Scottish Government – Page 22 – The NEN

Protecting children from harm

Actions to combat sexual abuse set out alongside next steps in national review

Immediate action will be taken to address any harms or risks identified in the first part of an independent inspectorate-led review of responses to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE).

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced to Parliament that the first part of the independent national review will be taken forward at pace and focus on rigorous, detailed scrutiny of local councils’ assessments of the threat and risk of group-based CSAE.

Further parts will follow, and Ministers plan to update Parliament more fully by the end of February.

The Education Secretary also confirmed an additional £220,000 will be invested this financial year to enhance support for victims and families impacted by sexual offending, improve access to training for professionals to respond to sexual harm, and support improvements to Police Scotland’s forensics capabilities.

The Cabinet Secretaries for Education and Skills and for Justice and Home Affairs have jointly written to the Cross-Party Group on Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse to request to meet survivors in the new year.

The Education Secretary also confirmed that Ministers support mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in principle. The National CSAE Strategic Group has agreed to consider next steps to develop options for mandatory reporting in Scotland, and will also further consider approaches to involve survivors in an appropriate and trauma-informed way.

Ms Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is taking determined action to establish the potential extent and scale of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Scotland’s recent past.

“Those who have suffered, as victims of child sexual abuse, have been let down by a system which should have protected them. We must ensure that survivors’ experience is at the heart of our considerations – their voices must be heard and be listened to.

“The National Review, Police Scotland’s ongoing work, and the advice of the National Strategic Group chaired by Professor Jay, will gather evidence, help us to take action where it is needed now, and inform advice to Ministers on whether a national inquiry on group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation is required.”

Stuart Allardyce, Director of Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland, said: “Demand for our services to prevent child sexual abuse keeps rising. Each year, more adults concerned about their behaviour, young people who have caused sexual harm to others, and families affected by a loved one’s arrest turn to us for help.

“This funding is a lifeline that will enable additional groupwork sessions this financial year, so no one has to wait for support, and allows us to extend our helpline hours to those across Scotland who need our services. It’s a vital boost that shows the Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting children from harm.”

COSLA calls for £16bn budget boost

COSLA is urging the Scottish Government to provide a £16 billion boost in revenue in the Scottish Budget, to secure fair and sustainable funding for Scotland’s councils.

A demand for a £844 million general capital settlement has also been requested, plus a restoration of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme to £955 million, to maintain, repair, expand and secure the future of Council estates.

COSLA has today launched a lobbying campaign urging the Scottish Government to use the upcoming Scottish Budget to provide councils with the fair, sustainable and multi-year funding needed to protect essential local services.

The campaign – ‘Strong Councils, Strong Communities’ – highlights growing pressures facing local government and the very real consequences of continued underfunding for communities across Scotland. The financial pressures in social care and housing are two key areas COSLA are asking the Scottish Government to specifically address in their upcoming budget.

COSLA warns that without urgent action in January’s Budget, councils will be unable to maintain essential services such as social care, education, housing support, roads, and community safety.

COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Ricky Bell, said: “Scotland’s councils deliver the services that people rely on every single day — from caring for older and vulnerable people to keeping schools open, streets safe and communities thriving. Councils are facing greater demand than ever and are required to do more with significantly less. This is unsustainable.

“The upcoming Scottish Budget is a pivotal moment. The Scottish Government must deliver a settlement that matches the scale of the challenge. Without fair funding, communities will see services reduced and inequalities deepen, and we will struggle to meet national targets in key areas such as child poverty, housing, and net zero”

This year, councils continue to face rising inflation, increasing demand for services, and the continued impact of workforce pressures across social care and education. COSLA’s analysis shows that even maintaining current services requires substantial additional investment. As a fair and sustainable overall financial settlement COSLA’s key asks from the campaign include:

An immediate £750m investment in social care.
Flexibility for councils to make local decisions that respond to community needs.
Recognition of local government as an equal partner in delivering national priorities and tackling inequalities.

COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, added: “Councils work tirelessly to deliver for Scotland’s communities, however, continued pressure on resources makes this increasingly challenging.

“This is about safeguarding what matters most, support for the most vulnerable, opportunities for young people, support for families, and safe, thriving communities. We hope the Budget will reflect the vital role Local Government plays in Scotland’s public services.”

National Speed Management Review: Consultation findings published

Transport Scotland has published the findings from over 19,500 responses to the National Speed Management Review public consultation.

The next steps in plans to reduce death and injuries on Scotland’s roads have been outlined by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport.

