The Scottish Government will host the 42nd Summit meeting of the British-Irish Council in Edinburgh on 5 and 6 December, First Minister John Swinney has confirmed.
The British-Irish Council was formally established following the Good Friday Agreement. It brings together leaders from the Northern Ireland Executive, the Government of Ireland, the UK Government, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government, the Isle of Man Government, the Government of Jersey, and the Government of Guernsey.
The meeting in Edinburgh marks the 25th anniversary of the first BIC which was held in London in 1999.
With a focus on financing a just transition, the First Minister said this Summit provides a forum for leaders to work collaboratively on tackling climate change and delivering real progress towards action that will help protect the planet.
First Minister John Swinney said: “I am pleased to confirm Scotland will host the 42nd Summit meeting of the British-Irish Council in Edinburgh – a meeting which marks the 25th anniversary of the first Summit which took place in December 1999 following the Good Friday Agreement.
“Since that first meeting, politics across our nations – and the issues that we have each faced – have changed significantly however the principles underpinning the British-Irish Council remain as important now as they did 25 years ago.
“In this anniversary year, I hope our meeting in Edinburgh will encourage and enhance a shared desire to work collaboratively on the big issues facing people.
“One of the biggest issues facing us all is of course climate change and this Summit’s theme of financing a just transition is a critical example of how governments must work together in recognition of the challenges we have to overcome, whilst seizing shared opportunities for the future.”
The 42nd Summit of the British-Irish Council (BIC) will take place on Thursday 5 December and Friday 6 December 2024, marking the 25th anniversary of the first Summit which was held in London in December 1999.
This will be the sixth time the BIC Summit has been held in Scotland.
The Scottish Government last hosted an in-person Summit in June 2016, in Glasgow. In November 2020, it hosted a Summit virtually.
Figures show 45 offences recorded in Edinburgh during last year’s festive period
A hard-hitting campaign aimed at tackling drink and drug-driving was launched by The Scottish Government and Police Scotland yesterday, after a record number of drivers being caught drink or drug-driving.
With police officers able to carry out immediate roadside drug testing using a simple swab, it’s easier than ever for officers to catch drug-drivers, with almost 50 per cent of tests showing up positive2.
The most recent figures available, from 2022, show that drink-driving is estimated to have resulted in 30 deaths and a further 280 injuries.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance, was joined by Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, at the Livingston Inn, to emphasise the potentially devastating consequences of drink and drug-driving – not just for other road users but for those behind the wheel.
Ms. Constance said: “Driving with drink or drugs in your system destroys lives. As well as those whose loved ones are killed or seriously injured as a result of a driver under the influence; drivers themselves face losing their licence and their job, and could be faced with hefty fines.
“The impact on their own families can be huge. It’s simply not worth the risk – leave the car at home if you are planning a night out.”
Police Scotland is urging people to make transport plans before heading out to festivities.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said: “Our officers will be working hard to relentlessly target drivers who choose to drink alcohol or take drugs.
It doesn’t matter how good a driver you think you are, alcohol or drugs will affect your reactions and your judgement.”
The campaign aims to emphasise the long-lasting effects of drugs and alcohol and remind people that even one drink can take them over the alcohol limit. You can still be unfit to drive the morning after drinking or taking drugs, and some drugs can remain in your system for days.
Those caught driving with drugs or alcohol in their system may face a range of penalties including a 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000, penalty points on their licence and up to six months in prison.
Chief Superintendent Sloan continued: “We will be doing everything we can to protect the public and support crucial road safety partnerships to encourage behaviour change, but we also need your help.
“The influence people can have on their family and friends can be lifesaving.
“If you know someone is going to drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, please speak to them. We all have a responsibility to improve road safety.”
The new drink and drug-driving advertising campaign highlights how easy it is to catch drivers under the influence, that even one drink can put you over the limit, and that you can still be over the limit the morning after.
It will run during the festive period on radio, digital and outdoor channels supported by a PR and social media campaign.
For more information go to roadsafety.scot or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) (@roadsafetyscot) pages.
Lothian MSP Sarah Boyack has slammed the Scottish Government as new statistics have revealed just how stark the current housing crisis gripping the Lothians is.
