Tag: Scottish Government

Rent controls welcomed, but more clarity needed

The introduction of rent controls has received support from the majority of the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee.

The Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to improve housing outcomes for people who live in private rented accommodation and ensure a fair balance between protection for tenants and the rights of landlords. It comes as the Scottish Government and an increasing number of councils have declared housing emergencies.

In its report, the majority of the Committee welcomes the ambition in the provisions to re-balance the private rental sector and improve affordability for tenants. However, despite recent announcements from the Scottish Government about how the rent cap would operate in practice, the Committee has called for further clarity noting that continued uncertainty could impact investment within the sector, in turn impacting on choice and affordability for tenants.

The report also recognises that, in isolation, the Bill in itself is not the answer to the housing emergency, which has been caused by a range of factors, including the shortage of affordable and social housing, increased rents in the private sector, high inflation, freeze of housing allowance rates, labour shortages linked to Brexit, and cuts in Scotland’s capital funding settlement from the UK Government.

However, the Bill does have a role to play in better balancing tenants’ rights with landlords’ needs.

Speaking as the report launched yesterday, Committee Convener Ariane Burgess MSP said: “We are currently in the midst of a housing emergency and this Bill is an important part of the solution to address that by redressing the imbalance in the relationship between tenants and landlords.

“For rent controls to be effective, however, there is a need for certainty for both tenants and landlords about measures within the Bill and how the proposals will work. It’s disappointing that it was only last week that the Housing Minister made an announcement about how rent controls might work.

“The Bill before us does not provide detail on many aspects of how the legislation will operate, and with consultation on some aspects of the Bill continuing until 2025, there will be little room for parliamentary scrutiny in an area which is critical to get right for the long-term sustainability of the private rental sector.”

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The Bill also puts in place requirements for the collection of data from private landlords in order to make a case for the creation of local rent control area . But with the onus on local authorities to collect and monitor the data, the Committee is concerned that there is a lack of resource to deliver that requirement which could hinder the effective use of rent control areas.

The Convener continued: “For rent controls to work, there must be accurate data but the Bill before us has no clear plans for robust data collection. This is why our report recommends that there is a national approach to data collection to help assess rental markets.

“We would also like to see the onus put on landlords by creating a requirement for them to routinely provide data rather than only respond to requests from local authorities.”

The Committee also welcomed measures within the Bill which support tenants’ rights to personalise their homes and their right to own pets.

It also makes recommendations for there to be more support for tenants in exercising their rights, and for landlords too to help them better understand their duties, saying that legislation is not enough on its own to achieve the necessary balance between tenants and landlords’ rights.

Social Security Scotland paid £1.9 billion in support to people across Scotland in 2023-2024

More than 329,000 children receive vital support from Scottish Child Payment   

Social Security Scotland has published its Annual Report and Accounts, which shows that it made £1.9 billion in payments to people in Scotland from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. The payments were made across 14 Scottish benefits, seven of which are not available anywhere else in the UK. 

This includes £942 million for Adult Disability Payment which now supports more than 300,000 disabled people in Scotland. Social Security Scotland also paid £463 million to help families on low incomes with their living costs through five family payments, which includes Scottish Child Payment, which was benefitting more than 329,000 children and young people by the end of March 2024.   

Winter Heating Payment was paid to 400,000 people by February this year to help towards the cost of heating homes and Carer Support Payment which offers help to people who do so much for others began a phased rollout in the Western Isles, Dundee City and Perth and Kinross last year and is now available across Scotland.  Eligible people who get benefits include carers, disabled people and families, pensioners, young people starting jobs and people who need help paying for a funeral.  

The results of the organisation’s annual Client Survey have also been published, showing that 90% of respondents who received a payment from Social Security Scotland say their overall experience was ‘very good’ or ‘good’.    

Among those who responded to the survey, 85% said their experience with staff was also ‘very good’ or ‘good’, 89% said they were treated with kindness while 85% of people surveyed felt they were listened to.    

95% of people with experience of Scottish Child Payment rated their overall experience as ‘very good’ or ‘good’. 

In total, the combination of direct payments made by Social Security Scotland and those paid through Agency Agreements with the Department for Work and Pensions saw the Scottish Government invest over £5.2 billion in benefits across Scotland.    

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:  “We are committed to tackling poverty and supporting people throughout Scotland. At a time when families are struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, we have been delivering 14 benefits, seven of which are only available in Scotland.    