The findings from over 19,500 responses to the National Speed Management Review public consultation have been published. The next steps are:

In relation to national speed limits on single carriageway, following close consideration of consultation responses, Ministers will not be taking forward changes. Further work will be undertaken to continue to analyse the impact on road casualties and journey times of a speed limit change on different standards of single carriageways.
In relation to Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) speed limits, work will be undertaken to progress steps to increase speed limits on single and dual carriageways for this vehicle type. This change aims to reduce the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles, helping to reduce driver frustration and improve journey time reliability.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The National Speed Management Review provides important evidence on how speed limits can help reduce road deaths and serious injuries, and is helping us work towards our ambitious goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030.

“The next steps have been informed by the huge number of responses to the public consultation. Work will be undertaken to further analyse the impact on road casualties and journey times of a speed limit change on different standards of single carriageways and this will inform any future transport policies.

“We are also going to start work now on the steps needed to increase HGV speed limits, recognising the consultation feedback and the positive results of similar changes from the A9 HGV speed limit trial and other parts of the UK.

By reducing the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles, this change is expected to enhance road safety by reducing driver frustration and improving journey time reliability.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. These proposals represent a vital step towards making Scotland roads safer.”

http://transport.gov.scot/news/national-speed-management-review-update/

Better drug and alcohol support for young people

New standards ensure consistent help across Scotland

Young people using alcohol or drugs will receive improved access to support through new national standards.

Developed in conjunction with young people across Scotland, the standards set out what under-25s should expect when seeking help.

They establish core principles – including early intervention before problems escalate, access to treatment and recovery for those most at risk, consistent relationships with support workers and flexible access through online, phone or face-to-face services.

During a visit to The GIVIT Youth Recovery Service in Hamilton, which helped draw up the standards, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “I welcome these standards as a vital step in ensuring accessible, person-centred and trauma-informed support for young people.

“Although drug-related deaths in people under-25 have reduced in recent years, I often hear from people that they started to experience problems with alcohol or drugs in their youth. If we can intervene and support earlier then we can prevent the development of more serious harms and death.

“These standards set out how local services can support young people to stay safe, reduce their substance use and recover. They give professionals and commissioners clear, practical guidance to deliver care that meets each young person’s needs and set a benchmark for best practice, ensuring treatment and support that truly makes a difference.

“They will make sure reliable support is available at the earliest possible opportunity, when challenges begin, not after they spiral. They will ensure support is high-quality and young people are kept safe and supported.”

The standards address geographical variations. They require all areas to provide person-centred support that recognises individual circumstances, cultural background and wider life needs.

Key features include the ability to self-refer, choice of appointment times and locations, and support for families.

The GIVIT Youth Recovery Service Project Manager Mary Thomson said: “These standards will help create more coordinated pathways to support, ensuring access to the right help at the right time.

“Strong partnership working between services will make it easier to provide consistent, high-quality support, leading to more effective planning and delivery of services aligned with the National Drugs Mission across Scotland.”

GIVIT Youth Advisory Panel Member Callum said: ”Standards for young people nationally around drug and alcohol support services is really exciting and a step in the right direction for recovery in Scotland.

“It will make services more accessible and help challenge the stigma around youth recovery.”

GIVIT Youth Advisory Panel Member George said: “Ensuring accessibility to information related to services for both the young person and their support network is key to success in recovery.

“Being inclusive to all without judgment will encourage young people from various backgrounds and circumstances to seek help.”

Solidarity with Jewish Communities

FM: “Scottish Government stands firmly against all forms of antisemitism”

First Minister John Swinney has extended his condolences and spoken of the Scottish Government’s solidarity with Jewish communities in Scotland and around the world following the terror attack in Sydney on the first night of Chanukah.

Mr Swinney expressed his horror at the “unspeakable act of hatred and violence” and condemned all forms of antisemitism. The First Minister confirmed the Scottish Government is liaising closely with Police Scotland and relevant partners to ensure safety for Jewish communities and their places of worship.

The First Minister said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific terror attack that happened at Bondi Beach, on the first night of Chanukah. What should have been a celebration of light and hope was cruelly marred by an unspeakable act of hatred and violence.

“I know that the Jewish community here in Scotland will be facing unimaginable grief and anxiety in the wake of this senseless attack. In this moment of darkness and pain, the Scottish Government stands firmly against any and all forms of antisemitism – an evil which has absolutely no place in our society and which we must confront.

“I also want to assure our Jewish communities that the Scottish Government is in very close contact with Police Scotland, and other relevant partners, to put in place the appropriate measures to ensure safety around places of worship at this time.

