recommend to keep updated with Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s live flooding updates and consider now any steps needed to be prepared for flooding impacts. With amber and yellow warnings issued for a combination of rain, wind and snow across the country, I have chaired a meeting of SGORR to ensure that we are acting as quickly and safely as possible to mitigate the impacts of the severe weather.

“I know many people will have plans to celebrate Hogmanay with friends and family but with road, rail, air and ferry services all likely to be affected by the conditions, I would urge everyone to please plan ahead to make sure it is safe to travel, and to follow Police and Transport Scotland travel advice on the roads. Anyone planning to travel by rail, air or ferry, should also stay in contact with their operator for the latest service information.

“The Scottish Government’s resilience committee will continue to monitor the situation overnight into Tuesday, and keep Ministers fully updated.

“Advice and information for the public is available at Ready.Scot and the Scottish Government will continue to work with all relevant agencies to closely monitor the storm and its impacts and ensure support is provided to those affected.”

Cordelia Menmuir, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “We have issued three severe flood warnings for the Aviemore and Carrbridge areas. As a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall overnight very high river levels are forecast for the early hours of Tuesday morning along the River Spey. There is a danger to life.

“The severe flood warnings are for Sluggan to Dulnain Bridge, Kincraig to Inverdruie, and Aviemore/ Dalfabar. Extensive river flooding is forecast and there will be widespread disruption to transport, infrastructure, and property flooding. Remember to follow the advice of emergency responder and do not walk or drive through flood water.”

Ministers attending last night’s meeting included First Minister John Swinney, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Gillian Martin and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issues flood alerts and warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on their website.

For trunk road information visit the Traffic Scotland website.

Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.

Latest weather advice can be found on the Met Office website.

Travel advice issued for AMBER weather warning on Hogmanay

Road users are being advised to expect disruption in the Highland and Moray areas on Tuesday, 31 December, 2024 due to an AMBER warning for rain.

Heavy and persistent rainfall is expected which has the potential to trigger shallow landslides and will cause extensive surface water that could affect the public transport and road network, making driving conditions challenging.

There are a number of flood warnings and alerts in place already across Scotland and we would advise the public to check their area on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) website.

Visit Ready Scotland for information on how to prepare for rain and flooding. Information about public transport is available via Traveline.

Police are encouraging road users in the affected area to consider whether they need to travel and are advising people to avoid travelling into the affected area and to drive to the road conditions.

Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of Road Policing, said: “Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the bad weather or if it can be delayed until conditions improve.

“Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.

“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey. Please don’t drive through road closures, the decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is done for public safety.”

General advice for road users

Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather
Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland or visit Traffic Scotland | Trunk road traffic updates & route planner
Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, Twitter/X or their website

Further details about the weather warning and information on flood alerts are available on the Met Office website.

Empowering local climate action

Climate Action Hubs in every area of Scotland

Communities across Scotland are being supported to take climate action, thanks to the realisation of a nationwide network of Climate Action Hubs.

A total of 24 hubs have been set up across Scotland – fulfilling a 2024 Programme for Government commitment.

The Hubs are helping empower people to act in their neighbourhoods and have supported a range of projects including those linked to local energy generation, flood mitigation and food growing.

A total of £5.5 million has been allocated in 2024-25 for Climate Action Hubs alongside a support package for delivery.

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Tackling climate change is our collective responsibility and requires collaborative action at all levels.

“Communities are uniquely placed to play a key role in sharing and driving forward Scotland’s transition to low carbon and climate resilient living. It is vital that we continue empowering people to take action in their neighbourhoods in a way which is right for them – which is why I am proud of supporting our hugely successful framework of regional climate hubs.

“The national hub network are a way communities to come together and engage in collective grass roots action. Through the hubs we will continue to support people and communities to take action, helping Scotland decarbonise by 2045 and prepare for the impacts of climate change which lie ahead.”

Mel Sutton, Project Delivery Manager from Twechar Community Action, said: “I am delighted that East Dunbartonshire Climate Action Hub will be a part of a national network of community action hubs across Scotland.

“This will be an opportunity for local community groups to benefit from the support of the Hub to develop projects, access funding and enjoy the benefits of being part of a national network.

“Over the next few months, we will be mapping out the current climate action projects in the area and delivering climate emergency awareness events and taster sessions which will help community groups develop new climate projects.

“We will then use these events to launch a seed fund to support local communities in making changes that reduce energy use, waste and carbon emissions – and have the added benefit of improving people’s health, wellbeing and resilience.”

Funding for the climate hubs is allocated as follows:

Organisation	Budget
Angus Climate Hub	£165,000.00
Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network Hub	£145,000.00
Ayrshire Climate Hub (covering North, East and South Ayrshire)	£340,000.00
Dumfries and Galloway Climate Hub	£200,000.00
Dundee “Changemakers HubEast Dunbartonshire Climate Action Hub	£140,000.00£49,698.00
East Lothian Climate HubEast Renfrewshire Climate Action Hub (including development grant)	£126,478.00 £97,352.50
Edinburgh Climate Action Hub	£350,000.00
Fife Climate Action Hub	£290,000.00
Forth Valley Climate Action Hub (covering Stirling, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park)	£365,000.00
Glasgow Climate Action Hub	£450,000.00
Highlands & Islands Climate Hub (covering Highland, Orkney and Shetland)	£437,839.60
Inverclyde Climate Action Hub	£93,500.00
Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub (covering North and South Lanarkshire)	£480,000.00
Midlothian Climate Action Hub	£125,000.00
Moray Climate Action Hub	£135,000.00
North East Scotland Climate Action Network (NESCAN) Hub (covering Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)	£468,000.00
Outer Hebrides Climate Hub	£123,900.00
Perth & Kinross Climate Action Hub (including development grant)	£160,000.00
Renfrewshire Climate Action Hub (including development grant)	£145,000.00
Scottish Borders Climate Action Network	£160,000.00
West Dunbartonshire Climate Action Hub (including development grant)	£15,600.00
West Lothian Climate Action Hub	£160,000.00

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 16^th 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.

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.”