“Winter Heating Payment is a reliable annual payment to people on low incomes in Scotland, including pensioners receiving Pension Credit. We continue to offer vital support to families through our five family payments, including Scottish Child Payment which was helping to support more than 329,000 children and young people by the end of financial year 2023-24.” 

“We are focused on ensuring people get the money they are entitled to and that we deliver these payments while treating people with dignity, fairness and respect.” 

Social Security Scotland Chief Executive, David Wallace, said:  “While our service has continued to expand significantly, our clients remain at the heart of everything we do.  

“We have focused on delivering new payments to people across Scotland including Carer Support Payment, while ensuring we give our clients an improved experience. This year, we have reduced call waiting and processing times and made it easier for people to submit supporting information for disability benefit applications.  

“As the number of people we serve grows, I am delighted we have maintained high client satisfaction rates with our annual Client Survey showing 90% of people who received a payment from us saying their overall experience was ‘very good’ or ‘good’.”  

Hanover CEO calls for UK budget windfall to fund housing and care

Scottish Government urged to prioritise investment in essential services for older people

HANOVER Scotland’s CEO, Angela Currie, is urging the Scottish Government to allocate part of the new £3.4 billion funding from the UK Budget towards critical investments in social care and housing.

The budget announcement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves marked a significant increase in devolved funds, and Angela emphasises that a strategic portion of this must be directed towards empowering older adults to live safely and independently.

With a rapidly aging population, Angela warns that overlooking these essential services will only exacerbate existing pressures on Scotland’s healthcare and social systems.

Angela said: “Our first priority must be restoring the adaptation budget to its previous levels. This funding is essential for making homes safer and accessible for older adults.

“Secondly is to close the gap in subsidies for new-build social housing, enabling us to construct more affordable homes.

“Lastly, we need robust investment in social care, which is crucial for supporting our aging communities and preventing undue strain on health services.

“Investing wisely in these areas is not just beneficial but essential for a sustainable and compassionate future.”

Angela highlights that this comprehensive approach will have a long-term impact, reducing the costly burden on the NHS and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

The need for investment is underscored by recent budget cuts that have severely impacted housing adaptation funding. The Scottish Government slashed this budget by 25%, from £11 million to £8.245 million, leaving housing associations like Hanover Scotland in a difficult position.

This reduction means older and disabled residents risk being trapped in unsafe homes or hospital beds, contributing to bed-blocking and intensifying pressure on healthcare services.

Angela said: “The modest investment required to make homes safe pales in comparison to the enormous cost of hospital stays and long-term care.

“Without adequate funding, we risk further overwhelming our health and social care systems.

“Our mission is to empower older adults to live with dignity and independence, but the current funding situation is making that increasingly difficult.

“We are calling on the Scottish Government to act now and prioritise social care and housing. This isn’t just about housing; it’s about health, safety, and the wellbeing of our communities.”

Hanover Scotland, which manages more than 4,500 homes, has been a trusted provider of housing for older adults since 1979. The organisation has been at the forefront of innovation, from pioneering sheltered accommodation to participating in urban renewal projects that promote independent living.

“We have listened to concerns”: Wood burning stoves to be permitted in new homes in Scotland

Review addresses concerns from rural communities

Wood-burning stoves, bioenergy and peat heating will now be permitted in new homes and buildings following a review of the New Build Heat Standard commissioned by ministers earlier this year.

An amendment to regulations made today permits the installation of bioenergy and peat main heating systems – and any type of secondary heating systems – in new buildings from 1 January 2025, while maintaining the prohibition on mains gas and oil boilers as a main heating system.

Alasdair Allan, Acting Minister for Climate Action said: “The New Build Heat Standard is crucial to help reduce emissions from new buildings, preventing the need for retrofit in the future and ensuring a cleaner and greener Scotland.

“Heat from our homes and buildings makes up almost a fifth of Scotland’s carbon emissions so we must tackle the most polluting forms of domestic heating to reach net zero.

“We have listened to concerns from rural and island communities about resilience in times of bad weather or power outages, as well as the wider use of bioenergy and peat for other reasons. These changes address these concerns whilst retaining the spirit of the original legislation, which aims to eradicate polluting gas and oil boilers from new homes and buildings.

