New Year, new powers for communities?

Plans for greater local decision making

Have your say by 24 January

Communities across Scotland will enjoy greater decision making powers over the use of public sector land and buildings following the introduction of a new bill to Holyrood this year.

A consultation is currently taking place on The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill, which will allow communities to identify and ask for any public sector land or buildings they feel they could make better use of than its current owner.

And decisions over whether such assets should be transferred will be based on which proposed use would provide the greatest community benefit.

A consultation on the bill was launched by Local Government and Planning Minister Derek Mackay in November, and interested parties are being urged to submit their views before the consultation closes on January 24.

In addition to the proposed measures to improve decision making powers for communities, legislation will also be updated and simplified to support local authorities’ provision and management of allotments.

Local authorities will have a duty to provide allotments linked to and triggered by actual demand, and to protect permanent allotment sites from closure.

While current allotment provision is not sufficient to satisfy demand, the local authority will be under a duty to keep waiting lists below a specified target whether by acquiring land or otherwise.

There will be new duties to strengthen Community Planning, so that public sector agencies work as one to deliver better outcomes for communities.

Views will also be invited on how communities might benefit from legislation to improve the national and local focus on improving outcomes, currently implemented through Scotland Performs.

The bill also proposes:

Streamlining and extending the existing community right to buy to cover urban and rural communities as part of our ambition to have 1 million acres in community ownership by 2020
Providing new powers to help councils deal with defective and dangerous buildings, and to provide local relief schemes on business rates
Increasing transparency about the management and use of Common Good assets.

Local Government and Planning Minister Derek Mackay said: “Scotland’s people are its greatest asset, and it is only with the confidence that comes with independence that people will be able to fully determine their own futures.

“The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill is about people and communities taking their own decisions about their future, and its introduction will build on the support of the Scottish Government, set out by the First Minister in the Lerwick Declaration, for subsidiarity and local decision making.

“The Bill will help community groups to take over public land and buildings where they think they can make better use of them than their current public sector owners.

“This Bill will also reform the community right to buy, giving urban communities in Scotland the same rights as rural communities, where it is in the public interest.

“Rules on Scotland’s allotments will also be simplified. Allotments foster a community spirit and provide a range of benefits such as a cheap source of fruit and vegetables, and therefore a healthy diet.

“The consultation on the bill comes to an end on January 24th, so there is still time left for interested parties to submit their views on this important piece of legislation.”

The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill Consultation document can be found at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/Current

Enterprise Ready boost for third sector

Enterprising third sector organisations are being encouraged to apply for grant awards of up to £250,000 as part of the Enterprise Ready Fund, John Swinney confirmed today.

Grants will be awarded to third sector organisations with the most sustainable and ambitious business plans, and new, emerging and established organisations have until 16 June 2014 to apply for funding.

The Enterprise Ready Fund will help organisations to develop further, become more efficient and self-sustaining, or diversify and enter into new markets. Priority is being given to activities that contribute towards the Scottish Government’s Prevention and Welfare Reform agendas.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainability John Swinney said: “The third sector plays an integral role in our society, providing superb services, creating employment opportunities and connecting with the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“We’ve had a great response to the Enterprise Ready Fund so far and as we look ahead to the New Year, I’m keen to remind organisations to apply for funding. I hope that by investing in the third sector and enhancing its self-sufficiency we can look forward to a future where these organisations play a full role in public sector reform.

“Through this investment successful applicants will be able to rely more on their own resources, be in a position to win more public sector contracts and be able to be more innovative and diversify into new markets.”

The fund is being delivered by a consortium of third sector organisations led by Foundation Scotland in partnership with Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEiS), Developing Strathclyde Ltd (DSL) and the Social Value Lab.

Foundation Scotland’s Chief Executive, Giles Ruck said: “Foundation Scotland has received applications so far from a wide range of organisations and this funding will make a real difference to them and their communities. We’re keen to receive more applications to the Enterprise Ready Fund from third sector organisations needing investment to help them win more contracts, increase sales or become more efficient. Our team is happy to speak to potential applicants and we’d encourage people to visit our website or get in touch.”

