Tag: Scottish Government

Investing in community safety

Almost £200,000 to support dog control measures

Funding for new police vans and training for officers and dog wardens has been agreed following a Responsible Dog Ownership Summit hosted by the Scottish Government.

Police Scotland has received £166,000 to train officers to identify banned breeds and buy specially-equipped vans to transport dangerous and out of control dogs. The National Dog Warden Association (NDWA) has received £30,000 to train wardens.

The actions were recommended in a report following the Responsible Dog Ownership Summit last September. The summit brought together Police Scotland, local authorities, veterinary bodies, public health and third sector organisations to consider improvements to dog control and public safety measures.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: ““The vast majority of dog owners are responsible but it is important that the public are protected from any dogs who do pose a danger.

“This Scottish Government funding for Police Scotland and the National Dog Warden Association will improve public safety and the control of dangerous dogs. The NDWA training fund will support training for dog wardens who work in our communities to promote responsible dog ownership, advise on dog welfare and enforce legislation.

“I am grateful to those who took part in the Responsible Dog Ownership Summit and I look forward to continuing to work with partners to explore further steps to improve dog safety and control.”

Jim Ferguson, Chair of the National Dog Warden Association said: “The National Dog Warden Association are proud partners of the Scottish Government and our organisation, which represents Scotland’s local authorities dog wardens, welcomed the Scottish Government Responsible Dog Ownership Summit report and recommendations. 

“Building on the summit, the NDWA is committed to working with the Scottish Government and other key partners to look at opportunities to review existing policy and pinpoint any opportunities to enhance and strengthen policy in order to better protect people and pets together.”

Two-year pay offer to Agenda for Change staff in Scotland

8% pay increase for nurses, midwives and NHS workers in 2025-26 and 2026-27

Nurses, midwives and other healthcare staff across Scotland have been offered a pay increase of 8% over two years to ensure they continue to be the best paid in the UK, Health Secretary Neil Gray has announced.

The offer guarantees the pay increase will be one percentage point above inflation over same period.

If accepted by trade unions, it will see pay raises of 4.25% in 2025-26 and 3.75% in 2026-27. It involves an investment of more than £700 million over the two-year period and will ensure almost 170,000 NHS Agenda for Change staff – including nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, porters and others – benefit from the pay rise which will be backdated to 1 April 2025.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “This is a strong two-year pay offer that has been agreed following constructive engagement with trade union representatives. It is guaranteed to remain above CPI inflation, which gives added reassurance to staff, and will ensure Scotland’s nurses, midwives and NHS staff have the best pay in the UK.

“This comes on the back of increased employer national insurance contributions following the UK Government announcement in October 2024. It directly increases the overall cost of pay by an estimated £191 million for Scotland’s NHS.

“I want to express my thanks again to Scotland’s hardworking healthcare staff for their continued hard work and commitment.

“The unions will now consult their members and I hope this offer will be accepted.”

First Minister calls for new support for industry

UK Government must “meet the moment” with decisive action

First Minister John Swinney has called for a new package of support for industry from the UK Government in the face of global economic uncertainty.

As financial markets react to global events, Mr Swinney has called on the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to change their fiscal rules and commit to a package of investment to support business, workers and consumers.

The First Minister said: “We are currently enduring a time of global financial and economic uncertainty and volatility.  But while we are not immune to global trends, we can be confident in the strength of Scotland’s economy.

“Indeed, throughout my time in the United States since last week, there has been a clear confidence in Scotland as a place to do business and as a destination for investment. 

“However, the global economy is clearly going through a time of upheaval and it is vital that we see strong action to meet the moment, support Scottish industry and ensure workers and consumers are protected.

“My government will continue to do everything in our power to do that, but given where powers over the economy sit, this will require clear, determined and decisive action from the UK Government.

“The old economic orthodoxies of Westminster will not be enough to meet a moment of real global challenge.  The UK Government cannot meet this global uncertainty with austerity – we need to see a new approach which provides investment and support for industry as we are seeing in countries like Spain.

“It is now obvious that the era in which the UK Government’s fiscal rules were set is over.  The Prime Minister and the Chancellor must accept that new reality, end their outdated commitment to the fiscal rules and deliver serious investment to support industry.

“And in the face of this economic volatility, the last move any serious government would implement is a tax on jobs.  The increase in employer’s national insurance contributions was always the wrong move – but the Prime Minister should not risk further economic damage by making it more difficult for business to take on or keep staff.   The Chancellor should abandon the national insurance hike immediately.

“The events of the last few days require truly bold action from the Prime Minister.  He cannot simply respond to an unprecedented situation by continuing with a plan set in completely different circumstances and which already looks doomed to failure.”

Charter for Budget Responsibility: Autumn 2024 – GOV.UK

Housing Bill amendments lodged to strengthen tenants’ rights

Amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill have been lodged by the Scottish Government setting out how rents will be capped in rent control areas.