“I am dedicated to ensuring that our Jewish communities here in Scotland feel safe and supported and able to live free from fear.

“The world needs acts of goodness, kindness, and light at this time more than ever. We condemn the appalling acts of violence perpetrated in Australia over the weekend, and we stand in solidarity with our Jewish communities as they come together to celebrate Chanukah.”

Scotland’s first neurodevelopmental support summit aims to shape co-ordinated national approach

Scotland’s first summit on neurodevelopmental support takes place today – Monday 15 December.

The event will bring together people from clinical services, education, local government, academia and policy.This will support a shared discussion on how Scotland can improve access to, and the availability of, neurodevelopmental support.

The aim of the discussion is to work towards ensuring neurodivergent people get the right help at the right time, ensuring consistent support, assessment, and diagnosis, where required.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur, who is chairing the summit, said: “Demand for assessment and support has risen sharply, putting pressure on health, education and social care services. Too many families are waiting too long for help.

“Our system must change so people get support based on what they need, not how long they wait for a diagnosis. We’re making progress through our work with COSLA and the Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopment Taskforce, and we’ve invested an additional £500,000 this year to improve access to care.

“But we must go further. Real change comes from us all working together. My aim is that the summit gives us a stronger shared understanding of what needs to change and a collective determination to make that happen.”

Neurodevelopmental conditions include autism and ADHD. There has been a large increase in the number of people seeking neurodevelopmental support, assessment and diagnosis in recent years. This is creating significant pressure on a number of services, with long waiting lists being held by health boards for diagnostic assessments.

Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopmental Support

The National Neurodevelopmental Specification: Principles and Standards of Care for Children and Young People specifies the standards that all children’s services should follow to ensure access to support is effective and consistent across Scotland.

The Scottish Government, in partnership with COSLA, has undertaken a review of the implementation of the National Neurodevelopmental Specification which will inform improvements to support health boards and local authorities to deliver the Specification.

It has also set up a new Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopment Taskforce to drive forward these improvements, and are providing an additional £500,000 funding this year to enhance the support available to children and families.

The Taskforce has now met twice, in October and December 2025.

Adult Neurodevelopmental Support

The Scottish government funds the National Autism Implementation Team, which is currently supporting NHS Boards to develop, enhance and redesign existing local adult neurodevelopmental services.

We have launched the next phase of our £2.5m multi-year Autistic Adult Support Fund, which aims to help autistic adults understand what neurodivergence means for them and improve their wellbeing.

We continue to fund NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT) to deliver professional learning on neurodevelopmental conditions.

Tenement-focused charities urge immediate action on owners’ associations legislation following release of Law Commission report

Under One Roof and Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) are calling on the Scottish Government to act quickly to enact legislation on compulsory owners’ associations, following the release of the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ association.

Under One Roof and BEFS have welcomed the report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, as a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland and are in a significant state of disrepair.

Owners’ associations, which currently exist in some tenement buildings as voluntary bodies with no legal standing, are critical to ensuring flat owners have the communication, structures, and processes in place to organise repairs in common areas of their building, such as the stair and roof.

The report and draft legislation, proposed by the Law Commission, would in effect create an owners’ association in every tenement building, and place a duty on owners:

to appoint a manager for the association,
hold at least one annual meeting;
approve a repair budget,
ensure building information is provided to property registers.

The report also calls for the creation of a bespoke form on tenement incorporation, which would allow owners to sign repair contracts on behalf of the association, rather than placing liability on one or two owners, as currently exists.

Mike Heffron, Chief Executive of Under One Roof, said: “The condition of Scotland’s tenements is a ticking timebomb.

“This year, as is the case every year in Scotland, there are far too many examples of stonework crashing to the streets from crumbling tenements, or flat owners being displaced due to unstable buildings.

“The introduction of owners’ associations in every building is not a silver bullet for fixing Scotland’s tenement stock; it’s a starting gun. The legislation will make it easier for owners of tenement flats to begin overdue conversations, look closely at what needs to be done and how quickly, and start long overdue repair, maintenance, and retrofit works.

“Political parties and the Scottish Government must work quickly to ensure legislation making owners’ associations in every tenement becomes a reality, as well as move quickly to ensure buildings are inspected every five years, and every tenement in Scotland has a building reserve fund.”

Hazel Johnson, Director of BEFS, said: “Tenement maintenance is a pressing issue across Scotland.

