Organisations offering support to veterans and their families are being urged to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to help those facing disadvantage as a result of their service to the country.
The Scottish Veterans Fund small grants scheme is open for applications and offers support to projects working with the veterans’ community.
This includes supporting veterans and their families to achieve a successful transition to civilian life and projects that aim to make Scotland the most attractive place to be after leaving the services.
While meeting volunteer poppy sellers in Edinburgh to mark the city’s Poppy Day, Veterans Minister Jamie Hepburn encouraged organisations working with veterans to apply to the scheme by the deadline of November 20th.
Mr Hepburn said: “Last year we launched our small grants scheme as part of the Scottish Veterans fund, to create more opportunities for smaller organisations to receive funding and it was hugely popular.
“This £100,000 fund offers grants of up to £10,000 for one year, and will prioritise projects that align with recommendations made by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner.
“Edinburgh’s Poppy Day is a good time to remind people to apply for this more agile funding pot. The Scottish Government is grateful for the tremendous work undertaken by the staff and volunteers of Poppyscotland.
“The Scottish Poppy Appeal provides a vital opportunity to show our thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”
Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton said: “I am pleased that the Scottish Veterans Fund is open for applications. It is available for one-year projects that support veterans and their families in Scotland or strengthen connections between serving families and the veterans community.
“I would encourage eligible organisations to consider whether the fund could help bring a worthwhile project to life, as effective support can make a profound difference.”
Council Leaders yesterday called for the Scottish Government to work with councils on future reforms to local services.
COSLA agreed a vision for public service reform to challenge the assumption that structures alone are the answer, arguing instead for evidence-led reform focused on improving outcomes for people, communities and places.
Scotland’s public services face significant challenges. Demand is increasing, finances are under pressure, inequalities persist, and communities rightly expect services that are responsive, sustainable and accountable.
COSLA is clear that change in our public services is needed. But reform must also be done at a pace that allows meaningful and considered engagement.
COSLA President, Cllr Shona Morrison, said: “The Scottish Government’s proposals and approach to engagement need a rethink. Council Leaders were clear today – we are calling for reform to be done in a way that allows meaningful, broad and considered engagement and for this to be done with COSLA.
“Scotland’s public services need reform, but successful reform must start by asking what outcomes people want for their communities, not by assuming that any particular organisational model is the answer. We also cannot lose sight of the fact local government has borne the brunt of funding cuts over recent years.
“Some services may be better planned delivered at a different scale and other parts of the public sector must come into this. Everything should be on the table – not just local government. What matters is whether change improves outcomes, strengthens accountability and delivers the most impact for public money.”
The Local Government vision agreed today is built around the principle of “local by default, regional where it adds value, and national where necessary.” Decisions should be taken as close as possible to the people affected, whilst recognising that some functions can be delivered more effectively through regional or national arrangements where there is a clear evidence base for doing so.
The vision calls for reform that:
Improves outcomes rather than simply redesigning institutions.
Strengthens local democracy and truly enables community empowerment.
Supports collaboration where it delivers clear benefits.
Aligns funding, powers and accountability (including a reform of local taxation).
Applies across the whole public sector, including national agencies and public bodies.
Creates the conditions for prevention, innovation and long-term sustainability.
Long-term financial sustainability, workforce capacity, community empowerment and clearer accountability are all required for successful reform. Structural change is just one consideration.
We have shared this vision today with the First Minister, and at a time when there are discussions around further devolution of powers, we are also pressing for greater devolution of powers from national to a local level so that more decisions can be made with the communities they may affect.
Next week, the vision will be discussed with the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, seeking agreement on the principles that should guide the next phase of reform.
Many of the immediate pressures facing services stem from funding constraints, rising demand and workforce shortages rather than organisational structures. It is for that reason that we cannot separate this from the upcoming Scottish budget and urge Scottish Government to deliver a fair settlement for Local Government.
COSLA’s Vice President, Steven Heddle, said: “Next week’s discussions are an opportunity to build consensus on a shared way forward.
“We need reform that empowers communities, trusts and supports local democracy and focuses primarily on improving outcomes. At the same time, we must address the real pressures facing services today through a sustainable funding settlement and support for the workforce.
“Structures matter, but they are not the end in themselves. The test of any reform must be simple: will it improve people’s lives?”
First Minister welcomes recognition that ‘Westminster is not working for Scotland’ BUT second independence referendum is ‘off the table’
First Minister John Swinney has pledged to work “constructively and collaboratively” with the UK Prime Minister to devolve further powers to Scotland “for the benefit of the people we serve.”
While the UK Government disagrees with the Scottish Government that the best future for Scotland is as an independent European nation, the First Minister said both do agree that Westminster is not working for people in Scotland, and the best decisions are taken by those who live here.
Mr Swinney also welcomed the commitment made by Mr Burnham to respect the constitutional role of the Scottish Parliament.
First Minister John Swinney said: “While the Prime Minister and I disagree on independence, we do agree that Westminster does not work for people in Scotland. And when the people of Scotland take issues into their own hands, the best outcomes will come about.
“To that end, I will work constructively and collaboratively with him to devolve more powers from Westminster to Scotland – as long as those proposals drive economic growth that is felt in higher wages, better jobs, more opportunities for business to start and expand, and support with the cost of living.
