Tag: Scottish Government

Improving access to services for disabled people

Increased investment as part of Disability Equality Plan

Additional funding of £500,000 will be delivered to strengthen access to essential services and projects that disabled people rely on.

It comes as a result of dialogue with Independent MSP Jeremy Balfour on the best way to support Disabled People’s Organisations and follows his tireless campaigning on behalf of disabled people throughout this parliamentary session.

The additional investment will support our Improving Access Fund, announced earlier this year as part of the Scottish Government’s Disability Equality Plan. This brings the total funding available in the fund to £1.5 million.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We made it very clear when launching our Disability Equality Plan that disabled people are a priority for the Scottish Government.

“In order to deliver lasting change, we must improve access to vital support and services. That’s why the Scottish Government is boosting the amount available via the Improving Access Fund. This means we are committing to invest £3 million to support the overall Disability Equality Plan and improve the lives of disabled people across Scotland.

“We also recognise the vital role Disabled People’s Organisations play in working to support and empower disabled people, and so we are committing to explore multi-year funding for those organisations.”

Independent MSP Jeremy Balfour said: “I am proud to have worked with the Scottish Government to deliver new money for disabled people in Scotland.

“This funding is a solid step in the right direction, but it must not be the last step. I believe a wider debate needs to take place on how best to support disabled people across into the next parliament.

“Delivery of a multi-year funding deal is a welcome commitment.”

Inclusion Scotland has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government of an additional £0.5 million for the Improving Access Fund:

“This funding will help deliver the actions set out in the Disability Equality Plan launched earlier this year.

“We will continue to work alongside Glasgow Disability Alliance, Disability Equality Scotland, and disabled people to ensure the fund brings real and lasting improvements to disabled people’s everyday lives, while building momentum and commitment towards securing all the resources needed to achieve equality.”

The Improving Access Fund will open for applications in autumn this year.

Disability Equality Plan

Compulsory purchase reform

Views sought on making system simpler and fairer

The Scottish Government is consulting on proposals to modernise the law on compulsory purchase, to make it easier and simpler to improve land and buildings.

The proposals would update laws dating back almost two centuries, making them more useful for public bodies, while also being fairer to property owners.

Compulsory Purchase Orders help deliver essential projects to meet local and national needs. They can support the transformation of disused or dilapidated land and buildings which blight communities. And they can contribute to tackling the housing emergency by accelerating the delivery of new homes and bringing empty properties back into use.

Views are being sought on how the current rules – which are widely recognised as confusing and outdated – should be changed. The Scottish Government is also exploring whether powers to require disused property to be sold or leased would be helpful.

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee will launched the consultation on a visit in Glasgow to a neglected property which was acquired under a Compulsory Purchase Order and which will now be returned to use as a family home.

He was accompanied by Roseanna Cunningham, co-chair of the Compulsory Purchase Reform Practitioner Advisory Group.

Mr McKee said: ““Compulsory purchase can make an important contribution to improving public spaces and regenerating communities. We need every tool available to play its part in tackling the housing emergency – making it easier and simpler for councils and other public bodies to take ownership of derelict property will help.  

“We are consulting on changes that would streamline procedures, modernise compensation arrangements and promote better early engagement between authorities and the owners of land that is needed for important public projects.

“This is a substantial package of measures, learning from changes that have been made elsewhere and following extensive engagement with the Practitioner Advisory Group and a wide variety of others with interest in compulsory purchase.”

Ms Cunningham said: “Much of the compulsory purchase legislation in Scotland dates back 180 years and can be difficult to understand for both property owners and public bodies. This can delay important developments creating uncertainty for everyone involved.

“We need a system that is simpler and quicker for public bodies, while also being fairer for property owners. I welcome the Scottish Government’s consultation paper as an important step towards that.”

The consultation opened yesterday on 19th September and will run for 3 months, closing on 19th December

Palliative care partnership extended with new funding

Programme aims to improve patient experience and reduce admissions

The Scottish Government will extend a successful programme run by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), enabling its Palliative and End of Life Care team to continue its vital work this year.