“The connection between Net Zero goals and building condition is indisputable; regular maintenance, repair and wider focus on improving the fabric of homes including tenements, so they are more able to transition to clean heat, is crucial.

“Without this starting point, actions will not result in the energy reductions expected, failing to improve building performance, negatively impacting on occupant health, and failing to meet fuel poverty aims.

“It is within this context that we call for joined up action for tenements in Scotland. Well maintained tenements can deliver for Scotland’s housing needs, net zero, economy, wellbeing, and more – for many years to come. The establishment of owners’ associations is an important milestone on this journey.”

Gillian Campbell, Director of Existing Homes Alliance said: “The publication of this report and draft Bill is a significant milestone on the road to improving the condition of Scotland’s tenements and ensuring flat owners are not left behind in the transition to clean heating and energy efficient homes.

“The proposed legislation is part of a much-needed framework that will help flat owners to work together to maintain their homes, making them more energy efficient and moving towards clean heating.

“The introduction of owners associations for flats has support across the Scottish Parliament and the next Scottish Government now has an opportunity to take this forward, helping to ensure that all flat owners can benefit from living in warm, healthy, affordable to heat homes, with clean heating systems.”

Funding secures theatre’s future

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust receives £150,000

The Cumbernauld Theatre Trust, in North Lanarkshire, has been awarded £150,000 transition funding from the Scottish Government to help secure its future.

The funding will ensure the future of the Theatre as a going concern, so that it can continue its cultural programme and community work, while taking steps to enhance its financial sustainability and operations.

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust was the only was the only organisation to lose regular funding when Creative Scotland announced successful bidders for Multi-Year Funding in January, as a result of its application which was unsuccessful.

A record number of cultural organisations were successful in applying for Multi-Year Funding, following a £34 million increase for culture in the arts in the 2025-26 Scottish Budget. Over half of these organisations were awarded multi-year funding for the first time, and all successful applicants who previously received regular funding got a significant uplift.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Cumbernauld Theatre is an important cultural asset for North Lanarkshire and the wider culture sector in Scotland.

“As a result of its failure to secure Multi-Year Funding, the Trust faced a critical funding gap for 2026-27, which would have required the Trust to consult on redundancies.

“Given the Theatre’s significance to the community and in order to protect the sector-specific skills it provides employment opportunities for, the Scottish Government has agreed to support the Trust with £150,000 in grant funding over 2026-27, and a potential further £150,000 in 2027-28 – subject to the Trust demonstrating its sustainability issues are being resolved.

“This funding should enable the Trust to move beyond a challenging period and take the necessary steps to secure Cumbernauld Theatre’s future.”

Alan Caldwell, Chair of Cumbernauld Theatre Trust said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson and the Scottish Government for our constructive conversations over the last few months and today’s announcement of its strategic investment in the future of this important cultural organisation.

“Their grant of £150,000 in 2026/27 and a potential further award in 2027/28 allows the Trust time to plan for a long-term sustainable future, while continuing to deliver its valuable work for residents in an area of Scotland which is under-served in terms of cultural and community opportunities.”

Creative Scotland has also agreed to give Cumbernauld Theatre Trust £99,557 in support of a programme of community engagement and work celebrating the town’s anniversary over the course of 2026.

BACKGROUND:

Multi-Year Funding Outcome Announcement | Creative Scotland

myf—organisations-awarded-funding-updated-february-2025 Download

Funding to support up to 460 new jobs at Grangemouth

Supporting future Grangemouth industries

Up to 460 new jobs are expected to be created at the Grangemouth industrial cluster and surrounding area, thanks to £8.5 million new Scottish Government funding.

Following the allocation of £1.5 million of Scottish Government’s Grangemouth Just Transition Funding to Scottish biotech company MiAlgae, up to 310 jobs are expected to be created over the next five years.

The company is developing fish-free omega-3 out of algae by repurposing whisky byproducts, saving an estimated 30 tonnes of fish for every tonne of algae produced and reducing the impact of over-fishing on fish stocks.

The funding will be match funded by the UK Government, following calls from the Scottish Government, and will be administered by Scottish Enterprise. It is also expected to deliver an additional £53 million into the Scottish economy over the same period.

Meanwhile, up to 149 roles will be created in Grangemouth at Celtic Renewables, by 2030 following the allocation of £6.23 million to support pre-construction work for a new bio-refinery at Grangemouth to support the manufacture of ‘green’ chemicals. This is where waste from the food, drink and farming sector is converted into acetone, butanol and ethanol – chemicals found in everyday items such as nail varnish remover and cleaning products.