The Private Rent Statistics Scotland report, published by the Scottish Government, reveal that rents in the Lothian have seen the highest above inflation increases in rent for two bed properties of any area in Scotland.
The situation is equally alarming for one bed properties, with Lothian rents increasing by 14.4% in 12 months, compared with only a 0.3% increase in Greater Glasgow.
This has left Lothian with the highest average monthly rent for one bed flats anywhere in Scotland.
The same is true for 2 beds with the average rent in Lothian being £1358, the highest in the country.
The average rent across Lothian has increased almost 100% from 2010, from £520 to £1013 over the period.
The crisis prompted Edinburgh Council to declare a housing emergency in November 2023 highlighting the scale of the challenge facing the capital.
East Lothian Council declared an affordable housing emergency on the 12th of November this year after it was revealed they were likely to lose over 1200 affordable houses over the next five years.
Commenting on these stats, Sarah Boyack MSP said: “These figures are deeply disturbing but entirely unsurprising.Any tenant in Edinburgh is aware of just how much rents have spiralled out of control.
“I have been raising constantly with the Scottish Government about the state of the housing crisis in Edinburgh and the wider Lothians. I hope these statistics snap them out of their apathy.
“Edinburgh Council desperately needs more funding if we are ever to get on top of this problem.
“The Scottish Government must finally act and work with councils across Lothian if we are to finally start addressing this housing emergency rather than letting it escalate.”
Funding to help practices retain and recruit key staff
An additional £13.6 million will be invested in General Practice this financial year to support GPs to retain and recruit key staff, Health Secretary Neil Gray has announced.
Speaking at the annual conference of BMA Scotland’s Local Medical Committees, Mr Gray confirmed the immediate funding for 2024-25 will address known financial pressures, support staff costs and enable GPs to take on partners and salaried GP staff.
Mr Gray said: “I recognise the significant financial and workload challenges facing both the NHS as a whole and General Practice, especially during this period of high demand, and understand the significant strain this places on GPs.
“My focus remains firmly on finding ways to recruit more GPs, even within the constraints of the current financial climate, and that is why I am allocating an additional £13.6 million for General Practice this financial year to support staff costs. This additional funding will help GPs to underpin business decisions and provide high-quality patient care.
“Sustainable reform of the NHS means we must look to shift more care to primary and community care with a relentless focus on better outcomes for people.
The Scottish Government reform programme will develop the means to credibly restore, and further increase GP and wider primary care spend, within the overall health budget.
“This will be a long-term endeavour but this strategic shift is crucial. Our reform plans over the next period will look to explore this in partnership with key stakeholders including the GP profession.”
Addressing the separate issue of next year’s UK National Insurance contribution increases, Mr Gray added: “The UK Government’s decision to increase national insurance contributions will have a major financial impact on GPs.
“I have been very clear that this is completely unacceptable and the UK Government must fully cover the costs. Scotland’s GPs should not be paying the price for UK Government decisions.”
The Scottish Budget for 2025-26 will be published on 4 December.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has formally opened the new Wallyford Learning Campus in East Lothian, marking completion of another high school to be funded through the £2 billion Scottish Government Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP).
The Wallyford Learning Campus features the new state of the art Rosehill High School, in addition to:
facilities for pupils with additional support needs (ASN), including a hydrotherapy pool and a specialist provision hub for adults with complex needs
Wallyford Community Centre, Margaret Oliphant Community Library and a grab and go coffee shop
community sports facilities including a fitness suite and sports pitches
The £47.2 million campus is a joint initiative between the Scottish Government and East Lothian Council, with Scottish Government investment totalling around £22.1 million. The high school was a ‘population growth’ priority project for the Council, and will help respond to significant new house building in East Lothian.
The completion of the high school comes as figures show the proportion of schools in “good” or “satisfactory” condition across Scotland has increased from 62.7% in April 2007 to 91.7 % in April 2024.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Wallyford Learning Campus is a prime example of the Scottish Government delivering for communities through our £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme. It is fantastic to see the Campus come to life, and I am very pleased to officially open the facilities today.