Thousands of Scots hit by benefits cuts

In the last eight months Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Jobseeker’s Allowance sanctions have led to over 35,000 Scots having their benefits stopped or reduced.

This is because DWP judge them not to have done enough to find work.

However, Scottish Government analysis published today (Wednesday) shows that claimants are often unable rather than unwilling to comply with the conditions placed upon them. Furthermore, it is disadvantaged groups – people with health problems, those lacking work experience, and lone parents – who are disproportionately affected.

One in eight of those deprived of benefits in Scotland have had the highest level of sanctions imposed, which can result in benefits being stopped for up to three years.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This research shows that some of the most vulnerable Scots are having their benefits stopped because they are simply not able to meet the conditions set by the UK Government. This may help explain why so many more people are being forced to use food banks.”

“This is another demonstration of why we need a Scottish welfare system based on clear principles of fairness and dignity.

“Scotland’s system would support people who work while also providing support for people who cannot work, protect people from poverty, and help them fulfil their potential, in work and in life.

“The Expert Working Group on Welfare is considering these and other principles as it explores how the benefits system should enable people who can work to move into sustained employment, and how it can support people who can’t work to participate in society as fully as possible.

“The recommendations of the Expert Working Group will be available in the Spring, well in advance of the referendum, in order to further inform the debate.”

Be ready for winter

A NATIONAL health campaign highlighting the importance for people in Edinburgh and the Lothians being prepared for winter was launched today. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Alex Neil was joined by a group of schoolchildren and NHS 24’s Associate Medical Director Dr Laura Ryan at Edinburgh’s Christmas to launch the Be Ready for Winter campaign.

The NHS Scotland campaign advises people that by re-stocking their medicine cabinet, checking their repeat prescriptions and knowing when their GP surgery is open, they can ensure they are well prepared for the winter.

Health Minister Alex Neil said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas venue here today is a reminder of some of the fun-filled activities we can take part in at this time of year. It is a busy time of year, especially for families with young children, and it is easy for your health to take a backseat.

“That is why it is important for people in Scotland, especially parents and older people, to take a few simple steps to help make sure they stay healthy. By finding out what services are open and stocking up on winter remedies, we can prevent winter illnesses from spoiling the holiday period. It will also ensure that emergency lifesaving services are kept free for those who really need them.

“Last winter saw increased pressures including an early start to the norovirus season, an increase in respiratory illnesses, and increased pressure on A&E departments, and it is really important that you know who to turn to when you are ill. For some illnesses, your local pharmacist, GP, NHS 24 or minor injuries unit may be a more suitable place to go to rather than A&E.”

This year, GP surgeries will be closed for two days at Christmas (Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December) and again for two days at New Year (Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 January).

NHS 24’s Associate Medical Director Laura Ryan said it is important to prepare ahead for this time: “I would urge people to take the time now to re-stock their medicine cabinet with items such as paracetamol, cough mixture, throat lozenges and cold and flu treatments, to deal with any winter ailments that may inevitably strike. Your local pharmacist is a good source of information and advice on re-stocking your medicine cabinet. If you need to visit your GP, try to schedule an appointment before the festive period and submit your repeat prescription request in plenty of time. Remember you can also access urgent out of hours GP services through NHS 24.”

The four key steps that Be Ready for Winter is recommending everyone take in preparation for their health this winter are:

Restock your winter medicine cabinet

Many children and adults pick up common winter ailments such as a cold or flu-like illness. These can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine. Parents are reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with remedies suitable for children.

Use your local pharmacy

Your local pharmacy is an accessible resource for you and your family. Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you have run out of any prescribed medication. You can also collect medicine for minor ailments or illnesses.

Make sure you have repeat prescriptions.

If you, or someone you care for, require medicines regularly, check that you have enough and if you need more remember to order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you or your family have enough medicine to last over the Christmas holiday period. Only order what you need.

Know when your GP surgery will be open

Your local doctor’s surgery will be open on Tuesday December 24 and will then reopen on Friday 27 December. This means there are two days when it is closed – Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Doctors Surgeries will follow normal opening hours on Tuesday 31 December and will then reopen on Friday 3 January.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk/winter or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.