“Today’s meeting of the National Economic Council was a welcome start of work to develop the UK Government’s new principle of ‘devolving by default’ and the Prime Minister has been clear that he will not bypass the Scottish Parliament in this endeavour.
“I welcome that commitment, and look forward to our Governments jointly developing a plan to consider further devolution to Scotland that will boost economic growth.”
THE UK GOVERNMENT’s ACCOUNT OF THE MEETING:
The Prime Minister met with the First Minister of Scotland in Glasgow following a meeting of the National Economic Council today (Friday 30 October).
The Prime Minister and First Minister agreed the meeting at the NEC had been extremely positive. They said it had been a valuable exercise in starting the process of exploring how each government could contribute to regional empowerment, reindustrialisation and achieving good growth in every postcode.
They agreed that now there would be a policy sprint led by No10 North, involving officials from both governments, to take this agenda forward.
Outside that process, the Prime Minister said the UK Government would review and respond to a range of issues raised by the First Minister.
This would not include a second independence referendum in Scotland, which the Prime Minister has repeatedly made clear, is off the table.
Additional £700,000 to bring empty homes back into use
Additional funding will help return a number of empty homes into use as affordable housing or temporary accommodation, supporting more families into settled homes of their own.
A further £700,000 is being allocated to help homeowners fund the necessary repairs and refurbishments needed to bring empty homes back into use. The funding, which will be split across 10 local authorities, can be used to establish or extend grant schemes for empty homeowners.
This means that the Scottish Government is now investing £2 million this year to transform empty homes into productive use.
A report published today by the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership shows that a record number of empty homes were returned to active use during 2025-26.
Announcing the fund at the Partnership’s conference in Glasgow yesterday, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We want everyone in Scotland to be able to have a warm, safe and affordable place to call home.
“While house building remains the cornerstone of our approach to increase supply, we’re using every lever available to make sure existing homes support the needs of our communities too. That’s why this funding matters.
“Temporary accommodation can act as an important safety net, but we also recognise the impact that long-term stays can have particularly on children’s wellbeing and stability. This funding may help councils to move households from temporary into settled permanent accommodation.
“Our investment of £5.7 million in the Partnership approach has delivered real results with more than 15,000 empty homes brought back into use since 2010, including a record 2,285 in the last year alone. This latest investment will help local authorities turn more empty homes into affordable housing for people that need them the most.”
Tahmina Nizam, National Manager of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, said: “This additional Scottish Government funding to support efforts to tackle empty homes across Scotland’s local authorities will be welcomed throughout the sector.
“We know that sustained, targeted investment in empty homes can deliver real and measurable outcomes, with the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership annual survey showing a record 2,285 formerly empty properties brought back into use. Rather than lying vacant, these are now providing homes for thousands of individuals and families across Scotland.
“This has only been possible through a step-change in empty homes work. Additional investment has enabled not only the expansion and growth of empty homes services across councils, but also the sort of targeted grant support for individual projects that this new funding will help to deliver.
“We look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government, local authorities and others in the sector to ensure that this additional resource can deliver the best possible outcomes, bringing an increasing number of empty homes in Scotland back into use as affordable housing.”
Energy costs lowered as home heating oil tariffs removed and 0% VAT on household electricity extended.
Growth backed with investments in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The Scottish Government will have an additional £600 million for public services.
Families and businesses in Scotland will get breathing space from action announced in Budget 2026.
Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, rising energy costs and pressure on household finances, Chancellor John Healey has taken action on the cost of living, fuel prices, and local jobs — alongside more funding for the Scottish Government to provide public services.
In the Budget, John Healey announced:
Support with energy bills: The removal of the 4% tariff on kerosene will support the 142,000 Scottish households that rely on heating oil. The UK government will extend 0% VAT on household electricity bills for three months, to 30 June 2027, while a Debt Relief Scheme will write off crisis-era debt for eligible households.
Fuel: the extension of the 5p cut to fuel duty for a further six months until 30 June 2027. The 3.7p cut to red diesel duty continues, which matters for farmers, rural hauliers and other fuel-heavy users across Scotland. He also announced a permanent increase to the generosity of mileage rates to support those who drive for work.
Food prices: Tariffs axed on over 100 food products, including chocolate and fruit juice. Combined with tariff suspensions earlier this year, this will save households up to £21 annually.
Pensions: by the end of this Parliament, 93,000 low-income pensioners in Scotland will pay less tax or none at all on their income, as a result of reducing the disproportionate administrative burden of paying small amounts of tax.
Wages: Increasing the National Living Wage by 3.9% to £13.21 per hour and the National Minimum Wage by 3.9% to £11.27 per hour for 18 to 20-year-olds and by 3.9% to £8.31 per hour for 16 to 17-year-olds and eligible apprentices. An estimated 180,000 workers in Scotland saw a direct pay rise following April 2026’s increase to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.
Backing growth in Scotland
The establishment of a new Energy Wealth Fund to support Scottish clean energy jobs way into the future.
£18 million will fund a UK Advanced Chip Design Academy led by the University of Edinburgh, building on Scotland’s strengths in advanced technology.
£6 million will expand Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus (SEC), subject to business case, allowing the venue, which hosted COP26 and the Commonwealth Games, to go bigger and better.
£20 million will see the creation of two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges in the East and West of Scotland.
Extending duty suspensions for 350 goods to help businesses in the chemicals, plastics, hydrogen, automotive and food and drinks sectors.