“The new campus was needed as a result of significant population growth in this area, and through our investment 91% of schools in Scotland are in ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ condition, a marked increase from 62.7% in 2007.”
East Lothian Council’s Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “We are delighted to welcome Ms Gilruth to Wallyford Learning Campus today along with so many people involved in the development and running of this fantastic building.
“This has been an ambitious project bringing together a range of facilities under one roof, improving connections and offering a range of opportunities to the widest community.
“It is a testament to partnership working using Scottish Government funding, East Lothian Council investment and officers’ skills, our construction partners’ expertise, and community involvement. The results of this careful collaboration are evident in the quality of the spaces and the benefits that are already being successfully delivered.”
Rosehill High School Headteacher Gail Preston said: “After an incredible year one as Headteacher of Rosehill High School on the Wallyford Learning Campus, we are delighted to have been able to hold our Official Opening Ceremony and to have the Cabinet Secretary join us in our growing, thriving local community.
“Projects like this are a huge learning curve for everyone involved, and relentless hard work, but seeing the positive impact that the learning spaces have on the young people makes it all worthwhile. We are very proud of all that has been achieved so far and excited about the future of both the school and the campus as whole.”
Despite increases in funding for Scotland from the UK Government’s October Budget, Scottish Government Finance Minister Shona Robison has little room for manoeuvre when she presents her Budget for 2025-26 next week (write FRASER OF ALLANDER INSTITUTE’S Joao Sousa and Mairi Spowage).
This is the headline message of the Scotland’s Budget Report 2024, published yesterday by the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde.
Significant Barnett Formula consequentials have been generated by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcements last month – £1.5bn in 2024-25 (of which £1.4bn is resource) and £3.4billion in 2025-26 (of which £2.8bn is resource).
However, the Scottish Government has said the funding provided in the 2024-25 year is already largely committed. If this is the case, the uplift for 2025-26 is under more pressure than it would appear. On the resource side, this would mean an uplift of £1.4 bn in 2024-25 being followed by an uplift of £1.4bn in 2025-26.
Public Sector Pay makes up over half of the Scottish Government’s resource budget, and therefore the decisions made on pay will have significant bearing on the overall budget position. Wage bills recur every year, thus current and future 2024-25 pay decisions will have a big impact on the overall budgetary decisions.
The fact that public sector workers are, on average, paid more in Scotland, will mean that the challenges are even more acute, given the country’s much larger public sector. The decisions on this, and on areas like social security, have put additional pressure on the Scottish Government’s budget.
Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director of the Institute, said: “As part of our report today, we have published where we think the Scottish Government are in terms of their funding position for 2024-25.
“Figuring out the funding position for 2025-26 has been much more challenging. The lack of a Medium Term Financial Strategy this year has made calculating this near impossible, but we have set out the various pressures that the budget is likely to be under.
“Health Spending, all other pay, social security and grants to local government make up £7 in every £8 the Scottish Government spends. This seriously limits their room for manoeuvre in changing the overall shape of the Budget.”
The report includes significant analysis of how Scotland spends its money to understand more about the discretionary power the Government has to prioritise its budgetary decisions.
Also included is analysis of the impact of employer National Insurance Contribution rises on the Scottish Government’s Budget, and analysis of the cost to the Scottish Government of replicating the 40% retail, hospitality and leisure relief (RHL) announced by Rachel Reeves in Scotland.
Our analysis also that although spending on reducing child poverty – stated by successive Scottish First Ministers as one of the main, if not their utmost priority – has grown significantly since 2018-19, it would not be fair to say that it has become a large part of the Scottish Budget.
It remains under 3% of all discretionary resource funding, and capital spending on child poverty reduction through the provision of affordable housing and urban regeneration has actually fallen by 13% in real terms since 2019-20.
Strengthening tenants’ rights and preventing homelessness
Legislation to strengthen tenants’ rights and prevent homelessness has passed stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament.
The Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to tackle poverty across Scotland by improving the renting experience for tenants, through a range of new rights and a system of rent controls, in a way that maintains investment.
The Bill will also place a stronger emphasis on homelessness prevention based on better coordination across services and providing support earlier.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “The Housing (Scotland) Bill will play an important role in helping to tackle poverty by keeping rents affordable and ensuring people can stay in their homes.