Tonight’s the night it really Matters

NEYPF’s latest ‘Matters2Us’ newspaper focuses on anti-bullying

The second edition of the North Edinburgh Young People’s Forum Matters2Us (anti-Bullying issue) is being launched tonight in Craigroyston Community Hgh School at 5.30pm.

CLD worker Clare Gibson, who supports the group, said: “North Edinburgh Young People’s Forum have put a lot of work into this research, the publication and the launch itself and would really appreciate it if you could let them know if you intend to be there tonight for the launch of the second edition of their version of The Matter: Matters2Us; this issue will focus on Anti-Bullying.

In July 2013, the Young People’s Forum were successful in their application to the Respectme Anti-Bullying fund to produce a second edition of their newspaper, this time asking the question:

‘How would you like to be supported if you were being bullied or see someone else being bullied?’

The group then consulted with over 100 pupils across two primary schools in North Edinburgh, going into classrooms over two days, spending time with the young people and finding out their thoughts on bullying.

The Young People’s Forum would now like to share what the young people who they met with said and would like to invite you to attend the launch of this second edition tonight at Craigroyston Community High School at 5.30pm.

There will also be an opportunity to hear from a local parents group on how they have made a user friendly guide to their schools Anti-Bullying Policy to support parents, young people and the community to understand it.”

If you plan to attend, or require further information, contact Clare.Gibson@ea.edin.sch.uk

The Scottish Government is to introduce guidance to help give pupils better protection online and in the classrooms, it has been announced.

Schools will get advice on promoting the safe and responsible use of mobile devices to protect pupils and staff from the potentially harmful consequences of misuse.

Speaking at the Respectme conference during National Anti-Bullying Week 2013, Minister for Learning Alasdair Allan unveiled the guidance on responsible use of phones, tablets and other mobile devices and an e-safety website. He said:

“We want everyone in Scotland to grow up free from bullying and to have respect for each other. All bullying behaviour is unacceptable but no one reading the recent horrific accounts of cyber-bullying, blackmail and exploitation can help but be outraged.

“It is unrealistic to expect young people to turn away from technology. We need to look practically at what can be done to change attitudes and stop people using these resources for abuse.

“All schools must have anti-bullying policies that are regularly updated to ensure that pupils are safe and protected from potential harm, both within and outside school.

“That is why I am launching guidance to help schools develop and update policies to promote the safe and responsible use of mobile technology in schools along with an e-safety review tool – an interactive way for schools to review their e-safety provision and to develop an action plan for improvements.

“This guidance and tool will help schools find the right balance between the use of mobile devices in the classroom without them causing disruption or being misused.”

Dr Allan also confirmed that a summit of internet providers and anti-bullying partners such as Respectme would go ahead on December 4.

He added: “Technology moves on leaps and bounds very quickly and teachers and parents need support to help keep up with it. That is why my colleague, Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell, and I are hosting a summit in December to see what more can be done to help everyone feel that they can go online without fear.”

David Wright, Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre at the South West Grid for Learning Trust, said: “It is fantastic that schools across Scotland will have access to a reflective, non-moralising and empowering tool to review and improve their own Internet safety policy and practice.”

National Anti-Bullying Week 2013 takes place from Monday 18 to Friday 22 November.

Advice for parents, young people and schools is available from the national anti-bullying service Respectme www.respectme.org.uk/ and CEOP’s thinkuknow

Independence IFS and buts

Think Tank report warns of spending cuts and tax hikes

An independent Scotland would have to cut spending or increase taxes for its finances to be sustainable in the long-term, a leading think tank has warned. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said Scotland would face a ‘fiscal gap’ of 1.9% of national income, more than double that of the rest of the UK (0.8%).

The report says that significant spending cuts or tax increases would be necessary to balance the books.

Better Together campaigners say the report leaves the economic argument for independence ‘in tatters’ but Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney believes the report actually underlines the case for an independent Scotland.