“I would like to thank all of those who submitted evidence and views, particularly those from rural and island communities – their input has been vital in delivering his positive outcome.”

Luke Fraser, Vice Chair of the Scottish Islands Federation said: ‘The Scottish Islands Federation is delighted that the points raised by our members and others, as part of the review of the New Build Heat Standard, have been taken into account.

“We believe there is a need to help sustain and support the resilience of households in rural and island communities through the use of wood burning stoves and burning of peat, and the changes to the NBHS announced today have taken this on board.

“While we are in support of the need for climate action, progress must be made in tandem with developing and enhancing the resilience and sustainability of our communities, not at their expense. This change is a positive step in that direction.’

Updated New Build Heat Standard regulations: ICIA – New Build Heat Standard (Amended) 2024 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

New Build Heat Standard: factsheet – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Grangemouth’s just transition?

Workforce and community asked for views

Grangemouth’s industrial workforce and community are being asked to contribute their views on the future of the area.

A draft plan has been published as part of work to support a just transition to net zero and support the growth of the area towards a decarbonised economy.

The regional just transition plan is the first of its kind. It sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for the future of the Grangemouth industrial cluster and how the local community could benefit as a result.

By successfully decarbonising, Grangemouth can become a global leader in sustainable manufacturing and production, attracting investment and supporting both the existing and future workforce, and the community, long into the future. 

The Scottish Government has worked in partnership with the Grangemouth Future Industry Board to develop the Grangemouth Industrial Just Transition Plan which supports industrial decarbonisation, low-carbon manufacturing, net zero community wealth building and reskilling and developing the local workforce.

Proposed actions include:  

  • developing an industry-led technical and commercial investment strategy which includes a decarbonisation pathway to secure investment for scale up
  • creating a Grangemouth Industrial Skills offer to help tailor training needs for the existing and future workforce
  • improving the co-ordination of initiatives across the Forth Valley to ensure targeted interventions match needs
  • funding a recognised Community Engagement and Participation Manager as a first step in supporting the community to play a role in decision making 
  • establishing a Grangemouth Regulatory Hub to support a just transition and understand how regulation can unlock industrial decarbonisation

Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said: “Grangemouth has long played a vital role as Scotland’s leading industrial cluster and it is right that the area continues to help lead the way in our journey to net zero by 2045.

“Our first regional Just Transition plan published today sets out our approach to support the growth of a decarbonised economy that puts local communities at its heart. It makes clear our vision for the future and gives specific actions across a number of areas to help achieve a just transition for Grangemouth.

“The plan complements our ongoing activity focused around Grangemouth, including our support package in response to the proposed closure of the refinery and the work we are doing to explore low carbon transition opportunities for the refinery workforce.  

“We are working hard to secure a sustainable, long-term future for the wider industrial cluster and its skilled workforce, and this plan will be vital in helping us to deliver this.

“The consultation is an opportunity to help shape the development of the plan, and Grangemouth’s future. I encourage all who have a vested interest to participate.”

CVS Falkirk and District Chief Executive Officer, Victoria McRae said: “The voice of local communities must be heard in relation to the plans for a Just Transition for Grangemouth.

“As the Third Sector Interface for the local area, CVS Falkirk and District are pleased to be able to take forward, support and facilitate these important conversations. We look forward to hearing a range of views and we have opened a Hub in Grangemouth’s Town Centre to provide a base for this discussion and engagement.”

Syngenta Head of Corporate Affairs UK, Luke Gibbs said: “Syngenta is a large scale fine chemical manufacturer anchoring the Grangemouth Chemical Cluster. 

“We believe that the Grangemouth Just Transition Plan is an important part of achieving a sustainable future across the range of activities that together form the wider Grangemouth industrial area – fine chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

“As such, this consultation provides a key opportunity for companies in Grangemouth to input their views and highlight needs, and collectively achieve a sustainable, enabling, investable, and viable future for all.”

Join Unite on Thursday 28 November 2024 and help Save Scotland’s last oil refinery. 

Get your work colleagues, friends and family to come too. From the Workplace to the Capital, join the rally on Thursday 28 November 2024.

Assemble at 10:00 at Johnston Terrace (top end), Edinburgh, EH1 2PW and at 10.20 march to Holyrood for a rally with Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary. 