The Budget strengthens Britain’s national security by fully funding the £15 billion Defence Investment Plan, including £4.7 billion that was previously unfunded. Defence spending supports 12,200 industry jobs in Scotland, up 7% from 2025.
Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander, said: “This is a budget that puts money back in the pockets of Scottish households, backs businesses, and puts Scotland firmly at the heart of the UK government’s plan for growth and reindustrialisation.
“We’re helping families tackle the cost of living by cutting the standing charges from gas bills, saving households around £45 a year, then looking to remove them altogether. We’re also extending the VAT cut on energy bills, as well as removing the tariff on heating oil.
“But we’re not just easing the pressure today, we’re building Scotland’s future. £18 million for a semiconductor manufacturing research centre at the University of Edinburgh, £6 million to expand the Scottish Event Campus and grow on the legacy of COP26. That’s creating jobs and good growth in every postcode.
“There’s a boost for Scotland’s public services too, with an extra £600 million for the Scottish Government to spend.”
Funding for public services
The Scottish Government’s main source of funding comes through the block grant. This includes money collected from taxpayers across the UK – including from people in Scotland – which is then available for the Scottish Government to spend on devolved services. The Scottish Government also raises its own revenue, through the Scottish Rate of Income Tax, and non-domestic rates on businesses, for example.
Spending Review 2025 provided the Scottish Government with their largest spending review settlements in real terms since devolution in 1998, receiving an average of £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29.
Changes in the devolution roadmap may have an impact on the funding of the devolved governments. Our approach to fiscal devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is already well established, however, we will engage with devolved governments on any implications for their budgets in the usual way to ensure they continue to be funded to deliver a comparable policy offer.
The Scottish Government has at least 20% more funding per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. The higher amount reflects that providing services across Scotland genuinely costs more. This means that for each £1 of equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK, the Scottish Government has at least £1.20 to spend per person in Scotland.
The Scottish Government will receive an additional £600 million, on top of an additional £1.7 billion from Budget 2025 and Spring Forecast 2026.
Ian Murray MP – the MP for Edinburgh South – has welcomed cost of living support for families as the Labour Government announced its Budget today.
John Healey’s Budget provides breathing space for families by extending the cut to fuel duty and the removal of VAT from household energy bills.
It also sets out a plan to abolish gas standing charges, which will save the majority of households an average of £45 a year.
The Budget provides an additional £600mn for Scottish public services, meaning that the Scottish Government have received over £18bn in extra resources since Labour came to power in July 2024.
Across Scotland, Labour also announced it was investing in the Edinburgh-Glasgow Central Belt, a key area for world-leading strengths as identified in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, through £6mn of new funding to expand Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus (subject to business case) and £18mn new funding for a UK Advanced Chip Design Academy led by the University of Edinburgh.
Ian Murray MP said: “These are Labour decisions: backing families and businesses today while building a stronger Britain for tomorrow.
“I know people are struggling with the cost of living. I see it every day in my constituency mailbag.
“That’s why we’re extending the cut to fuel duty and the removal of VAT from energy bills, and working to abolish gas standing charges.
“It’s also why the Chancellor announced a £100 energy support payment to households in Council Tax bands A – D in England.
“That money will be passed onto the Scottish Government via the Barnett Formula. It’s now over to them to ensure the support is passed onto households here in south Edinburgh and across Scotland.”
UK Budget delivers ‘real cut’ to Scotland’s funding
JENNY GILRUTH – Action on energy bills ‘falls short of what is needed’.
The UK Budget delivers a real terms cut in Scotland’s budget of around £650 million in 2027-28, the Deputy First Minister has warned.
Scotland’s resource block grant is set to reduce by 1.3% in real terms in 2027-28, equivalent to a reduction of around £550 million. Scotland’s capital budget will see a 1.5% real terms reduction in 2027-28, equivalent to around £100 million.
The Deputy First Minister also confirmed that the Scottish Government will ensure that households in Scotland benefit from the £100 payment for energy bills support.
Jenny Gilruth said that while any measures to bring down the cost of energy bills are welcome, the steps confirmed by the Chancellor today fall far short of what is required and do not meet the promises on which the UK Government came to office.
The Deputy First Minister said: “The Scottish Government’s budget will be cut by around £650 million next year – reducing the money we have to spend on public services and supporting people with the cost of living.
“The Prime Minister has previously claimed that he would respect devolution and the Scottish Government – but his actions do not match his words. Cutting Scotland’s budget shows that, yet again, we are being treated as an afterthought.
“The Scottish Government will ensure that households in Scotland will benefit from the one-off £100 payment for energy bill support, however, it is clear that the measures announced today fall far short of the action which is required. “
“Furthermore, this support does not come close to meeting the promises on which the UK Government came to office, including reducing energy bills by £300 which remain significantly higher than they were in July 2024. The UK Government has failed to meet the moment and has failed to keep its promise.
“It is also unacceptable that there was no announcement about ending wider austerity policies which are pushing families into poverty like the bedroom tax, the benefit cap and “young parent penalty” in Universal Credit which would make a significant difference to tackling poverty.
“The Chancellor had the opportunity to lift thousands more families out of poverty, and he has chosen not to.
“We will now take the time to assess the full implications for Scotland of today’s statement.
“I will be announcing further details as part of the Scottish Budget on 3 December.”