The 69 page ‘Fiscal sustainability of an independent Scotland’ (attached below) concludes:

‘An independent Scotland would have the freedom to make its own decisions about spending priorities and the appropriate design of the tax system, but it would be constrained by the necessity to deliver a significant cut in spending and/or increase in tax revenues in order to put its public finances in a sustainable long-term position’.‘

Speaking after the publication of the report earlier today, Alistair Darling, leader of the pro-Union Better Together campaign, said: “This sober and impartial analysis by the IFS leaves the SNP’s economic case for independence in tatters. SNP ministers pretend that in an independent Scotland there would be more money to spend, but that notion has been comprehensively demolished by the analysis from this respected institution. Today’s report is clear that an independent Scotland would need big cuts to things like pensions, benefits and the NHS or a big increase in tax.”

Not so, say supporters of independence. Commenting on the IFS report, Mr Swinney said: “This report actually underlines the case for an independent Scotland with full control of its own economy and the ability to take decisions that can secure a stronger and more prosperous future for the country.

“It is no surprise that projections based on the UK’s economic position show a long-term deficit when the OBR state that the UK’s economic strategy is “unsustainable” and that the UK will run a fiscal deficit in each of the next 50 years.

“The IFS themselves admit their projections in this report are ‘inherently uncertain and could evolve differently if Scotland were independent rather than part of the UK; in addition they could be substantially effected by the policies chosen by the government of an independent Scotland’.

“The whole point of independence is to equip Scotland with the competitive powers we need to make the most of our vast natural resources and human talent and to follow a better path from the current Westminster system which stifles growth and which is responsible for the damaging economic decisions which this report – and its projections – are based on.

“Scotland has strong financial and economic foundations, and even without a single penny from oil and gas, both output and tax revenues per head in Scotland are virtually the same as for the UK.

“Next year’s independence referendum will give people in Scotland a choice between staying with a broken Westminster system that has created one of the biggest gaps between rich and poor in the western world, which concentrates far too many jobs in London and the South-East of England, has accumulated vast amounts of debt and which neglects manufacturing and trade – or using the full tools of independence to rebalance the economy, improve equality and support public services.

“Between 1977 and 2007, smaller independent European countries similar to Scotland grew their economies faster than ours, and if we had matched those rates that greater output would now be the equivalent of around £4.5 billion.

“Tomorrow the Scottish Government will publish detailed analysis of the economic security, growth and job opportunities that come with the powers of independence and by taking Scotland’s future into Scotland’s hands.”

IFS report

First UK aid arrives in the Philippines

A chartered Boeing 777 carrying 8,836 shelter kits from UK Government stores in Dubai landed in the city of Cebu in the middle of the night local time and was met by Department for International Development (DFID) humanitarian workers.

It comes ahead of DFID-funded food, water, medicines and other supplies to be delivered by NGO partners over the coming days and weeks.

The shelter kits consist of plastic sheeting, rope and rope tensioners, and each one will keep a family of five sheltered from the elements. The kits will now be delivered to NGO partner World Vision for distribution in the worst-affected areas of the Philippines.

This is just the first of several UK-funded humanitarian flights scheduled to fly from both Dubai and the UK in the coming days as part of the UK’s response to Typhoon Haiyan.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: “UK humanitarian aid is now on the ground to be distributed urgently to the people who need it. It will be followed rapidly by other basics like food and water purification kits, and the equipment needed to clear the way to get that aid to hard to reach communities.”

The total UK response to the typhoon stands at up to £15m, following the announcement that the Government will match-fund up to £5m of the DEC appeal. The UK has also deployed HMS Daring to support aid efforts.

The Scottish Government will also come to the aid of the stricken islanders through a £600,000 commitment to the Disasters Emergency Commitee appeal.

Making the announcement yesterday, External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The devastating pictures from the Philippines can’t fail to touch the hearts of all who see them. The Scottish Cabinet discussed the situation this morning and today we are pledging a donation of £600,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee in Scotland’s Philippines Typhoon Appeal.