“Ensuring everyone has the right to a safe and stable home is essential to the Scottish Government’s priority of ending child poverty and the Bill will play a role in reaching that goal.
“Scotland has led the way in protecting tenants and providing rights for homeless people. The Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to create a rental system that improves the rights of tenants while maintaining investment and provides greater support for people threatened with homelessness.
“I am pleased Parliament has supported the general principles of the legislation, especially on our proposals for a system of rent controls that keep costs lower for tenants.”
Living Rent campaigners said: “Make no mistake this would not have happened without the work of Scotland’s tenants union.
“Right now we need to celebrate the vote bringing rent controls one step closer. But landlords are fighting hard and it’s clear there is a lot of work to be done.”
Universal payments to be reinstated from next year
The Scottish Government will provide universal support through the introduction of Pension Age Winter Heating Payments next year ensuring a payment for every pensioner household in winter 2025-26.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed that on the roll-out of the new benefit next winter, pensioners in receipt of a relevant qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit will be receiving Pension Age Winter Heating Payments of £300 or £200, depending on their age. Meanwhile all other pensioner households will receive £100 from next winter, providing them with support not available anywhere else in the UK.
Ms Somerville also announced a £41 million package of support for people struggling with energy costs this winter. These measures include an additional £20 million which will be provided for the Scottish Welfare Fund, to enable councils to provide more vital support to people in crisis this winter.
An additional £20 million will be invested into the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme, the national fuel poverty scheme which helps people install energy efficiency measures and more efficient heating systems, saving on average around £300 per year in household energy bills.
Meanwhile grant-funding of £1 million will be made available to registered social landlords and third sector partners to fund work to help sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness. This is in response to calls from a coalition of housing and anti-poverty organisations for a shift in spending from crisis intervention to prevention.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1862188516400120274
Ms Somerville said: “The measures I have announced today will go some way to allay the fears of pensioners in Scotland ahead of next winter, but the Scottish Government recognises that more must be done.
“Ahead of next winter I will bring forward regulations to introduce universal Pension Age Winter Heating Payments in winter 2025-26 for Scottish pensioners.
“This universal benefit – providing much needed support not available anywhere else in the UK – will deliver support for all pensioner households as we had always intended to do before the UK Government decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments cut the funding available to support our new benefit in Scotland this winter by £147 million.
“We will not abandon older people this winter or any winter. We will do our best to make sure no-one has to make a decision between heating and eating, and we will continue to protect pensioners”.
Reacting to yesterday’s announcement by the Scottish Government, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “The reintroduction of winter heating support for all pensioners in Scotland from next winter is welcome and will offer some comfort to the 900,000 pensioners who were set to completely lose the previous Winter Fuel Payment.
“Since the decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only older people on Pension Credit, we’ve seen a surge in the number of older people getting in touch with Independent Age who are worried about heating their homes, and making ends meet, through the winter. Many have told us they are heating only one room, staying in bed all day with a blanket, and cutting back on food to avoid the energy costs associated with cooking.
“With energy prices set to rise again in January, and a staggering 330,000 older households living in fuel poverty in Scotland, it is clear that changing the eligibility of the payment in this way was the wrong decision. It is positive that this has been recognised in Scotland, with the Scottish Government making a payment available to all older people next year, and we hope the UK Government will also reconsider their decision.
“In a compassionate and socially just society, no one should face fuel poverty. We are pleased the Scottish Government has listened to older people, and taken this action today. However, we remain concerned about older people who face this winter without this much needed financial support.
“Going forward, the Scottish Government should continue to monitor the situation and be open to taking further action in future.”
A spokesperson for AGE SCOTLAND said: “Bringing back an energy support payment for all pensioners is very good news and will be a huge relief. It shows the power of this campaign and the relentless efforts from all quarters.
“The decision to remove the universal winter fuel payment by the UK Government, and its impact on pensioners this winter is nothing short of disastrous.
“Over the last few months we have been urging the Scottish Government to bring this back and we are delighted that they have listened to the strong arguments and have taken action.
“It also demonstrates the power of devolution and what Scotland can do when we put our minds to it.”