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Grangemouth Industrial Just Transition Plan – Supporting a fair transition for Scotland’s core manufacturing cluster – Draft for Consultation

Following the announcement of Petroineos’ decision to close refinery in September 2024, The Scottish and UK Governments announced a joint plan to secure industrial future of Grangemouth. 

KSB: Once in lifetime opportunity to tackle single-use cup waste and litter

KEEP Scotland Beautiful (KSB) has shared key points from their drafted submission to the ongoing Scottish Government public consultation on single-use cup charge – which remains open until 14 November 2024 …

OUR public perception data shows just how much single-use cups contribute to Scotland’s litter emergency – with 53% of people frequently spotting single-use (hot and cold) beverage containers littered across our country. 

This is why for the past seven years we have been carrying out research, delivering campaigns and testing innovative solutions with partners to tackle our problem with single-use cups through Cup Movement®. 

As an environmental charity we want to see more done to help people move away from their reliance on single-use items, and to reduce the valuable raw materials and CO2 emissions used in creating and disposing of them.

Paul Wallace, our Head of Operations, said: “Our key priority is to see a charge introduced. We’ve been pushing hard for action to be taken to reduce our consumption of single-use cups for many years and were pleased to see measures brought forward in the Circular Economy Bill.

“One thing we are sure of is that no single measure will be effective in changing behaviour on its own, but a charge will encourage people to reduce their reliance on single-use items and raise awareness of consumption habits and promote individual responsibility.

“We believe the charge offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest any proceeds generated to set up improved recycling infrastructure and support the development of effective and integrated borrow and reuse infrastructure making it easier for consumers and businesses to choose to do the right thing and help eliminate single-use cup consumption in most situations.”

In our response we are calling for:

  • The introduction of a charge on all single-use cups as soon as possible.
  • Proceeds from a charge to be used to make it easy for people to recycle effectively and/or to develop infrastructure which makes it the norm for people to borrow and return or use reusable alternatives.
  • The level of charge to be no less than 25p as outlined in the EPECOM report in 2018; that the charge should be consistent across all suppliers; and, that the charge be at a level that is visible to the customer. This is necessary to drive shifts in habit.  Additionally, we recommend that the charge level is monitored and reviewed regularly over time to assess its impact in levering behaviour change.
  • There should be as few exemptions as possible with regards to the single-use cup charge and so it is important to note that we believe exemptions, if given, should not be permanent and should be scoped out further once a charge is in place. There is an opportunity for proceeds from the charge to be invested in testing and trialling systems in exemption environments to capture learning and make it possible to remove the exemption at a later date.
  • We believe funds generated from the charge, and any non-compliance fines, must be used to support, as far as possible, the phasing out of single-use cups through the promotion of behaviour change, encouragement of reuse and the facilitation of recycling, where appropriate.

We strongly support the introduction of a charge; however, we have concerns about allowing retailers and businesses to retain the funds, as was the case with the carrier bag charge. While the carrier bag charge has positively influenced consumption habits and reduced the use of plastic bags, we believe its full potential was not realised.

Should proceeds from a charge be retained by businesses and encouraged to be donated to good causes on a voluntary basis, as per the Single-Use Carrier Bag Charge (Scotland) Regulations 2014, we recommend that the Scottish Government commits to an annual ‘temperature check’ evaluation review to monitor:

– Effectiveness of charge in driving behaviour change of consumers;

– Implementation by businesses and retailers and cost incurred;

– The number of cups charged for; and

– Where proceeds of the charge have been used to do good.

Additionally, we would call for donations to be made to environmental good causes, not just good causes, in order to support a move away from single-use cups to a more circular economy model.

We are concerned that the current capacity and capabilities of local authorities will mean that the number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) issued will be low, as will payment rates, as we have seen with other FPNs for environmental incivilities such as littering and dog fouling.

You can find out more about the work of Cup Movement® and read our reports if you want more information.   

We encourage everyone – consumers and businesses – to have their say on this important issue. The consultation is open until 14 November and you can click here to respond to the consultation.

Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon bring special festive in-conversation event to Edinburgh’s Christmas

Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon bring a special festive edition of In The Company of Books in-conversation event to Edinburgh’s Christmas

Sunday 15th December | 4pm | 60 minutes

Assembly Hall, New College, Mound Place EH1 2LU

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  • Join book lovers Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon for a special festive in-conversation event as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas
  • Special festive guests will join in the conversation as Val and Nicola explore the joys of reading (alongside a few glasses of mulled wine!)
  • Tickets go on sale at noon on Friday 8th November via the Edinburgh’s Christmas website
  • In The Company of Books joins stellar line-up of Christmas Shows at Assembly Hall this year including Jason Bryne, The Bubble Show and Swamplesque
  • Free To Use Edinburgh’s Christmas Images Here
  • Edinburgh’s Christmas Trailer

Edinburgh’s Christmas is pleased to announce that book lovers Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon will bring a special festive edition of their in-conversation event, In The Company of Books, to Edinburgh’s Christmas this year.

This special edition of In The Company of Books reunites friends and book lovers Val and Nicola to discuss all things literary, following a number of sold-out, acclaimed in-conversation events across the UK in recent years.

Joined by special guests to be revealed, Val and Nicola will explore the joys of reading alongside a few glasses of mulled wine and a lot of festive cheer.

Val McDermid has sold over 19 million books to date across the globe and has been translated into more than 40 languages. She is perhaps best known for her Wire in the Blood series featuring clinical psychologist Dr Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan, She is the recipient of six honorary doctorates and is an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda’s College, Oxford.

Nicola Sturgeon is the MSP for Glasgow Southside constituency, and the former First Minister of Scotland – the longest-serving and first woman First Minister.

Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon said, “Books are magic. Portable magic, according to Stephen King. And like magic, books build bridges. In our case, an improbable friendship between a passionate politician and Scotland’s queen of crime.

“Our love of books is what first drew us together and it remains the mainstay of that friendship. Every conversation we have eventually meanders round to the books we are reading, what we’ve been enjoying, what has been making us laugh or cry, or keeping us on the edge of our seats.

“And now we want to share the love. First up, festive fun at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms with two stellar mystery guests; then off to the Glasgow International Comedy Festival where we’ll be joined by two top names from the comedy world.

“We’ll be interrogating our guests about the books that shaped them and why they love reading. Revelations galore await as we explore the love and laughter between the covers.”

Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas said: “We are thrilled to have Val and Nicola bring their in-conversation event to Edinburgh’s Christmas this year.

“This is sure to be a highlight in the Christmas calendar and we invite everyone to grab a glass of mulled wine and settle in for what will be a witty, warm and insightful event.”

In The Company of Books joins a newly announced stellar line-up of performances taking place at Assembly Hall as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas this year.

These include the enchanting and inspiring children’s show The Bubble Show; brilliantly funny stand-up comedy from Jason Byrne in Jason Byrne: No Show; the award-winning, critically acclaimed burlesque and drag show Swamplesque.

For further information and to buy tickets, please go to edinburgh-christmas.com.

Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open daily except Christmas Day, with varying opening dates and times available at the official website.


“Deep concern” over the Scottish Government’s strategic approach to public finances

The Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee says it is “deeply concerned” about the Scottish Government’s strategic approach to public finances.

In its pre-budget scrutiny report published today, the committee says there is “little evidence” that medium and long-term financial planning is taking place.

While some of the report’s conclusions are critical, the committee welcomes recent progress on the Scottish Government’s public service reform programme, saying it is encouraged by the focus on preventative and early intervention approaches.

The committee also welcomes the Finance Secretary’s commitment to consider what more can be done to support research and development within Scotland’s universities, with a view to boosting innovation and economic growth.

Finance and Public Administration Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson MSP said: “Our committee is deeply concerned about the Scottish Government’s lack of strategic approach to managing Scotland’s public finances.

“There is little evidence of medium and long-term financial planning. Year-on-year budgeting has become increasingly challenging, with significant emergency controls being required in each of the last three years.

“We recognise devolved governments have fewer flexibilities to deal with ‘shocks’. However, many issues impacting the 2024-25 Budget – such as higher than anticipated pay settlements and increasing social security payments – could have been foreseen and mitigated when the Budget was set, last December.

“At the very least, scenario plans could have been put in place to allow spending commitments to be ‘flexed’ to adapt to fiscal strain.

“We also believe that if key strategy documents looking beyond the year – such as the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, Infrastructure Investment Plan pipeline reset, Tax Strategy, and multi-year plans – had been published when originally committed to, they would have ensured the Scottish Government was considering the medium to longer term approach as part of its budget planning.

“Repeated delays to key financial strategies have led to a perception of the government being in a state of indecision.