The technology was identified by Project Willow as one of the viable alternative pathways which could successfully be deployed within the Grangemouth industrial cluster.

A further £0.6 million will be awarded to Scottish Enterprise to support key planning and infrastructure activity at the site to ensure the area is a more attractive and shovel ready location for new investment.

All three projects are being supported through the Grangemouth Just Transition Fund and are designed to encourage further investment in the site by demonstrating its long-term potential as a leader in green energy and sustainable manufacturing, and support initiatives that increase the prosperity of those who live and work there.

An additional £150,000 will be awarded to CVS Falkirk over the next three years through the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal for the continuation of one role to help ensure community voices are present as part of the delivery of the Grangemouth Just Transition Plan.

The announcements come ahead of a statement to Parliament by Energy Secretary Gillian Martin on progressing a just transition at Grangemouth.

Ms Martin said: “The Scottish Government will continue to do all that it can to support and promote local opportunities, jobs and growth, in the Grangemouth area.

“Today’s announcement will help to support the creation of up to 460 roles directly and across the supply chain in Scotland, and help to highlight the wide range of viable alternatives for Grangemouth. They demonstrate that a long term, new industrial future at Grangemouth is achievable, and will be vital to support the local workforce and community.

“This funding is only the start of the Scottish Government’s support to help safeguard Grangemouth’s role as a leading industrial cluster, and ensure the site continues to support our economy through new, green investment opportunities.”

Jan Robertson, Director of Grangemouth Transition at Scottish Enterprise, said: “It’s wonderful to see this support going to two companies we’ve worked with intensively since their inceptions.

“Seeing MiAlgae break ground on its first commercial-scale plant, as well as announcing the latest stage in Celtic Renewables’ growth journey, are causes to celebrate. Grangemouth is the perfect location for innovative Scottish scale-ups to grow, creating high-quality jobs and supply chain opportunities for the whole community.

“We also welcome the additional £0.6 million Scottish Government funding to accelerate our important infrastructure improvement work at Grangemouth, which will unlock further investment at the cluster and support the creation of new jobs.”

Doctors shape vision for future medical workforce

Report sets out views on how the profession could change over next two decades.

A new report exploring views on how Scotland’s medical workforce might need to evolve over the next 15 to 20 years has been published.

The Future Medical Workforce report follows six months of extensive engagement with the profession, and we have listened to over 2,000 doctors through a national survey and 40 focus groups.

Those who took part shared the privilege and joy they feel in caring for patients but also highlighted significant pressures in balancing service delivery with training and managing increasing workloads.

The report emphasises that any plans for the future should take into consideration the importance of ensuring doctors feel valued and inspired by their profession and able to sustain fulfilling careers.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Our doctors are the backbone of our NHS and it’s vital that we plan now to ensure we have the right workforce in place to meet Scotland’s healthcare needs in the decades ahead.

“I have been clear of the need to listen closely to doctors at every career stage, and I am grateful for their honesty and insight which is invaluable in shaping our next steps.

“Scotland’s population is changing. People are living longer and many of the cases we see in hospitals are now more complex. The decisions we make today will shape our future medical workforce and we are committed to empowering our doctors with positive working environments, manageable workloads and the resources they need to continue providing excellent care.

“We have invested a record £21.7 billion in our NHS this year and reached a historic deal with GPs by investing £531 million over the next three years.

“The next phase of this project will turn these insights into action, working in partnership with the profession to deliver meaningful change that supports the medical workforce and improves care for patients across Scotland.”

Professor Andrew Elder, Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland (Scottish Academy) said: “The Scottish Academy welcomes the publication of the report and commends all those involved for achieving a high level of engagement with doctors at all stages of their careers.

“Whilst multi-professional working is key to delivering high-quality care, we welcome the clear focus on the role of the doctor, and the report accurately and honestly reflects both the hopes and detailed concerns of doctors and underlines the central contribution they must continue to make to patient care.

“We are committed to working together with the Scottish Government to ensure that the key recommendations of this work are taken forward in a fluent and effective manner.”

Professor Pushpinder Mangat, Medical Director and Director of Education and Standards at the General Medical Council, said: “This report reflects how the medical workforce is changing, and how doctors’ education, training and development will need to change and adapt in the future.

“That aligns with our own ambitions, which include a comprehensive review of medical education and training to ensure we build education programmes that provide medical professionals with flexible, fair and innovative learning, and that equip them with the skills they need to provide the best patient care.”

Future Medical Workforce Project report