Anti-poverty campaigners say Budget won’t share the wealth
The Poverty Alliance welcomed Budget moves to help people with rocketing energy bills – but warned they won’t go far enough to help people in fuel poverty.
Peter Kelly said: “There are nearly 750,000 households in Scotland who are in fuel poverty. The energy price cap today is £1,723, and in January it’s predicted to rise to nearly £2,000. In that context, a payment of £100 is welcome, but it won’t be enough for people who are already being pushed into debt and arrears.
“As well as looking at standing charges on energy bills, the UK Government must bring in a social tariff – making sure that no-one is hit with bills that they simply can’t afford to pay.”
Scotland’s anti-poverty network expressed disappointment at the lack of any major extra investment in social security.
Peter Kelly said: “We can’t expect people to build a life out of poverty on quicksand. When rates of Universal Credit and other social security payments are too weak to support people, it pushes them closer to destitution and makes it harder to build a better future.
“We hope that the forthcoming reviews into support for disabled people and young people have clear vision for improving financial security and investing in a stronger society for all of us.”
The Poverty Alliance also expressed disappointment over the Chancellor’s failure to tax wealth in the same way that work is taxed.
They had backed calls to equalise the way Government treats wealth and work, by bringing rates of Capital Gains Tax into line with Income Tax.
Tax Justice UK estimates the move could have raised £14 billion for the Treasury, with the Scottish Government getting over a billion pounds a year extra for its budget.
Peter Kelly said: “People are losing faith in politics because they feel that politicians aren’t working to meet their needs. Taxing wealth in the same way as work would bring in extra resources that we could invest in building a better future, and a more just and compassionate society.
“We all rely on social security and local services being there when we need them – and for people who are pushed into poverty, they are an essential lifeline.
“The money raised from fairer taxes on wealth could have been used to take more children out of poverty.”
STUC: Budget provided sticking plasters when Scotland needs radical surgery
Reacting to the UK Government’s Budget, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:“We always knew exorcising the ghost of Thatcher and eradicating 40 years of neo-liberalism was going to be a tall order for the Chancellor and there are some welcome tricks in the Budget, but not enough to scare away fears of rising costs.
“Whilst this Budget offers some helpful sticking plasters on energy costs, cost-of-living support and food prices, it falls short of the radical surgery needed to fix the UK economy and support working-class communities. Perhaps most significantly, the Budget failed to set out the radical rewiring of the state and the end to neo-liberalism that the Prime Minister himself had promised.
“Payments to stave off the cold for those in targeted council tax bands are a good first step in lieu of bringing down wholesale energy bills and it is right that the Chancellor has listened to the calls of unions to tax the banks to fund this measure. However, bills are likely to rise far quicker than this payment can offset and we will continue to press the UK Government to go further and faster, given the ‘big four’ banks made £29 billion in the first six months of 2026 alone
“With an expected £600 million allocated to Scotland, Scottish Government ministers cannot credibly sit on their hands and plead poverty. The Scottish Government should urgently review its public sector cuts agenda in light of this Budget.
“Rewiring the state will take longer than just one Budget and changes to procurement rules which strengthen British jobs and domestic supply chains are to be welcomed.
“The commitments made on defence spending require further examination, but unions are clear that funding for defence cannot come from public sector efficiencies. Co-funding for Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs) in both the east and west of Scotland is welcome and should help provide well-paid, unionised jobs.
“This Budget doesn’t yet offer the concrete reindustrialisation Scotland needs, nor the further devolved powers for our Parliament and local authorities that had been envisioned. The Prime Minister must work at pace to show that his words on ensuring communities are empowered from the bottom-up, rather than the top-down, were not hollow.
“Workers can ill afford any further delay to the hope that was promised to them.”
Responding to Chancellor John Healey’s Autumn Budget, Morgan Vine, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age said:“Today’s Budget made some important commitments that will play a part in easing the financial burden on people of all ages, including those in later life that Independent Age supports.
“We’re pleased to see changes we’ve campaigned for, alongside older people on low incomes, including protecting the poorest pensioners from tax bills as their State Pension increases – a decision that will help current and future pensioners. And some support for energy customers to ease spiralling bills, including providing £100 directly to households in England’s higher council tax bands (A-D) through the Household Energy Payment scheme.
“However, some serious problems remain unaddressed. We believe the UK Government can go further to tackle key areas driving financial hardship across all generations. Every day we hear from older people on low incomes who are cutting back on food, living in cold homes, or skipping showers to keep their bills down. This is no way to live.
“Frozen Local Housing Allowance that keeps private renters of all ages stuck in poverty needs to be uprated to reflect the true cost of renting. We need long-term action to protect the poorest households from the frequent energy price shocks driving up bills with the introduction of a comprehensive and well targeted energy social tariff. And, to lift people out of water poverty, a single social tariff for water is needed across England and Wales to end the postcode lottery of support.
“We will continue to stand alongside older people on low incomes, and work with the UK Government to build on the positive steps taken today.”
Helen Barnard, director of policy and research at Trussell, said: “We are disappointed that the government has not acted today on one of the biggest pressures facing low-income renters.
“We welcome seeing the significant support provided for people’s energy bills, which will make a real difference as the colder months draw in. However, the decision to keep housing support for private renters on low incomes frozen is a misstep that will continue to drive people towards homelessness and to the doors of food banks.