“This is one of the biggest disasters in many years – and indeed is reminiscent of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in terms of the scale of the devastation caused. We are in touch with Scotland’s aid agencies who inform us that with reports still coming in from more remote areas that the numbers of people affected may well rise further.

“The Scottish Government funding will help our aid agencies support those affected including through the supply of clean water and medical supplies – essential if we are to avoid disease getting hold and making a tragic situation even worse.

“As well as the Scottish Government’s donation I urge the people of Scotland to dig deep to help support our aid agencies responding to the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.”

Chair of the Disasters Emergency Committee in Scotland, Norman McKinley, said, “DEC members are doing all they can to get aid through but we urgently need help to minimise the suffering and reach people as quickly as we can. The priorities are getting food, water and shelter to people in desperate need. We also greatly welcome the Scottish Government’s support today, which will enable us to make a huge difference to so many people who have lost everything overnight”

£300 million government boost for affordable housing

Fund to help deliver 6000 affordable homes

Hundreds of millions of pounds are to be spent across Scotland on increasing the supply of affordable housing, creating jobs and boosting the economy, it was confirmed today.

All 32 of Scotland’s local authorities have today been allocated a share of £300 million in subsidy for affordable homes as part of the Government’s investment of £391 million to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) in 2015/16.

The remaining £91 million will be managed centrally, with £30 million for the Low Cost Initiative for First Time Buyers, £10 million for the Home Owners Support Fund, and funding for increased subsidies for homes built to a greener standard. The rest will go to other affordable housing projects, including those that promote innovation.

The funding will support delivery of over 6000 affordable homes, including 4000 social homes.

The funding for councils comes on top of an extra £27 million which was added to their 2014/15 allocations earlier this month , and brings the Scottish Government’s four-year investment in local programmes to over £1 billion, out of a total AHSP budget of £1.35 billion.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess made the announcement in Edinburgh today.

She said: “This is a substantial funding boost that will support house building across Scotland. We have listened to councils and housing associations and put in place a system of funding for housing which will provide greater certainty and allow councils to make plans for the future.

“Housing is and will remain a priority for this Government and we will continue to invest in new affordable homes. Despite the severe cuts to our budgets by the UK Government, this is a substantial funding boost that will support house building across Scotland.

“This funding keeps us on track to deliver more than 6000 affordable homes per year, of which 4000 will be social homes. But we must continue to work together to get the most from our resources and ensure that we deliver our vision that everyone should have a safe, warm home which they can afford.”

Alan Ferguson, Director of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland, said:

“When the budget announcement was made in September, CIH Scotland was very happy to join with other bodies in welcoming the outline budget of £391 million for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in 2015/16.

“This budget represents an increase of around 21 per cent on the average annual spend of £323 million within the current programme. Making these Resource Planning Assumptions now gives councils and their housing association partners the best possible chance of pushing ahead with building much needed homes across Scotland.”

Earlier this year Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced an increase to housing subsidies, which will give councils and housing associations an extra £16,000 per home. Councils now receive around £46,000, towards the cost of building a new home, while RSLs get around £58,000, or more in certain remote areas.

Legacy cash for Drylaw skate park

Drylaw’s skate park project has received a major boost wth news of a £100,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s Legacy Active Places fund. Drylaw is one of 40 projects to receive funding from the £2 million programme, it was announced yesterday.

The Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund is part of the Scottish Government’s Commonwealth Games Legacy 2014 programme, which will give communities across Scotland more and better places to be active.

The Drylaw project, which is being managed by Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust in partnership with Drylaw Telford Commnity Council and Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, will see the creation of a new skate park on the southern part of the existing BMX track in Easter Drylaw Park. The main features will include mini ramp, bowl, open area and rhythm sections.

Communty council chair Alex Dale said: ” This is good news for the project and means we have now secured half of the funding we need. We are now in the process of putting together an application to a Charitable Trust for £50,000:00p and Councillor Lesley Hinds is talks with the city council’s Sport & Physical Activity Department of thCEC and we are hopeful they will fund the remainder.

