While Westminster was busy tearing itself apart over Brexit this week, the Scottish Government announced ambitious plans to tackle environmental disaster …
Scotland’s contribution to climate change will end definitively within a generation under the Climate Change Bill to be voted on by the Scottish Parliament. Continue reading World Leader: Scotland to become a net-zero society
Organisations helping people struggling with food insecurity are to benefit from an additional £1 million to deal with the additional pressures of Brexit. Continue reading Brexit funds for people struggling to afford food
“Saving a life outweighs the fear of being called a grass.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Humza Yousaf will today launch a new resource, created by No Knives Better Lives, intended to help young people safely intervene when they suspect someone they know is carrying a knife. Continue reading NAE DANGER: new resource to tackle knife crime to be launched today
Violent crime in Scotland has risen by 10% in the year to last March, official figures revealed yesterday. It’s the highest level for seven years, with a 16% rise in robberies.
The figures show there was also an 8% increase in sexual crimes, including rape, to to the highest level ever recorded.
Despite these statistics the Scottish Government says violent crime is much lower than a decade ago. Continue reading Sharp rise in Scotland’s crime figures
A fund to offer emotional and practical support to survivors of childhood abuse has begun accepting applications from eligible organisations.
The new £10 million fund aims to help organisations improve access to services which can reduce the impact of inequalities and disadvantage experienced as a result of childhood abuse. Continue reading New fund for childhood abuse survivors opens for applications
The Scottish Government has requested £52 million from the UK Government’s EU Exit Operational Contingency Fund ahead of 31 October to help prepare for a ‘no deal’ exit from the EU.
Restating the Scottish Government’s opposition to a Brexit of any kind, and in particular to a ‘no deal’ Brexit, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay called on the UK Government to cover all additional costs associated with preparing to leave the EU, including those beyond 31 October.
The UK Government has indicated that funding is available where Scotland faces disproportionate costs.
Requests include funding to support:
Mr Mackay said: “The UK Government now seems to be actively pursuing a ‘no deal’ outcome which is utterly unacceptable and must be avoided at all costs.
“We have requested £52 million from the UK Government’s fund to help us prepare for a ‘no deal’ outcome. This is the minimum requirement for operational activity but the real costs of a ‘no deal’ Brexit will massively outweigh these and further funding will be required.
“Exiting the EU was not Scotland’s choice and the Scottish Government has been clear that any related costs must be covered by the UK Government. The Scottish Government should not have to cut spending on public services to fund Brexit preparations.
“As a responsible government, we are already taking steps to protect jobs and our economy from a ‘no deal’ Brexit and we will set out those plans to Parliament shortly but we are facing additional and disproportionate costs to mitigate the impact of such an outcome.
“We will continue make the case for staying in the EU and will stand firm against efforts to take us out against our will.”
A new Scottish Government loan scheme to help social landlords meet improved housing safety standards is already making a difference. Continue reading £13 million to improve safety standards in social housing
£1 million announced for historic vessel
The last sea-going paddle steamer in the world will receive £1 million of Scottish Government funding to help it sail again, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced.
The Waverley Paddle Steamer has been in operation for over 70 years, transporting millions of passengers to a variety of locations throughout the UK but is currently out-of-service and urgently requires new boilers.
Scottish Government funding will go towards replacing the twin boilers as well as other necessary maintenance and upkeep such as replacing the main electrical switch board, new cabling and installing new generators.
Ms Hyslop said: “The Waverley has delighted generations of locals and visitors throughout its 70-year history and I am pleased to be able to announce this significant financial commitment to help the historic paddle steamer set sail once again.
“In 2020 Scotland’s coasts and waters will be celebrated with a programme of activity designed to inspire more people than ever before to explore and experience our unrivalled shores. I look forward to seeing the Waverley, such a key part of our maritime and cultural history, back in service and able to play a central part in that celebration.”
General Manager of Waverley Excursions Paul Semple said: “The trustees are delighted that the Scottish Government has recognised the Waverley’s importance to Scotland’s heritage and tourism with this generous grant towards our Boiler Refit Appeal.
“Taken together with the donations received from thousands of individuals across the UK it brings our appeal total to £1.9 million but more funding is required to reach our £2.3 million target to Save the Waverley.
“The continued support we are receiving is extremely heartening and we would like to sincerely thank everyone who has donated so far, we now hope that the corporate sector and grant-giving bodies will join the Government in supporting the Waverley to return to service next summer.”
The Waverley Paddle Steamer undertook its maiden voyage in 1947 and is registered as part of the National Historic Fleet as being a vessel of pre-eminent national significance.
A commitment to support the repairs was originally included in the Programme for Government as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 although no funding commitment was announced at that time.
A new benefit to support young people starting a new job after a period of unemployment will be introduced next Spring. The Job Start Payment is a new payment to help young people with the cost of starting a new job. Continue reading Young workers to benefit from Job Start Payment
Low-income families are to be protected against homelessness with a £1.5 million fund.
The Homelessness Prevention Fund will support housing associations and social landlords to work with their tenants to prevent crisis, and stop families from becoming homeless. Continue reading £1.5 million for social landlords to work with families to prevent homelessness