“We know from our research that over half of private renters on low incomes in receipt of Local Housing Allowance to help pay their rent, have run out of food in the last 12 months and haven’t been able to afford more. Nobody should be forced to choose between paying the rent and putting food on the table. But for increasing numbers of UK renters this is already a bleak reality.
“If the Chancellor is serious about tackling the cost of living, the best test will be whether fewer people need to turn to a food bank because they can afford the essentials like rent, energy bills and toiletries.
“The government has already taken bold steps towards this, including by lifting the two-child limit, However, unless we see action to close the gap between support and essentials like rent, the UK government will fail to meet its manifesto promise to end the need for emergency food.”
Amie, 45, who has experience of turning to a food bank, said: “Every week I’m forced to choose between keeping a roof over my head or putting food on the table, even though I work – just like so many people on the lowest incomes. As the cost of rent has skyrocketed, I had hoped the Chancellor would see sense and unfreeze Local Housing Allowance today so it actually meets the costs of renting a home.
“The extra help with energy bills announced today will help but I’m disappointed the government hasn’t chosen to act on the biggest problem my family is facing, which is keeping a roof over our heads.
“I don’t struggle to pay for our housing because I can’t budget, I struggle because the cost of my rent keeps rising far beyond what I can pay and the support just isn’t there. That leaves families like mine constantly having to make impossible decisions.
“Tomorrow I’ll still wake up worrying about the same things I’ve been worrying about for months. How am I going to cover the rent? Will there be enough left for food? Those are the questions families like mine will still be asking.”
Commenting on the UK Government’s Budget announcement, COSLA Resources Spokesperson Councillor Kelly Parry said:“Councils are central to local economies, tackling child poverty, and delivering key community services.
“For this reason, the elements of the UK Budget that signal further devolution of power are encouraging, however single-year budget settlements from UK Government and Scottish Government are still not allowing councils to achieve their full potential.
“As we look ahead to the Scottish Government’s Budget on 3rd December, it is vital that Ministers prioritise local government with a fair, flexible, and sustained funding settlement.
“Removing ring-fencing and single-year budget constraints will empower councils to invest in preventative services and deliver real, long-term change for our communities.”
Crimestoppers and Fearless Scotland launch annual ‘Speak Up Stay Safe’ campaign
Independent charity Crimestoppers and its youth programme Fearless Scotland are today launching their annual Bonfire Night safety campaign, urging people to speak up 100% anonymously if they know about planned attacks on emergency crews or deliberate fire-raising in their communities.
The campaigns – supported by the Scottish Government – also highlights the law around fireworks misuse, Firework Protection Zones, and, crucially, encourages people to speak up 100% anonymously about fire-raising.
Last year’s Crimestoppers’ campaign generated a wealth of information given anonymously to the charity which helped prevent at least three extremely serious, potentially life-threatening attacks on emergency crews in Scotland.
In particular, the annual campaign is asking for information on:
– Who and where organised attacks are being planned
– Where fireworks and weapons are being stored/stock-piled
– Who is responsible for deliberate fire-raising
Crimestoppers’ campaign aims to encourage reporting from the public about any planned attacks and additionally help gather information after bonfire night about who was responsible.
Communities who experienced an increase in firework attacks will be equipped with leaflets, posters and banners to raise awareness of the law around fireworks misuse and to encourage anonymous reporting about about who is responsible.
Angela Parker, National Manager of Crimestoppers in Scotland, said:“Our charity believes everyone has the right to feel safe, no more so than Scotland’s emergency services who risk their lives to keep us safe.
“Information from last year prevented a serious attack on our emergency services. That’s why we are asking anyone with information on those planning attacks to get in touch with our charity 100% anonymously.
“No-one will ever know you contacted us, and your information could be preventing serious injury or harm or even loss of life for emergency workers.”
Kirsten Oswald MSP, Minister for Community Safety, said: “We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and I would urge anyone planning to use fireworks to do so responsibly.
“The emergency services play a vital role in keeping us all safe and any assaults on them will not be tolerated. Measures brought in in 2022 mean attacks on 999 crews using fireworks or pyrotechnics are now aggravating factors that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders.
“Other steps we have taken to improve firework safety include bringing in a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s.
“If you have information about any activity that might put emergency workers or communities at risk as Bonfire Night approaches, please get in touch with Crimestoppers by phone or on their website. You can do this anonymously and you could be helping to keep our 999 crews and your neighbours safe.”
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “While most people enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly, there are those who seek to target police officers and other emergency service workers with fireworks and other projectiles, putting them at serious risk of harm while they attempt to keep communities safe.
“We saw a number of these incidents occur last year, resulting in over 60 officers being injured and this is entirely unacceptable.
“If you are found to be involved in an offence that puts police officers, other emergency service workers, or the general public at risk of harm you will be brought to justice, either on the night or during our follow-up inquiries.
“I would encourage anyone who has information about planned Bonfire Night criminality to report, and they will be brought to justice. In the event you avoid being caught on the night, you can expect a visit from us once we have conducted our inquiries.
“I would ask the public to work alongside us in helping make Bonfire Night a safe and enjoyable occasion and to contact us directly via 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Officer Andrew Watt said: “Last year, our crews came under attack on nine occasions within an eight-hour period. Our staff work tirelessly over the Bonfire period to keep people safe, and do not deserve to be attacked for doing their job.