“Taken as a package, the recommendations in our report are designed to support the Scottish Government in achieving a much more strategic and coherent approach to managing Scotland’s finances. We urge the government to adopt these in full, placing our finances on a much more stable and sustainable footing.”

On public service reform, Mr Gibson added: “Our committee is encouraged by the focus on preventative and early intervention approaches within the Scottish Government’s public service reform programme.

“We ask the government to consider and report back to us on the potential benefits, risks and costs of introducing a new category of public expenditure on preventative spend, which we were told will establish a benchmark and enable investment to be tracked over time. This would be a welcome development.”

Read the full report: Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26: Managing Scotland’s Public Finances: A Strategic Approach

Holyrood’s Climate Change Bill passed

CARBON BUDGET APPROACH TO SETTING CLIMATE TARGETS AGREED

Legislation that will see Scotland move to using five year carbon budgets to set climate targets has been passed.

The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill amends the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to introduce limits on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in Scotland over a five-year period.

The move, which is based on recommendations from the independent Climate Change Committee (CCC), aims to provide a more reliable framework for emissions reduction. This is because the previous annual emissions targets are vulnerable to year-to-year fluctuations caused by events such as a particularly cold winter or a global pandemic.

The legislation enables the carbon budgets to be set through secondary legislation based on the expert advice from the Climate Change Committee. The Bill also changes the current deadline to finalise the next Climate Change Plan for Scotland so the Plan can align with the process for setting the new carbon budgets.

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Gillian Martin said: “Scotland is now halfway to net zero and continues to be ahead of the UK as a whole in delivering long term emissions reductions.

“The Scottish Government’s commitment to ending Scotland’s contribution to global emissions by 2045 at the latest, as agreed by Parliament on a cross-party basis, is unwavering. It is crucial that our target pathway to 2045 is set at a pace and scale that is feasible and reflects the latest independent expert advice. 

“Carbon budgets are an established model for assessment of emissions reductions used by other nations including Japan, France, England and Wales, and they will include emissions from international aviation and shipping and there will be no provision to “carry over” emissions from one carbon budget to another.

“We will continue leading on climate action that is fair, ambitious and capable of rising to the emergency before us and reflects our commitment to the ambition of credible emissions reduction.”

The Stop Climate Chaos coalition have written to First Minister John Swinney:

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill

Delivering on pledges to children with additional support needs

Report highlights progress made since 2020

A new report sets out the progress made to improve the educational experiences of children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) in schools across Scotland, with more than 40 actions completed thus far.  

Measures adopted since publication of the independent Morgan Review in 2020 include directly involving children, young people and their families in decisions around additional support for learning (ASL), increasing professional learning opportunities for teaching and support staff and setting up parent groups to provide extra support to those who have children with ASN.

The progress report is supported by an updated action plan that includes work now underway such as the development of a National Measurement Framework to capture the range of success and achievements of children and young people with ASN and a refresh of the Code of Practice – the legal guidance used by education authorities and others supporting children’s learning.

The report comes as spending on additional support for learning reached a record high of £926 million in 2022-23 despite on-going difficult financial funding challenges.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “We are determined to improve the educational experiences of children and young people with additional support needs and make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.

“The Morgan Review set out a clear direction to build on progress in this area and we are working closely with COSLA to ensure the remaining actions are completed for children with support needs in schools across Scotland.

“The number of pupils identified with additional support needs has increased markedly since 2010, with year on year increases. This progress report and updated action plan shows what has been accomplished thus far, what further work is on-going, and what plans are in place for the next 18 months.

“While we have made good progress, there is a lot more to do and we will continue working with COSLA, schools, parents and carers to ensure that we are delivering fully on our pledges to children with additional support needs and that they each get the educational experience they deserve.”

COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People Tony Buchanan said: ““This is the third Progress Report on the joint Action plan from COSLA and Scottish Government.

“The Report provides an update on activity from November 2022 through to June this year. It highlights a number of actions which have been developed to improve communication between schools and parents and carers, and also highlights resources and training which have been developed to support teachers and support staff in schools.

 “Angela Morgan’s 2020 Report called for the profile of additional support for learning to be raised.  The publication of the Progress Report is one of the ways we are doing this, and COSLA will share the Report and updated Action Plan with our members and networks to continue to raise awareness of steps being taken to better support schools, families and most importantly children and young people.”

Additional Support for Learning Action Plan 3rd Progress Report 

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