A new taskforce to tackle the rising number of drug deaths in Scotland is to be chaired by Professor Catriona Matheson from the University of Stirling.
Continue reading Catriona Matheson to chair drug deaths task force
Tag: Scottish Government
New Sick Kids Hospital: MOVE HALTED
Update on Royal Hospital for Children and Young People
To protect patient safety the Health Secretary has delayed the move of patients, staff and services from the existing Royal Hospital for Sick Children to the new site at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, which was due to take place next week. Continue reading New Sick Kids Hospital: MOVE HALTED
Volunteers invited to shape Scotland’s social security system
People with lived experience to have their say
Volunteers are being asked to shape Scotland’s new, fairer social security system.
Applications are open to people from any background with experience of the current benefits system to join the Scottish Government’s Social Security Experience Panels.
Ethnic minorities, those living in rural communities and people under 25 are being particularly encouraged to apply to make panels as representative as possible.
The 2,400 panel members who have signed up so far are helping shape every detail of Social Security Scotland – from the opening hours to the design of benefit application forms.
Members are regularly asked for their views in a number of ways, including workshops, interviews and surveys that can be carried out face-to-face, on the phone and online.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We want social security in Scotland to be based on dignity, fairness and respect, that’s why the views from the people who actually use the service are so important.
“Panel members have told us they find the experience rewarding, offering a real chance to make a difference to thousands of people’s lives.
“Panels should be a true representation of our society, so I’d like to encourage those from all backgrounds to join us and help make the system one we can all be proud of.”
Rob, a volunteer experience panel member, said: “Sadly there isn’t a week which goes by without a story in a national newspaper highlighting the systemic problem with the current social security system administered by the DWP.
“Joining the Experience Panel has given me a renewed sense of purpose and has allowed me to meet and work alongside a range of other people with first-hand experience of the current system.
“The panels have brought us together with a common purpose to make the most of this unique opportunity to help design a new Social Security system fit for a 21st century Scotland.”
The Scottish Government Social Security Experience Panels have been running for two years and will run for at least two more.
A number of research reports have already been published on work with panel members so far.
People can apply online or by calling 0800 029 4974.
Applications can also be completed on paper forms, which can be requested on the number above or by emailing socialsecurityexperience@gov.scot.
Funding for food and activities during the summer holidays
More children and young people will benefit from a nutritious meal and a place to play this summer holiday.
Charities and councils will increase support for children from low income families during the school holidays, backed by £350,000 from the Scottish Government.
National charity Cash for Kids, CentreStage in Ayrshire, Community Food Initiatives North East, Moray Food Plus, and Milton Holiday Hub in the Highlands will share the funding.
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The school holidays are a time for fun, but I know it can be a struggle for families when schools are closed.
“That is why we are working in partnership with the third sector and councils to provide more places where children and young people can go during the school holidays to play, socialise, and, importantly, have a nutritious meal.
“We know that income is a key driver of food insecurity during the school holidays – our new Scottish Child Payment, worth £10 per week per eligible child, will lift 30,000 children out of poverty by 2023-24.”
Chief Executive of Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE) Dave Simmers said: “CFINE is delighted and appreciates the financial support we get through the Scottish Government which we will use to feed over 400 children per day through the summer holidays.
“Working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, AFC Community Trust, Sport Aberdeen and others, and with Scottish Government support, ‘Food and Fun’ will provide the children with delicious, healthy meals combined with active, fun activities. This makes a huge difference to low income families in the city.”
New £10 benefit to target child poverty
Children under six set to gain from 2021
A brand new benefit will provide eligible families with £10 a week for every child under 16, with introduction for under sixes starting by early 2021. Poverty campaigners have welcomed the announcement.
The Scottish Child Payment will give more immediate support to eligible families who need it most, as almost 60% of all children in poverty live in a family with a child under the age of six.
It will be delivered to all remaining eligible families with children under 16 by the end of 2022, with no cap on the number of children in families.
When delivered in full, 410,000 children could be eligible for the income supplement – over a third of all children. It is estimated it will lift 30,000 children out of relative poverty by 2023/24.
For a family with two children under the age of 16 this new payment would mean additional support of more than £1,000 a year.
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Scotland is facing a spike in child poverty as a result of welfare cuts imposed by the UK Government.
“We will not stand by and simply watch that happen. We will act.
“We will help families with £10 per week for every eligible child under 16 years old in Scotland, with over a third of all children benefitting.
“That can make a massive difference to thousands of children across Scotland – and tackle child poverty head on. It will mean more families are able to make ends meet.
“Almost 60% of all children in poverty live in a family where a child is under six years old, which is why we will deliver the payment for this group first.
“The Scottish Child Payment will not only help raise children out of poverty but is also designed to help prevent those just above the poverty threshold from sliding under.
“This is a real preventative measure that will tackle child poverty head on in Scotland and help mitigate against continuing UK Government austerity.
We’re using new social security powers to tackle child poverty in Scotland.
The new Scottish Child Payment will give eligible families £10 a week for every child under 16. pic.twitter.com/uWZj59iUmQ
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) June 26, 2019
Naomi Eisenstadt, the First Minister’s former Independent Advisor on Poverty and Inequality said: “The best way to help children out of poverty is to get money into parents’ pockets so I am absolutely delighted that the Scottish Government is introducing the Scottish Child Payment.
“It’s great to see the Scottish Government taking such ambitious and direct action to shift the curve on child poverty.”