The proposed measures will help protect tenants facing cost of living pressures and rising energy prices, whilst providing appropriate protection for the property rights of landlords and supporting investment.

Rent increases in control areas would be limited to the CPI annual rate of inflation plus 1%, up to a maximum increase of 6%. If approved, the rent cap will apply both to rent increases during the term of a tenancy, and in between tenancies, in areas where rent control is applied.

Ministers will determine which areas should be subject to rent control in order to protect tenants. The amendments build on a package of renters’ rights already in the Bill including the right to keep pets and to decorate rented properties without having those unreasonably refused.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty remains this government’s top priority and having a home can make a direct contribution to achieving this.

“Ensuring families can have secure and affordable homes that meet their needs is part of our approach to tackling the housing emergency. These measures will also help protect tenants against a backdrop of a continuing cost of living crisis and rising energy costs. We are doing what we can with the powers that we have as we know our policies are working to improve the lives of families in Scotland.

“Scotland already has some of the strongest rights in the UK for tenants, but we want to improve the renting experience even more to create an affordable, high-quality and fair rented sector.

“We have been working closely with tenants’ organisations to develop provisions in the Housing Bill to improve renters’ rights, including a system of long-term rent controls that is fair for tenants and encourages investment in the sector.

“Our rented sector is a crucial part of tackling the housing emergency and these measures provide important certainty for tenants.”

Scotland’s Resilience committee responds to huge wildfire

SGoRR met last night to discuss ongoing situation

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met last night to discuss the response to an ongoing wildfire in the Galloway area.

The meeting was chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance, and attended by partner agencies including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Forestry and Land Scotland.

The meeting heard that progress has been made in bringing the fire under control today, but that the incident remains ongoing. People are being urged to stay away from the area and any nearby residents should keep their doors and windows closed.

Ms Constance said: “I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported on Thursday. Thanks to their efforts, significant progress has been made and the situation is currently under control.

“I am reassured to hear that so far there has been no damage to properties or mature woodland. However, this remains an on-going incident and the situation will be re-assessed at first light.

“Earlier this week the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued an extreme wildfire warning due to the dry conditions across much of Scotland.

“As we continue to see a period of warm and dry weather, it’s essential that all of us act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors so we can keep the number of wildfires at an absolute minimum.”

An extreme wildfire warning was issued by SFRS last week.

Internal Market Act ‘must be repealed’

Deputy First Minister urges UK Government to restore Scottish Parliament’s full powers

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has urged the UK Government to “restore the democratic voice of the Scottish Parliament” by repealing the Internal Market Act and providing full restoration of powers that were removed by the previous UK administration. 

A Scottish Government Position Paper on the Internal Market Act 2020 published today says the Act should be repealed and replaced with a system built around the Common Frameworks approach and agreed by all devolved administrations and the UK Government.

Two votes in the Scottish Parliament, in October 2023 and February 2025, have called for the full restoration of the powers of the Scottish Parliament but have been ignored.

The new paper comes as the consultation period for the UK Government’s statutory review of the Internal Market Act concludes. The UK Government specifically ruled out repealing the Act before its consultation began. 

Ms Forbes said: “The Scottish Government’s position is clear, we must see the full restoration of the powers of the Scottish Parliament. The Internal Market Act should be repealed and the UK Government must work with the devolved governments to deliver an agreed and workable alternative.

“The Act was imposed by the previous UK Government without the consent of any devolved legislature. It remains the single greatest impediment to more effective and respectful intergovernmental relations.

“Neither the Scottish Parliament nor any of the other devolved legislatures gave their consent to the Act. It has introduced radical uncertainty as to the effect of devolved laws, effectively introducing a far-reaching and unpredictable new constraint on the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

“It also provides UK Ministers with an open-ended power effectively to nullify laws passed by a democratically elected – and accountable – legislature.

“It is deeply regrettable that the UK Government explicitly ruled out repealing the Internal Market Act before it began the review process and consultation but this new paper offers them an opportunity to work with the Scottish Government to restore the democratic voice of the Scottish Parliament.”

Scottish Government Position Paper on the Internal Market Act 2020

New rise in Carer Support Payment in Scotland earnings limit will increase financial security for carers on a low income

  • The earnings limit to be eligible to claim Carer Support Payment will go up from £151 per week to £196 per week in April.
  • Carers Support Payment, which remains the lowest benefit of its kind, will also rise from £81.90 to £83.30 – less than the price of a first-class postage stamp.

Unpaid carers who are in employment will benefit from a rise in the earnings limit on Carer Support Payment, allowing them to earn up to £2,340 more per year.

From 7 April, unpaid carers in paid work will be able to earn up to £196 per week, after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses, and still be eligible to claim Carer Support Payment. This is an increase of £45 compared to the previous earnings threshold of £151 and allows carers to work the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage.

