Thousands of families are being pushed into poverty – with UK Government welfare changes set to reduce spending on social security in Scotland by £500 million a year, Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said.
The 2019 Annual Report on Welfare Reform shows the largest welfare cuts since 2015 are as a result of the benefit freeze, two-child cap, and changes to the work allowance. Continue reading Impact of UK welfare cuts revealed
Offenders will be required to contribute to the cost of supporting victims of crime from November.
A new financial penalty will be imposed on all criminals who are sentenced to pay a court fine and the money raised will be banked in the Victim Surcharge Fund.
Victim support organisations will be able to apply to the fund to cover the costs of providing short-term and practical support such as new windows and locks for burglary victims or funeral expenses for families of murder victims.
Regulations laid in Parliament yesterday, subject to MSPs’ approval, will apply to crimes committed on or after 25 November 2019 and payments from the fund will start to be made six to 12 months later.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Experiencing crime can be an isolating and frightening experience and we are committed to improving the experiences of victims in our justice system.
“It’s only right that criminals should pay towards helping victims to recover and move on with their lives. The money raised through the surcharge will pay for practical support that will make a real difference to victims and their families.
“While Scotland’s long-term fall in crime means fewer people fall prey to criminals, we are continuing to invest £18 million annually to improve support, advice and information for victims. This new fund will be a valuable addition to support available and we have worked with the UK Government to ensure the necessary legislative arrangements are in place to allow its operation.
“Over the coming year we will also be carrying out further work to better understand where the gaps are in how Scotland supports victims and witnesses.”
Victim Surcharge Fund regulations
The table below sets out the level of surcharge that will be payable depending on the value of fine that is imposed by the court:
| Amount of fine | Surcharge payable |
| Up to and including £200 | £10 |
| Between £200.01 to £500 inclusive | £20 |
| Between £500.01 to £1,000 inclusive | £40 |
| Between £1,000.01 to £2,500 inclusive | £75 |
| Between £2,500.01 to £5,000 inclusive | £175 |
| Between £5,000.01 to £10,000 | £350 |
| In excess of £10,000 | 7.5% of the fine |
38,474 fines were ordered by Scotland’s courts in 2017-18.
Low-income Scottish families will benefit from improved access to learning, advice and employment support with a multi-million pound package of measures.
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell has set out the next steps of an ambitious plan to help lift parents and families out of poverty, backed by the £50 million Tackling Child Poverty Fund. Continue reading New funding for childcare and employability to cut child poverty
A new benefit providing help for people on low incomes to meet the costs of a funeral will be available from 16 September 2019. Continue reading New funeral benefit to launch next week
Legislation to establish Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme has been brought forward for public comment. Continue reading Deposit Return Scheme takes shape
Members of the public, businesses and the tourism sector are being asked for their views on the design of a levy which would let local authorities, who deem it appropriate for their local circumstances, charge visitors a fee for staying overnight in their area. Continue reading Tourist Tax consultation launched
People affected by suicide will join a new panel to inform and educate on the ways to prevent suicide.
The panel will be made up of those who have previously attempted suicide or who have experienced suicidal thoughts and those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Continue reading World Suicide Prevention Day: Scottish Government announces new lived experiencepanel
Advice and support to stay in Scotland
EU citizens affected by changes to the immigration rules as a result of Brexit are to be offered extra support and advice.
The EU Citizens’ Rights Project, backed by £50,000 from the Scottish Government, will deliver nationwide events to raise awareness about what they need to do to stay in Scotland after Brexit.
The focus will be on helping vulnerable EU citizens who may have more complex needs or who may face barriers to applying for settled status, and may need additional support. Immigration lawyers will offer expert advice and interpretation will be available where appropriate.
Migration Minister Ben Macpherson said: “EU citizens significantly enrich our society and make a huge contribution to Scotland’s economy and public services. My message to them is simple: you will always be welcome in Scotland, we want you to stay and we will support you to stay. That is why the Scottish Government launched our Stay in Scotland campaign earlier this year.
“It is deplorable that the UK Government is forcing EU citizens to apply to retain their existing rights, and we continue to urge the UK Government to implement a declaratory system. However we also want to ensure that people remain in Scotland and that they are informed and supported when applying for settled status.
“That is why we are funding the Citizens’ Rights Project to deliver a series of outreach and information events for EU citizens and their families across Scotland. These events will raise awareness of the EU Settlement Scheme, provide applicants with the necessary information, and signpost to available support to help people to stay.”
Noelia Martinez, Project Coordinator for the Citizens Rights Project, said: “This type of support is extremely important for EU citizens in Scotland who are concerned about what would happen to their rights after Brexit.
“Many, like myself, have successfully applied for Settled Status, but we know from our previous outreach and information work that there are still lots of EU citizens who are not sure about how to apply, or have faced difficulties in making application.
“This further funding is very welcome, as it will allow us to continue our work, with an emphasis in particular on reaching vulnerable EU citizens, and those who live in more remote areas of Scotland.”
The charity Who Cares? Scotland has welcomed new policies announced today by the Scottish Government. If realised in full, the charity says that the policies will make a real difference to Care Experienced people. Continue reading Government Heeds Warning From Children’s Charity
NHS Lothian lowest funded health board per head of population.
NHS Lothian have not hit a single one of their performance targets and have the lowest funding per head of population, with £1,540 based on mid 2018 population estimates. Continue reading NHS Lothian needs more government support, says Briggs