This £417,000 investment will enable the dedicated SAS team to continue transforming care for patients nearing the end of life, enhancing dignity, comfort, and choice while reducing pressure on emergency services.

The team has developed 30 alternative care pathways to Emergency Departments, including direct referrals to hospices and cancer support helplines. These pathways ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time—often in the comfort of their own homes.

This approach helps improve their quality of life in the final stages, allowing clinicians to provide more compassionate care tailored to each person’s specific needs.

In 2023-24 alone, it led to a:

  • A reduction of 1,600 patients conveyed to hospital.
  • 1,451 fewer ambulance attendances in 2023/24 compared to the previous year.
  • 4000 staff trained in palliative care support.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “”The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that everyone who needs it can access high-quality, timely, and well-coordinated palliative care.

“The work of the Palliative and End of Life Care Team is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through partnership working, and I am pleased that we are able to provide this funding to extend their vital work.”

Michael Dickson OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We welcome this funding, which will help us build on the success of previous work and will further develop our specialist capability to support patients with palliative and end-of-life needs across Scotland.

“The funding will expand training, deepen our partnership working with health and social care partners and further improve patient experience, dignity, and choice at the end of life.”

‘Palliative Care Matters for All’, published this month by the Scottish Government, is a five-year strategy produced in partnership with NHS Scotland, charities, health and social care professionals, and people with experience of palliative care services.

Minister for Parliamentary Business resigns

JAMIE HEPBURN LEAVES GOVERNMENT

Minister for Parliamentary Business Jamie Hepburn has tendered his resignation from government and the First Minister has accepted.

Mr Hepburn joined the Scottish Government in 2014 as Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health. He was appointed Minister for Employability and Training in 2016, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills in 2018, Minister for Independence in 2023, before being appointed as Minister for Parliamentary Business in May 2024.

Changes to the ministerial team will be announced in due course.

See full text of the letters from Mr Hepburn and the First Minister below:

Letter from Mr Hepburn:

Dear First Minister,

Over the course of yesterday evening and today I have been reflecting on the incident that has been widely reported in the media in the last two days and discussing it with my family. I have come to conclude that I want to offer my resignation as your Minister for Parliamentary Business.

I understand that that a complaint has been made to you with a suggestion that I be referred to the Independent Advisers on the Scottish Ministerial Code.

Irrespective of whether or not the Ministerial Code has been breached, even if there had been no complaint made, I believe I have not acted in accordance with my own personal code of practice. This decision is one that I feel is for the best in these circumstances and the one that for my own part feel is the appropriate course of action.

I hope it would be felt by most, and not least you, that in my personal and professional undertakings I have always tried to act courteously in interacting with colleagues, either of our own party or others.  There is no denying that my interaction with Douglas Ross fell well short of that standard. 

Despite whatever annoyance I felt at that particular moment, there is a manner in which that might have been conveyed, or indeed shouldn’t have been conveyed.  That is not in utilising the language that I did.  I hope it is recognised on your part and others that this behaviour was quite out of character on my part.

I do not want to cause any distraction for you or the Government, or indeed to that of the primary position of responsibility I have as the constituency representative for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.  I believe my continued presence as one of your Ministers would do so.  In such circumstances I believe it is best that I stand down with immediate effect.

With no sense of personal pity, having served continuously in Government for almost eleven years it is a source of regret that my tenure in Ministerial office comes to an end in this fashion. 

In the immediate period it will be the greater part of what is reported out of my time in office, but I hope it is felt that I have made a positive contribution across the various roles I have held serving in your government and that of your two predecessors.  Others will of course be the judge of that.

I am grateful to you for the support you have shown me during my time as a Minister and you can be assured of my ongoing support for you and the Government in this critical period.

Yours sincerely

Jamie Hepburn

Letter from the First Minister:

Dear Jamie,

It is with much personal regret that I accept your letter of resignation as Minister for Parliamentary Business.

I am deeply grateful for your efforts on behalf of the Government, where you have always worked across Parliament in accommodating the requests and views of other parties over the matters that should command the time and attention of the chamber. I know there will be no one more frustrated than you, over this one slip in your normal approach of courtesy and respect to all.