They should be able to carry out their role without being hurt or having appliances and equipment damaged by reckless anti-social behaviour.
“These actions are also an unnecessary drain on emergency service resources. We want to bring any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion – please respect our staff and all emergency services.”
Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive Michael Dickson said:“We know this time of year is about fun and celebration, but let’s not forget that those on the frontline, our ambulance crews should never have to worry about their own safety while they care for others.
“Unfortunately, we’re still seeing cases of our staff facing physical assaults and verbal abuse, often driven by too much drinking. These are dedicated professionals who deserve respect, not hostility. So, have a great night, enjoy the festivities, but please, treat our staff and emergency service partners with respect.”
Almost £1m to support ‘ask and act’ projects ahead of implementation of new legislation
Projects helping to prevent homelessness across Scotland will continue until the end of this financial year following additional Scottish Government funding of £945,000.
The Homelessness Prevention Pilots test approaches to early intervention and prevention. This fund will help organisations deliver ‘ask and act’ measures – new duties proposed in the Housing (Scotland) Bill that require public bodies to ask about a person’s housing situation early – and take action to prevent homelessness before it happens.
The extra funding is in addition to £4 million announced for the pilots in August last year and the extension will help maintain prevention capacity while final evaluation findings are completed and considered.
Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville will visit an ‘ask and act’ pilot project in Edinburgh’s Wester Hailes today. Crisis, which is a partner in the project, has also published a report setting out what successful prevention looks like and how to get there.
Ms Somerville said: “Preventing homelessness before it happens is one of the most important steps we can take to improve people’s lives.
“The work being carried out through these pilots is helping us understand how services can work together to identify risk earlier, intervene sooner and provide the support people need to stay in their homes and that is why I am pleased to confirm funding to extend them until March.
“This extension will ensure that valuable learning continues, that specialist expertise is retained, and that partners are supported as we prepare for the implementation of Scotland’s new homelessness prevention duties.
“Our aim is clear: to shift from managing homelessness crises to preventing them in the first place. We are investing more than £213 million this year – partly through the local government settlement – on homelessness measures aimed at delivering better outcomes for individuals, families and communities across Scotland.
“We have a shared ambition with Crisis to end homelessness, it is helpful to see the Changing Course report it has published today, which estimates the costs and the benefits of our new homelessness prevention duties.”
Maeve McGoldrick, Head of Policy at Crisis Scotland said: “Crisis Scotland genuinely welcomes today’s announcement as a strong message that preventing homelessness is a top priority for government.
“The prevention pilots show what is possible when services step in early, and from our frontline experience in Wester Hailes we have seen people keep their home when they would otherwise have been pushed towards homelessness.
“Extending the funding for the next few months provides much needed continuity to all services involved in this innovative work. Importantly, it also allows time to plan for the important next stage: scaling up the learning and best practice across Scotland, in time for national commencement in 2028.”
Scottish charity Right There has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to extend funding for homelessness prevention pilots but highlights that early intervention and prevention must become the norm when dealing with homelessness.
Janet Haugh, CEO of Right Theresaid: “Today’s funding announcement is a very positive signal that the Scottish Government is taking prevention seriously when it comes to homelessness, and while we support any measure to address homelessness in a preventative manner we know that housing is not the sole cause of the problem.
“We need to move towards a more holistic approach that addresses issues such as poverty, mental health, addiction, and family breakdown which all contribute to people losing their homes, if we are serious about ending homelessness for good.”
The Scottish Government has today announced almost £1m to extend pilot projects to help organisations deliver ‘act and ask’ measures brought in under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2026 once the legislation is implemented.
The measures will impose duties requiring public bodies to ask about a person’s housing situation with the aim of being able to take action before homelessness occurs.
Janet Haughadded: “As a nation we are very good at dealing with crises but not so good at putting measures in place to prevent them in the first place.
“We welcome the extension to fund ‘ask and act’ pilots and we hope this will be part of a long term preventative strategy which will address the root causes of homelessness and signal a move away from jumping from one crisis to the next.”
Ask and act measures are expected to commence nationally in 2028.
Burnham confident every rough sleeper will have route off the street by Christmas as funding doubles
Prime Minister sets out confidence that everyone sleeping rough will be offered route off the street before Christmas, backed by a further £432 million to sustain support beyond this winter
New funding to be outlined funding to be confirmed at the Budget on Wednesday, taking total investment behind the Prime Minister’s commitment to £874 million
First-ever Rough Sleeping Summit at Downing Street brings together businesses, charities and local leaders to mobilise action, with major organisations pledging homes, jobs and practical support
The Prime Minister yesterday set out his confidence that everyone sleeping rough will be offered a route off the street or wider support before Christmas, as he announced a further £432 million to help deliver the ambition and sustain support for years to come.
The additional funding, to be set out at the Budget later this week, reflects the Prime Minister’s determination to make tackling rough sleeping a national priority. It will extend support beyond March 2027 and through to the end of this Parliament, taking total investment behind his commitment to £874 million.
It marks the next stage of the pledge the Prime Minister made on his first day in Downing Street: to stop accepting rough sleeping as a fact of life and unite the country behind a mission to end it.
Urgent action is already under way, with specialist outreach teams and new bedspaces operating in Coventry, and further provision being rolled out in places including Plymouth and Camden over the coming weeks. Backed by the initial £442 million, the programme is focused on ensuring everyone who needs it is offered a route off the streets before Christmas.