 Carers Scotland welcomes this change, which is the largest increase in the earnings limit for the benefit since it was introduced in 1976. It will allow unpaid carers to take on more paid work while receiving Carer Support Payment, providing vital income for those juggling employment with care.

Carer Support Payment is the main carer benefit, replacing Carers Allowance in Scotland. It is available if you spend at least 35 hours a week providing care and support to someone who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, who needs extra help as they get older or is affected by addiction. 

The earnings limit increase will help unpaid carers in paid employment to stay in work, increasing their earnings potential and providing more financial security. It will also allow many carers whose earnings are above the previous limit to access Carer Support Payment for the first time.

Carers Scotland continues to call for the earnings limit to be tied to the National Living Wage so that carers do not have to reduce their hours as the earnings limit fails to keep up with increases to the National Living Wage. The charity says regulations to formally tie Carer Support Payment to the National Living Wage are vital.

However, for those who are unable to combine paid work and care, the value of Carer Support Payment remains low, despite the additional support of the twice yearly Carer’s Allowance Supplement 1. From 7 April 2025, Carer Support Payment will rise by 1.7% from £81.90 to £83.30 per week, which is less than the price of a first-class postage stamp.  

UK Government plans for welfare reform are likely to have a subsequent impact on the Scottish budget and on the already limited incomes of unpaid carers and disabled people in Scotland.

There are an estimated 100,000 unpaid carers living in poverty in Scotland, with carers 56% more likely to be in poverty, and 60% more likely to be in deep poverty, than those without caring responsibilities.

Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Carers Scotland, said: “Carers Scotland welcomes the increase in the earnings threshold to £196 which will support more unpaid carers to earn more from paid employment alongside their Carer Support Payment. This change will also enable more carers to claim Carer Support Payment.

“The new threshold amount applies once a carer has taken away deductions for tax, national insurance and half of any pension contribution. Carers may also be able to deduct some of the costs to provide care whilst working.

“We would encourage all carers in employment or who are thinking about returning to employment to find out more about Carer Support Payment and the earnings threshold from the Carers Scotland website or by contacting the Carers UK advice line.”

Local MSP Gordon Macdonald commented:  “I welcome this improved support for unpaid carers across the city.  

“The Scottish Government to raise the earnings limit for Carer Support Payment once fully launched, based off feedback from carers and support organisations – this is now coming into place and supporting carers throughout the city.

“These changes will increase the number of unpaid carers able to access financial support. 

“This is just one of many examples of increased powers in Scotland being used to improve lives here in Edinburgh – we could go so much further with the full powers of independence.  

Find out more about Carer Support Payment and the new earnings threshold here on the Carers Scotland website.

Alternatively, you can access the Carers UK helpline from 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday by calling 0808 808 7777 or email advice@carersuk.org at any time.  

Holyrood Minister attends Global Disability Summit in Berlin

Highlighting Scotland’s leading role at home and abroad

At the Global Disability Summit in Berlin today, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart will highlight Scotland’s commitment that by 2030 at least half of Scotland’s international development funding will include a disability equality objective.

This will ensure that disabled people have improved access to programmes in Scotland’s partner countries Malawi and Zambia – for instance giving disabled women and girls access to quality education.

The Equalities Minister will also take part in events focusing on disability equality and inclusion as well as meet with relevant Ministers and interest groups.

Ms Stewart said: “Scotland has a growing reputation at home and abroad for the action it’s taking to reduce the barriers disabled people face.

“This is the first time Scotland has been invited in its own right to the Global Disability Summit and this is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our culture of equality, particularly our focus on giving disabled people a voice in the decisions that affect them.

“Our work with our partner countries in Malawi and Zambia will be shared at the World Bank roundtable on inclusiveness in education. We will also highlight how Scotland is ensuring that marginalised groups, including disabled people, are at the heart of international climate action.

“However, I’m concerned that while the international picture is improving, the UK Government is going ahead with taking away disabled people’s benefits to balance the budget and plans to further reduce aid spending. We will continue to press them to reverse these damaging cuts.”

Global Disability Summit – 2nd – 3rd April, 2025 / Berlin

14 Years of FREE Prescriptions under the SNP Government

14,520,670 PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED BY NHS LOTHIAN LAST YEAR – SAVING HOUSEHOLDS AN AVERAGE OF OVER £400

On the 14th anniversary of prescription charges being scrapped by the SNP Scottish Government, Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted that the policy saves the average household in Scotland over £400 a year.

Latest figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that over 113 million prescriptions, including 14,520,670 by NHS Lothian, were dispensed in Scotland in 2023/24 – meaning that on average people in Scotland received 20.8 prescriptions.

This means that based on the £9.90 charge currently in place in England, the average household in Scotland saved £436.72 in 2023/24 thanks to the policy.