I know that my predecessors also valued the contributions that you made in their governments. Your work in delivering the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 while a Health Minister has made a real difference in the lives of carers, and the people they care for. While Business Minister you championed support for consumers and were instrumental in the establishment of Consumer Scotland.

As we progress toward independence, I appreciate the work that you carried out as Minister for Independence to make the case for a better future for our nation. And during the Covid pandemic, I recall our work together in supporting the business sector and your efforts to support the recovery in higher and further education during your time in the Education portfolio.

Your efforts as a Minister have benefited the people of Scotland in myriad walks of life. Despite your decision to step down, you will continue to play an important role in our Party and in public life, as well as continuing to be a vocal advocate for the people of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.

You leave office with my warmest thanks and my appreciation for the constant support that you have given to me.

Yours for Scotland,

John Swinney

Reducing drugs harm

Funding enables more people to access support

More people impacted by drugs have received support after the Scottish Government funded 225 community-based projects across the country.

The National Drugs Mission Funds distributed almost £13 million in grants in 2024-25 through the Corra Foundation. In 2024-25, there were more than 51,000 interactions with support services, an increase from 33,613 the previous year thanks to sustained funding.

The multi-year funding helps people in crisis and provides continued support throughout their recovery, including access to medication assisted treatment and residential rehabilitation.

Drugs Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “These funds are enabling vital, community-led work that supports people affected by drug harm with care, compassion, and dignity.

“The projects are focused on a wide range of areas, including recovery, mental health, reducing stigma and supporting young people.

“This report highlights the progress and impact of these projects and the types of support provided directly to people, their families and communities impacted by drugs. I have been especially struck by the creativity, resilience and partnership shown by organisations delivering support which is rooted locally, with more than 51,000 interactions this past year.

“I’m proud to continue the work of those who came before me, and to be part of a mission that is turning hope into action. My sincere thanks go to Corra, and to every person and project involved – these efforts are saving lives and helping to build a Scotland where recovery is real and support is always within reach.”

Corra Foundation Chief Executive Carolyn Sawers said: “Corra is honoured to work in partnership with organisations that are making a meaningful difference to the lives of people affected by drug use in Scotland.

“This report recognises the vital work of these projects, the committed efforts to reduce drug harm and the challenges encountered in addressing the issue.

“It makes clear the importance of access to multi-year funding to provide security for organisations to sustain their work.”

national-drugs-mission-fundsDownload

Transforming the justice system for victims and witnesses

Landmark Bill passed by Holyrood

A landmark Bill to place victims and witnesses at the heart of the justice system has been passed by Parliament.

The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill contains historic reforms to transform victims’ and witnesses’ experience of the justice system and ensure they are treated with compassion, while continuing to safeguard the rights of the accused.

Key reforms include abolishing the ‘not proven’ verdict in all criminal trials to help create a clearer, fairer and more transparent decision-making process. The jury majority required for a conviction will move from a simple majority to at least two-thirds to ensure fairness and balance.

The Bill will see trauma-informed practice embedded across the system to avoid victims being re-traumatised by the legal process. It will improve the Victim Notification Scheme and establish an independent Victims and Witnesses Commissioner for Scotland to champion their rights.

The legislation also includes significant new measures to meet the needs of survivors of sexual offences by:

  • establishing a specialist Sexual Offences Court to enable complainers to give their best evidence while minimising the potential for re-traumatisation
  • protecting the dignity of victims of sexual offences through an automatic lifelong right of anonymity
  • providing an automatic right to independent legal representation for complainers in sexual offence cases when an application is made in court to lead evidence of the complainer’s sexual history or character
  • creating a legal right for victims in rape and serious sexual offences cases to access transcripts of the court proceedings free of charge.  

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “This historic legislation will put victims and witnesses at the heart of a modern and fair justice system.

“By changing culture, process and practice across the system, it will help to ensure victims are heard, supported, protected and treated with compassion, while the rights of the accused will continue to be safeguarded.

“This legislation, which builds on progress in recent years, has been shaped by the voices of victims, survivors, their families and support organisations, and it is testimony to their tireless efforts to campaign for further improvement.