Yesterday’s additional investment will ensure that support does not end when winter does, providing continuity for frontline services and helping people move into settled accommodation and rebuild their lives.
But government cannot end rough sleeping alone. That is why the Prime Minister hosted the first-ever Rough Sleeping Summit at Downing Street, bringing together businesses, charities, housing providers and local leaders to mobilise the resources, expertise and commitment needed to deliver lasting change.
Organisations attending the summit are making significant new commitments.
The National Housing Federation will work with housing associations to identify at least 2,000 potential homes and bedspaces, including empty properties that could be brought back into use. Virgin Media O2 will provide practical digital support to frontline organisations, while L’Oréal Group will launch a pioneering Social Salon partnership with St Mungo’s and Haircuts4Homeless.
Together, these commitments will help people access not just a safe place to stay, but the homes, employment opportunities and support they need to build a more secure future.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Rough sleeping isn’t a fact of life. It’s a thing governments either choose to accept or don’t.
“Well I don’t accept it. That’s why we’re doubling funding so that people aren’t just offered a safe route off the streets this winter but have that same support right through the rest of this Parliament too.
“But we can’t do it alone. If we’re going to end rough sleeping, we need every part of society behind us on this. So today we’re bringing together businesses, charities and local leaders in Downing Street to make sure this is a solution that lasts.”
Secretary of State for Housing Angela Rayner said: “This is a big ambition – we know that. But we will not back down from making sure everyone has the offer of a route off the streets this Christmas.
“This summit is about bringing every part of society together behind that mission. Ending homelessness is not only a moral imperative – it will make our communities and our country better off.”
“The first step is giving people a roof over their head and freedom from the nightly struggle to find somewhere safe to sleep. But Christmas is only the beginning and that’s why we will keep working together to tackle the root causes of homelessness and end rough sleeping for good.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said: “No one should ever have to sleep rough, which is why we are doubling our investment to more people and providing a chance to break the cycle and end sleeping on the streets of our country – not just this Christmas, but for the years to come.”
Monday’s Summit brought organisations from across society together to play their part, with new pledges including:
National Housing Federation working with housing associations to identify at least 2000 potential homes and bedspaces, including empty homes for people moving off the streets, working closely with local authorities.
Social Bite forming a new partnership with the government to expand its modular supported accommodation model, combining a settled home with intensive and community-based support.
Salvation Army working with their housing association Salvation Army Homes and public-sector partners to develop social housing, modular accommodation and move-on options, including provision for people with complex needs for whom mainstream accommodation may not be suitable.
UnLtd / Key Fund partnering with government to help social ventures create sustainable jobs for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Virgin Media O2 providing new support around devices, data and connectivity, in partnership with charity Refuge, helping women and their children affected by domestic abuse and experiencing homelessness stay connected to services and support.
IKEA combining direct funding, advocacy, employment programmes, community partnerships, and customer and public awareness-raising campaigns to tackle both the immediate impacts and underlying causes of homelessness.
L’Oreal Group launching an innovative ‘Social Salon’ partnership in the UK with St Mungo’s andHaircuts4Homeless, supporting rough sleepers with wellbeing provision.
Morrisons Foundation pledging to launch the Good Food Fund, providing £500,000 in grants to support communities to tackle food insecurity where it hits hardest, including supporting charities providing relief to people who are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness, in support of the Prime Minister’s drive.
ReGenerate launching a partnership with Liverpool City Region, in coordination with the Liverpool Mayor’s new Homelessness Taskforce, to find ways in which businesses can do even more to tackle homelessness such as through driving pathways into employment across the region
Comic Relief committing further resources to tackle homelessness and housing insecurity, helping to raise public support and awareness in 2027.
Landsec offering access to its screens at Piccadilly and others across its retail portfolio to amplify homelessness charities and causes nationwide.
The Faith and Homelessness Collective, mobilising action across a group of 100+ church leaders and leaders of faith-inspired homelessness and housing organisations to support the PM’s instruction to offer everyone a route off the streets this winter and prevention in the long-term.
Over 30 organisations and investors from the impact economy – representing billions of pounds – signalling support to the PM’s drive and working with Government to bring more investment into move-on homes, support the organisations that help people stay housed, open up jobs and training, and put more money into prevention.
A coalition of philanthropic funders signalling their commitment to millions of pounds of investment into preventing homelessness, including a £10 million commitment from Julia Rausing Trust, and Henry Smith Foundation providing £500,000 of match funding with Birmingham City Council, to support Greater Change in providing relational support to rough sleepers in the city.
The response to the ongoing impact of Storm Boelo was discussed by Ministers at a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) yesterday afternoon.
Strong winds and heavy rain affected much of the country over the weekend and weather warnings remained in force for most of Scotland until nine o’clock last night. Ministers were told that while conditions may ease later today (Sunday), there is potential for adverse weather to return early this week.
Power cuts are affecting some parts of the country. Electricity suppliers say a total of around 40,000 customers are currently without supply but approximately 26,000 customers have had their power restored. The ongoing winds are hampering repair efforts but they will continue as soon as it is safe to do so.
Flooding has affected several properties in Largs and Saltcoats and caused damage to some transport routes. A number of roads are blocked by fallen trees. The conditions have caused disruption to rail, air and ferry services. Ministers are urging the public to check official channels for the latest information in their areas.