“At present these are all if and but’s, but with yesterday news announced by the First Minister Alex Salmond this will be the key to open the ‘Pandora Box’ and help to secure these final pieces of funding to allow us to go to the contract tendering stage of the Skatepark Project. Its taken a bit of time but hopefully we are on the way to achieving the park that the youth of Drylaw have pushed hard for.”

The First Minister made the acnnouncements whle visiting the bust of Hawick rugby legend Bill McLaren in Wilton Lodge Park in Hawick, where he confirmed that Bill McLaren Park Ltd has been granted £77,000 to help build three all-weather tennis courts in the town.

Other projects to benefit from the funding include Arbroath Skate Park, Cycle Speedway at Queen Anne High School in Dunfermline, a play park climbing wall in Buchlyvie and a Trim Trail with play equipment at Elphinstone Primary School in East Lothian.

The announcement is the second allocation of funds from the Scottish Government’s £10 million Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund.

The First Minister said:

“Glasgow 2014 will be the largest sporting and cultural event Scotland has ever hosted and with less than one-year to go – there is a great sense of pride and excitement around the Games.

“The investment in this community facility in Hawick – and many others across Scotland – is part of this government’s vision to deliver a lasting legacy through the Games, by improving local facilities and encouraging people to get active, either through sport or something simple like going for a walk.

“The Games coming to Scotland provides an exceptional opportunity to make our nation healthier, help our businesses to prosper and celebrate our modern and vibrant culture both at home and on the world stage.

“Across Scotland local communities will benefit from the Active Places Fund giving people of all ages the opportunity to be part of the excitement created through the Games.”

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, said:

“The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is an opportunity to build a legacy in Glasgow, Scotland and across the Commonwealth in jobs, health and sport.

“Within the Organising Committee and alongside our Games Partners, the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland, there is a shared sense of purpose and ambition.

“Our focus is to deliver for Glasgow and Scotland an outstanding Games and, beyond that, to leave a powerful legacy well into the future with our showcase for world-class sport having a tangible community relevance.”

Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland, said:

“sportscotland and the Scottish Government are working closely to deliver a successful sporting legacy from Glasgow 2014, and the Active Places Fund is a key component of that vision.

“Sporting facilities for both performance athletes and local communities are the best they have ever been in Scotland.

“We are well placed to capitalise on the growing captivation surrounding next year’s Games as we continue to expand Scotland’s stock of excellent facilities and provide more and better opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport and physical activity.”

Other succesful Edinburgh applicants include Warriston Community Tennis Club, Cramond Parent and Staff Association, Edinburgh Leisure, North Merchiston club, Buckstone Primary School and Drummond Communty High School.

Colleges open for business

Thousands of college places ensure opportunities for young people

College places in a wide range of courses to suit all levels and preferred modes of study are still available right across Scotland, ahead of the new term starting.

While there has been an increase in the number of young Scots being accepted into university, there are also a number of other options for young people to move forward in education or help them take their first steps into the jobs market.

As well as colleges offering hundreds of varied courses with clear career outcomes, the Scottish Government has funded 1,000 places specifically to help students to progress from further to higher education.
Cabinet Secretary for Education Michael Russell said:

“The most recent UCAS figures have been welcome news for Scotland, with two per cent more young Scots accepted to university compared to this time last year, including thousands who have taken up a place through the clearing process. Other young Scots will be pursuing their education and careers through other routes.

“Colleges deliver a wide range of top quality vocational courses and provide pathways to more advanced learning and work. In the coming weeks, thousands of young people will start a full time further education course at one of Scotland’s colleges. In recent years, the Scottish Government has sought to get the very best from our college sector and important reforms will see it become highly efficient with strong links with employers, universities and schools. Additionally, as part of a £10 million package to increase participation in higher education we have funded 1,000 additional places specifically to help college students move to university.

“We can be very proud of Scottish education. Our excellent exams results and record numbers of school leavers staying in positive destinations such as university, college, or employment are real marks of success. And we have guaranteed every 16 to 19 year old the offer of a place in education or training. Students wishing to continue with their education have plenty of options and, for many, a college course will make a huge difference to their lives and the start of their future success.”