I am grateful to those who bravely shared their experiences to inform the development of this legislation and pave a better, more compassionate path for others.”

Minister welcomes fall in number of probable suicides in Scotland

Minister for Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur says a fall in the number of probable suicides last year makes him more determined to continue expanding and improving prevention work.

Official statistics from National Records of Scotland show the number of probable suicides in 2024 was 704 – a decrease of 11% compared to 2023 and the lowest number since 2017.

Visiting The Neuk mental health crisis centre in Perth, Mr Arthur said: “These figures remind us of how vital it is to support those who are struggling with their mental health.

“Every person lost to suicide is someone’s loved one and when someone takes their own life, the impact on everyone around them is devastating. My sympathy is with all those affected by the loss of a family member or friend through suicide.

“The decline in the number of probable suicides is encouraging, but we will not be complacent. Our aim is for anyone, regardless of age, who has thoughts of taking their own life, or is affected by suicide, to get the help they need.

“Together with COSLA and our partners, Suicide Prevention Scotland, we are driving forward our 10-year Suicide Prevention Strategy to deliver on our ambition to reduce suicide deaths in Scotland.

“At its heart is tackling the underlying factors and inequalities which cause suicide and supporting people most at risk including those living in poverty, middle aged men and those in rural areas.

“We increased our investment in suicide prevention to £2.8 million for the current financial year, meeting our commitment to double the suicide prevention budget in the current parliamentary term.

“We are committed to building a Scotland where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected. We will continue to listen, learn, and act – guided by evidence and compassion.”

Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, said: “Behind these statistics are individuals, families and communities deeply impacted by suicide.

“Local Government and our partners have a vital role in improving mental health and wellbeing across Scotland. We’re committed to enhancing our ongoing suicide prevention efforts to create conditions where no one feels they must take their own life.

“COSLA will continue working with the Scottish Government to deliver our joint ‘Creating Hope Together’ strategy. This includes tackling inequality across all public services – from schools and workplaces to community services.”

Wendy Given, Chief Operational Officer at The Neuk, said: “At The Neuk, we see the ripple effects of suicide every day and we are here to provide a safe, compassionate space where people in crisis are listened to, supported, and shown compassion.

“Services like ours must remain visible, valued, and sustainable, so that hope and connection are always within reach.”

The Neuk’s lead wellbeing mentor Louise McQueen said: “Working at The Neuk is more than a job, it’s being part of a community where every conversation can change a life.

“I’ve seen people walk through our doors at their lowest point and leave with hope. Being able to listen, connect, and support someone in that moment of crisis is a privilege, and it reminds me every day why this place matters.”

Anyone affected by these issues can access support from the following services:

School buildings continue to improve

Scottish Government investment sees record number of pupils now in good or satisfactory schools

More children and young people in Scotland than ever before are being educated in schools in good or satisfactory condition, following sustained investment from the Scottish Government in partnership with local authorities.

The latest statistics show the proportion of pupils learning in schools in good or satisfactory condition has increased to 92.5%, up from 92% since 2024.

Since 2019, 14 new schools have opened to pupils as part of the Scottish Government’s £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP). In 2024-25 alone, 17 school builds or substantial refurbishment projects were completed – 15 primary schools and two secondary schools.

Commenting, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “All pupils deserve to learn in modern schools that give them the best possible opportunity to maximise their learning.

“These statistics show our ongoing and significant investment in the school estate continues to deliver. The proportion of schools reported as being in “good” or “satisfactory” condition has increased to 92.0% (91.7% in 2024), compared to 62.7% in 2007, when this Government first came to office.

“Through the £2bn LEIP investment, a further three school projects are expected to be completed this year, and we will continue working with COSLA, councils and the Scottish Futures Trust to maximise future improvements in the school estate.”

Currie Community High School, which is one of Scotland’s first Passivhaus secondary schools, is receiving LEIP funding and opened last month.

Headteacher Jenny Hutchison said: ““We have had the most incredible month in our new school. Our new building offers significant benefits for students, staff and community users by providing a modern, flexible, and sustainable learning environment that moves beyond traditional classroom settings. 