Sunday’s meeting was attended by the First Minister John Swinney, Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, Economy, Tourism and Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn, Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands Jim Fairlie and Minister for Victims and Community Safety Kirsten Oswald. The Met Office, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Transport Scotland, blue light services and several other agencies involved in the response also joined.
Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “As we experience a third consecutive day of weather warnings with continued strong winds forecast until later today, it is important that people keep up to date on the impact the conditions are having in their local area.
“Disruption to travel is likely to continue into tomorrow and I strongly recommend people check official sources such as the Met Office, Traffic Scotland, transport operators and local authority channels before setting out.
“While we expect some respite from the adverse weather during the day on Monday, there is a possibility of more severe weather conditions early on in the week and we urge everyone to continue to follow advice and heed any warnings.
“If anyone is isolated or needs help or assistance, they should not hesitate to seek help from the appropriate authorities.
“We continue to monitor the situation and work closely with partners to respond quickly and try to mitigate the effects of Storm Boelo as far as possible.”
Stuart Wilson of Transport Scotland said: “The weekend of storms has brought challenges across the transport network and, in some cases, there will be significant recovery work required before we have the network back to normal.
“Our operating companies are working around the clock to restore parts of the trunk road network that have been impacted. The Traffic Scotland website and X account have regular updates on trunk road conditions, so I’d continue to urge drivers to plan their journey before setting off, particularly ahead of the return to work on Monday morning.
“The conditions have also impacted rail, ferry and air networks, so it’s vital travellers check with operators to see if their services have been affected.”
Two people were killed by falling trees during the storm, including a man in Dumfries and Galloway.
The UK Budget must bring down energy bills for hard-pressed Scots and reverse the projected cut in funding available for Scotland, the Social Justice and Housing Secretary has said.
Shirley-Anne Somerville is calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reverse the projected real-terms cut in Scotland’s block grant funding for 2027-28 as set out in the UK Spending Review to support improved public services.
The Social Justice Secretary is also demanding action to bring down energy bills which are hundreds of pounds higher than when the UK Government came to office. An end to welfare polices like the benefit cap are also a key priority for the Scottish Government.
Ms Somerville said: “The Chancellor must meet some key tests when he presents the Budget this week – he must reverse the real terms funding cut Scotland faces as set out by the UK Spending Review, and he must deliver serious support with the cost of living. People need help now.
“The Scottish Government wants to drive NHS waiting times down further, keep improving our schools and lift more children out of poverty. But we will be doing that with one hand tied behind our back if the UK Government continues with the planned real terms cut to our funding.
“Energy costs in particular are causing real hardship across Scotland – and at a time when the Treasury is set to benefit from even more of Scotland’s energy resources, the Chancellor has no option but to act.
“We are one of the most energy rich nations in the world and yet we pay some of the highest bills in Europe – it just doesn’t add up.
“And with bills already hundreds of pounds higher than the UK Government promised when they came to office and set to grow further, any failure to bring down bills substantially in this Budget would be unforgiveable.
“An end to wider policies which are pushing families into poverty like the bedroom tax, the benefit cap and `young parent penalty’ in Universal Credit is long overdue and would make a significant difference. The freeze on Local Housing Allowance rates is also preventing people on the lowest incomes from accessing safe and affordable housing and should be scrapped.
“If the UK Government will not take the action required this Wednesday to boost living standards, it will be clear that little has changed under the new Prime Minister and that Scotland should choose the fresh start of independence.”
Ministers have activated the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) to prepare for strong, windy conditions from Storm Boelo, which are predicted to impact the whole of mainland Scotland and the Western Isles this weekend.
SGORR convened yesterday after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for wind from 9pm tonight (Saturday 24October) lasting 24 hours.
It also follows heavy rain from Storm Austen, which has caused an increased risk of flooding in some areas.
The meeting was chaired by Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville and was attended by a number of agencies involved in the response, including Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, and the Met Office.
Ms Somerville said: “Much of Scotland will experience very high winds this weekend, and people should be aware of the potential impacts of the Met Office’s amber alert, which includes transport and power disruption.
“The wind, coupled with the rain brought by Storm Austen, means that travel conditions could be dangerous and I would urge anyone planning travel to check their journey and follow all relevant advice before setting off.
“Our resilience and emergency system, SGORR, has now been activated to co-ordinate our response, and I am grateful for the work of partners across the country to keep everyone safe.
“SGORR will continue to monitor the situation closely over the weekend and provide regular updates to the public.”
Police travel advice has been issued following an amber weather warning for high winds across the majority of Scotland.
The Met Office has issued the weather warning for all of the Scottish mainland and islands off the west coast. This warning is in place from 9pm on Saturday 24 October, 2026, until 9pm on Sunday, 25 October.
A yellow wind warning is also in place covering the same area, also including Orkney, from 12pm on Saturday, 24 October.
Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “The Amber warning for wind means there is a high risk of disruption on the road network and travel conditions may be hazardous.
“Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary 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.
“HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and allow extra time for your journey.
“Stay tuned to media outlets for further updates and consult the Traffic Scotland website and social media channels for information relating to affected roads.”
Further information about the weather warnings can be found on the Met Office website.
SEPA has issued a number of flood alerts and you can find more information about flood updates on their website.