In one of his first acts as Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay outlined his plans to re-introduce charges if he ever came to power – a move which would cost each person £206 per year on average. 

A report by Trussell Trust last year showed that in England, 68% of working households receiving Universal Credit have gone without essentials such as prescription medication due to the costs involved. 

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The SNP is proud to have abolished prescription charges in Scotland, ensuring that everyone in Edinburgh has access to the medication they require based on their needs rather than the ability to pay.

“The SNP believe that healthcare should be free at the point of use for everyone. The prescription charges, which Russell Findlay plans to re-introduce, were nothing more than a tax on ill health.

“In the face of soaring energy bills, despite Labour’s promise to bring them down, people across the city are still living through a cost-of-living crisis – making it more important than ever that they can access the medical treatment they need without worrying about the cost.

”With Labour continuing to hint at an increased level of private healthcare involvement in the NHS, only the SNP can be trusted to put the people of Edinburgh first and protect them from having to pay for their vital medication.” 

Dispensing NHS Board Prescriptions items dispensed (total)
  
   
NHS Scotland 114,358,700
   
NHS Ayrshire and Arran 9,172,880
NHS Borders 2,615,030
NHS Dumfries & Galloway 4,062,010
NHS Fife 7,785,890
NHS Forth Valley 6,421,780
NHS Grampian 10,606,210
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 26,355,740
NHS Highland 6,971,860
NHS Lanarkshire 15,807,560
NHS Lothian 14,520,670
NHS Orkney 410,830
NHS Shetland 569,610
NHS Tayside 8,356,630
NHS Western Isles 702,020

Covid Memorial art trail in Wardie Bay

Work is nearing completion on the creation of a Covid memorial art trail in the Wardie Bay area, designed to honour the experiences and resilience of the local community during the pandemic.

The art trail along McKelvie Parade is intended to arouse curiosity and invite those using the space ‘to pause and be present’.

The project, funded entirely by the Scottish Government and Greenspace Scotland through the Remembering Together initiative, is part of a national effort to reflect the diverse impacts of Covid across Scotland’s 32 local authorities.

Across Scotland, local communities have engaged with commissioned artists and creative organisations to develop unique memorials that capture the collective and individual experiences of the pandemic.

For Edinburgh, Greenspace Scotland has been working in collaboration with artist Skye Loneragan, supported by Artlink and the City of Edinburgh Council. The project has explored experiences of the pandemic, with the goal of highlighting the challenges faced by disabled people, while also celebrating their resilience and potential.

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said: “Creating this Covid memorial pathway in Wardie Bay is an important step in acknowledging the shared experiences and challenges faced by our communities during the pandemic.

“This project provides a meaningful space for reflection for us all, and particularly for individuals with learning disabilities and their carers, who were disproportionately affected.

“Through collaboration with local artists and community groups, we are ensuring that these voices are not only heard but commemorated. This pathway will stand as a testament to the resilience, compassion, and strength shown by all during those difficult times.”

During Phase 1 of the project Skye, supported by artist Stewart Ennis collaborated with participants from the Maple Project and Lung Ha Theatre and reached out to the wider community through public interventions on the Granton Western Breakwater (Wardie Jetty).

Participants were invited to share their memories, thoughts, and feelings about the pandemic and to develop ideas around how we process loss and create spaces for people to come together and reflect.

The creative process focused on making sure the final art trail design was relevant, inclusive, and reflective of the varied experiences of the community. Concepts that emerged during the engagement phase include themes such as “getting away from it all but having somewhere to come back to,” “the tidal flow of the pandemic,” and “making hard things soft and rough things smooth.”

The art trail at McKelvie Parade is a combination of several interventions along the route that arouse curiosity and invite those using the space to pause and be present.

Art pieces have been created to reflect the tidal flow of the pandemic and include Leith West breakwater stones inscribed with words people told artists they would gift themselves if there were another pandemic (cash, giggles, music).

The trail is book-ended by halved stone boulders placed apart and includes a smoothed patch of stone seawall with the invitation ‘Lean on me’, poetry at the entrance to the Bay, a Someone Missing bench co-created with a wheelchair user who described feeling held if there were grooves in the pavement, and a Something Missing Half with 2m distanced Stone seed.

The trail includes twin milestone plaques that describe Time as a Feeling, and Distance as a relationship to friends and family.

Lead artist Skye Loneragan said: “Processing loss is so important. Covid often kept us (and still keeps many of us), at a distance with those we loved and might have been losing, or parts of ourselves we lost, or something and somewhere we love and might be unable to reach.

“This project deliberately seeks to work with people whose experiences are often excluded and I am always interested in how we can nurture our collective sanity, together, our interconnected well-being, through the huge diversity of life experiences that make up what is.”

Construction is expected to be completed today – Friday 4 April.