“The open plan learning plazas and break out spaces support a wider range of teaching and learning approaches and in using them is enhancing the wellbeing of everyone. Young people are helping us make decisions about how best to use these spaces which is fantastic.

“As one of Scotland’s first Passivhaus secondary schools, the design incorporates natural daylight, creating an inspiring and healthy atmosphere. We love the level of visibility in the building where learning can be observed from many angles. 

“Our campus is also designed to be a vibrant community hub. The integration of community facilities really continue strengthen our connection with the local area, offering valuable resources to residents whilst also enriching the school environment. 

“Our students in particular are enjoying the state-of-the-art sports facilities, outdoor teaching terrace and the debating chamber. This really is the school of dreams with endless possibilities!”

COSLA’s Children and Young People Spokesperson Cllr Tony Buchanan said: “Local Government is investing £1bn through the Learning Estate Improvement Programme (LEIP) alone, this is in addition to the ongoing further investment throughout the estate.

“We are pleased to see that the school estate continues to improve and also contribute to the transition towards net zero. The environment in which children and young people learn is an important contributor to their attainment and school experience, and can be a vital community asset.”

Stephen Long, Senior Associate Director for Learning Estate at the Scottish Futures Trust said: “Scottish Futures Trust and Scottish Government are working in collaboration with Local Authorities through the LEIP initiative to improve learning environments on 47 projects across Scotland.

“Following the successful opening of 5 projects for the new term in August, there are now 14 LEIP schools in operation with a further 16 in construction and 17 in design.

“These new and refurbished facilities will provide inclusive, healthy, comfortable indoor and outdoor places for learners, teachers and communities, while also minimising energy consumption and emissions.”

Reduction in vacant and derelict land

Scottish Government investment continues to help drive progress

The amount of vacant and derelict land in Scotland has fallen by more than a quarter since 2016 according to the latest annual survey.

Of 335 sites brought back into use in 2024, 192 – more than half – were reclaimed for housing.

Welcoming the figures, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “Redevelopment of vacant and derelict land for housing or businesses can turn an under-utilised asset into productive use and reduce the need for greenfield development.

“Reuse of vacant and derelict land can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, promote environmental justice and improved quality of life, and help to support communities to flourish and tackle inequalities.

“Our Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme has been a driver of this progress, with £36.5 million invested in 2021-22 which has resulted in a cumulative total of 468 hectares of vacant and derelict land being brought back into use.

“The fund will continue over the current year, and 11 projects will be supported by over £9.5 million of funding from this Programme in 2025/26.”

Link to survey results www.gov.scot/isbn/9781806431403

Boosting trade during global uncertainty

Increasing investment and new priority export markets

Targeted funding has delivered a significant increase in the number of trade missions involving Scottish exporters in 2025. 

The Scottish Government has already approved 17 Scottish Chamber of Commerce missions to countries including the United States, China, Singapore, and Germany. This compares with 13 missions for the whole of 2024 and follows a £1.6 million funding boost to implement the First Minister’s Six Point Export plan, which expands assistance for exporters in the face of geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs and the continuing impact Brexit.

As well as supporting the 33% increase in the number of Chamber trade missions, the funding will enable  enterprise agencies to help an extra 100 exporters find new customers and generate an additional £75 million of forecast export sales.

The figures are released today ahead of a Scottish Parliament debate on growing Scotland’s exports and the publication of an updated version of the Scottish Government’s export strategy, A Trading Nation. 

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Scotland has always been a strong trading nation. We have a long and rich history of producing goods and services that are highly regarded and sought after across the world.

“In the current global climate, it is important that we increase our support to exporters in both new and existing markets. 

“Recognising the continued importance of the US market, we have awarded a new contract to identify export opportunities in specific states. And this week First Minister has been pressing the case in person with the President of the United States for the removal of tariffs on Scotch whisky.

“At the same we are looking to bolster trade links with countries such as Ukraine, where Scottish products and expertise can help provide support in its hour of need. 

“Businesses may face new barriers to trade but the potential for Scottish products remains huge. The Scottish Government will do everything in its power to support exporters and build on the highest ever forecast export sales figures of £2.46 billion for 2024-25.”