The payment will be administered by Social Security Scotland alongside the existing programme of devolved social security benefits.
Ms Campbell added: “We understand this may have an impact on the timetable for the delivery of devolved social security benefits. But we believe it is worth it to introduce a visionary new benefit that will make such a big difference to so many lives.”
Responding to the announcement of the new Scottish Child Payment, Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance said: “Amid a rising tide of poverty, the new Scottish Child Payment will act as a lifeline for families struggling to stay afloat. An additional £10 per week will help unlock tens of thousands of children from poverty and underlines the important role that Scottish social security powers have to address poverty.
“The early introduction of the new payment in 2020/21 for families with children under six is particularly welcome, and shows what can be done when there is political will to address poverty.
“As a society that believes in justice and compassion, with a Parliament that has unanimously supported action to tackle poverty, today is an important milestone. Those who experience poverty, and the organisations that support them, have been listened to and action is being taken. Today has shown that we can use our social security powers for a purpose; loosening the grip of poverty on people’s lives.”
The payment will be available a year earlier to under sixes than set out in the Scottish Government’s Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan.
It will be paid monthly and increase annually in line with inflation.
Disability Assistance for Working Age People, the Scottish replacement for Personal Independence Payment, will be delivered in early 2021, as already outlined to Parliament. Disability Assistance for Children and Young People will be delivered in summer 2020 also as announced.
However it is expected that Disability Assistance for Older People will need to be introduced in 2021, rather than winter 2020 as originally planned.
Scottish Carer’s Allowance will be put back a few months to early 2022. The transfer of benefit cases from DWP to Social
Security Scotland is expected to be completed by 2025 rather than 2024.
Further assessment on the impact of introducing the new benefit, including on IT systems, staffing, and supplier services, will be carried out over the summer and reported to Parliament.
Full statement on Income Supplement from Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell
Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan First year Progress Report 2018-19
Eradicating Child Poverty: Minister to outline next steps
“We can do better, and we will” – Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell
A progress report on child poverty to be published by the Scottish Government today sets out a different path to UK Government austerity. It’s thought that a new Family Income Supplement benefit, which was due to be introduced in 2022, will now be fast-tracked following pleas by Scottish charities. Continue reading Eradicating Child Poverty: Minister to outline next steps
New report highlights the success of the Family Nurse Partnership
Over 7000 young mothers and their new-borns have received valuable support through an innovative programme led by specially trained nurses and midwives. Continue reading New report highlights the success of the Family Nurse Partnership
First Minister announces food education programme
A food education programme designed to teach children and young people about Scotland’s food industry has been launched by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The Good Food Futures programme, backed by £1 million of investment, aims to give children a greater understanding of where food comes from and the many career opportunities available in the industry.
The programme will also include support for more farm visits, healthy cooking lessons and put more locally produced healthy food on school menus.
Speaking at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, the First Minister said: “Scottish produce is enjoyed across the globe and Scots work in many of the world’s finest kitchens. I want people to enjoy our quality food, but I also want children and young people growing up here to benefit from it too.
“The Good Food Futures programme will help more children understand where their food comes from as well as benefit from it in their school meals. It will also encourage more young people to consider a career in the industry.
“In introducing more of our produce to children and young people, we will help farmers, food producers, manufacturers and businesses benefit in the longer term too.
“This is central to our work to become a Good Food Nation and the Royal Highland Show – with its focus on the best of Scottish produce – provides the perfect place to launch this programme.”
The Good Food Futures food education programme is being delivered in partnership with:
- Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) through farm visits and farm events. Children will learn about where food comes from and about farming in Scotland.
- Education Scotland and Food for Thought. The Food For Thought programme has been running for several years and provides funding to support schools in teaching teach children about growing and cooking healthy food.
- Soil Association though the Food for Life Programme aims to stimulate more local sourcing through a holistic approach encompassing catering and supply chain work and education.
New benefit for teenage carers to launch in autumn
Young carers in Scotland aged 16 to 18 could benefit from a new £300 social security payment.
The Young Carer Grant is the first of its kind in the UK. It will be available to 16, 17 and 18 year olds who help care for someone in receipt of a certain type of disability benefit. The payment will be introduced this autumn.
Following feedback from young carers, eligiblity is being widened to include all 18-year-olds, not just those in education.
In a further another extension of the policy, young carers will now also be able to combine the hours they spend caring for more than one eligible person in order to reach the 16 hours a week requirement.
Young carers will also be able to take respite weeks without this impacting upon their application.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We are using our new social security powers to recognise the extraordinary contribution young carers make to the lives of those they care for.
“This is the first time young carers aged 16 to 18 will be given a cash benefit to spend as they choose. We will be making these payments at what could be a pivotal stage in their lives – when they may be finishing school, looking for employment or starting further education or training.
“Young carers make an invaluable contribution to society but many have difficulty participating in the normal activities their peers can enjoy. The Young Carer Grant will help ensure they are treated with the dignity, fairness and respect they deserve.”
The Scottish Government is investing £600,000 to support nearly 2000 young carers in 2019/20.
The Young Carer Grant will open for applications in autumn this year and applications can be made online, over the phone or by post.
Planning Bill is passed: ‘business as usual’?
SNP and Conservative MSPs voted through the Planning Bill at Holyrood yesterday. The Scottish Government says the Bill gives communities more say in the planning system – but campaigners are bitterly disappointed and argue that the legislation is a missed opportunity. Continue reading Planning Bill is passed: ‘business as usual’?