Enhancing water and air quality, protecting and restoring vulnerable marine and coastal ecosystems, and establishing a programme of species recovery are all part of a new plan to make significant progress in restoring nature by 2045.
A new Biodiversity Delivery Plan for 2024-2030 contains over 100 actions to accelerate the pace and scale of efforts to address the biodiversity crisis.
It supports the Biodiversity Strategy, which sets out a strategic vision for a nature positive, net zero future where natural environment loss is halted and restored. Statutory targets for nature will be included in a new Natural Environment Bill to be introduced this Parliamentary year.
Delivery plan actions include:
substantially reducing deer densities, protecting 30% of land for nature and developing a nature positive agriculture programme
investing in nature restoration – through the Nature Restoration Fund, more than £65 million over this parliament and investing in woodland creation and peatland restoration
tackling the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss, particularly engaging and strengthening the connection between people and nature
Launching the plan at Bawsinch and Duddingston Reserve, Acting Climate Minister Dr Alasdair Allan said: “The Global Climate Emergency and the Nature Emergency are twin reinforcing crises: the actions we take to address each are fundamental to our wellbeing and survival as a species. We need a partnership approach to delivery – government cannot do it alone.
“This new Biodiversity Delivery Plan sets out clear actions that government, businesses and individuals can take to protect and restore our precious natural environment for future generations to come.
“The whole of society has a role to play but especially the stewards of our land, rivers, lochs and seas such as farmers, gamekeepers and fishers who have the knowledge and skills to drive the transformation that is needed.
“Biodiversity supports these essential industries – food production needs pollinators and healthy soils whilst, fish and fish farming depend on healthy, thriving seas.”
NatureScot Chair Professor Colin Galbraith said: “We all rely on nature for our survival, and it is everyone’s responsibility to care for it. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy is Scotland’s response to the nature crisis, and it sets out a clear and comprehensive plan, supported by a series of actions that will help restore nature back to a healthy, thriving state.
“To restore nature across Scotland will take a sustained national effort, but in doing so, we will increase our resilience to climate change and reaffirm our connection with the natural world. This will bring many benefits for the people of Scotland, and we urge everyone to stand up and play their part in creating a net-zero and nature positive future for all.”
Jo Pike, Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “We are pleased to see the launch of the long-awaited and much-needed Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and Delivery Plans.
“The Scottish Wildlife Trust believes that a huge effort is needed across the whole of society if we are to realistically tackle the climate and nature emergencies. Alongside the strategy, we welcome the Government’s commitment to develop statutory targets for nature’s recovery in the forthcoming Natural Environment Bill.
“Together, they can help us move closer to realising the ambitions of the many people who have fed into this strategy. However, this will require leadership at all levels, increased resources and a recognition that nature is vital to our economy, our wellbeing and our future.”
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart has called for the UK Government to consider a pilot proposal in Scotland which would give people seeking asylum the right to work in some parts of Scotland.
The Scottish Right to Work Pilot Proposal proposes a number of changes to current UK policy, including enabling the right to work from six months instead of twelve months, and removing restrictions on the types of work they can undertake. Additionally, those on the pilot would have access to support around key topics such as employability and language learning.
A report from the Scottish Government’s independent Expert Advisory Group on Migration and Population, published in December 2023, shows that granting people who are seeking asylum the right to work at an earlier stage could improve their wellbeing and integration, reduce their risk of exploitation, and have longer-term benefits to our economy and public service delivery.
Equalities Minister @KaukabStewart has asked @GOVUK to consider a pilot proposal to give people seeking asylum in some parts of Scotland the right to work after 6 months and remove some restrictions on the type of work they can undertake.
Ms Stewart said: “Scotland has a long history of welcoming refugees and people seeking asylum. We believe that giving people seeking asylum the right to work from an earlier point can have a positive impact on them, their families and our communities.
“This means that following a positive decision they will be better equipped to support themselves and their families.
“These measures would also enable asylum seekers to integrate more quickly, making a positive contribution to our workforce and economy by reducing the cost and demand on our public services.
“We ask that the Home Office engages with us to take forward this pilot proposal, in collaboration with our partners.”
