Specialist expertise from Scotland is to help grow and sustain social enterprises in China. Social enterprise development organisation The Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) has launched a new partnership to serve social enterprises in China, supported by the Scottish Government. Continue reading Learning to change the world: talking social enterprise … in China
People can now learn how to do CPR to the tune of the Proclaimer’s hit ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’. The online film, funded by the Scottish Government and featuring Carole Smillie, has been created with the Save a Life for Scotland (SALFS) partnership. Continue reading Getting Scotland CPR ready
Ministers have published proposed changes to the Councillors’ Code of Conduct that will explicitly prohibit harassment and bullying. The amended Code has been submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval following its endorsement by COSLA. This brings the Councillors’ Code in line with recent changes to the Scottish Ministerial Code.
Councillors have also agreed to update guidance on acceptable behaviour to accompany the changes to the Code.
Minister for Local Government and Housing, Kevin Stewart said: “Despite the great progress that has been made in promoting and achieving equality, it is clear that harassment and bullying are still issues that need tackled and this is unacceptable.
“Government works for the people and we need to be unequivocal that prejudice of any kind will not be tolerated. The proposed changes to the Councillors’ Code mean that it will specifically condemn harassment and bullying and make clear that where behaviour falls short people can expect to be held to account.”
COSLA President Councillor, Alison Evison said: “This change sends a strong message that all forms of bullying and harassment are not only completely unacceptable but are considered a breach of the Code of Conduct. It is only right that elected members in all spheres of government are held equally to account for their behaviour and set a high example to the rest of society.
“The change to the Code of Conduct is an important part of a wider picture such as continued efforts by COSLA and the Scottish Government to tackle gender based violence, including harassment, through the Equally Safe strategy.”
If agreed by Parliament the changes to the Code are expected to come into force in the summer.
The amendment states that ‘bullying or harassment is completely unacceptable and will be considered to be a breach of this Code’.
The changes have been endorsed by the Standards Commission and the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life, the independent bodies responsible for enforcing the Code, as well as by COSLA. Similar changes to the Scottish Ministerial Code were issued by the First Minister in February.
More than two-thirds of taxpayers will pay less on their current income this year under Scotland’s new tax bands. Changes to the Higher and Top rate tax bands, which take effect from today, also mean an additional £428 million will be available in 2018/19 to invest in vital public services and the economy.
Continue reading New tax bands take effect in Scotland today
The Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme will be extended beyond 2019, helping more people purchase a new-build home without the need for a large deposit. From April 2019, a further £100 million will be invested over two years, helping up to 4,000 households to purchase a new home. Continue reading Government extends Help to Buy scheme
The success of Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games continues to draw world-class events, tourists and spending to Scotland, according to a new report on its legacy. Continue reading Glasgow games continue to draw elite events to Scotland, says report
Improved access to support and advice
Significant new rights improving support and recognition for unpaid cares have come into force. Under the Carers (Scotland) Act, all people who provide unpaid care for friends, family, and neighbours will now have the right to a personalised plan. This will identify their needs and help them access information, advice and support, before reaching a crisis point. Continue reading Landmark new rights for unpaid carers
Low income families will have greater access to affordable credit through a new £2 million fund. Announced as part of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, the Scottish Government will provide £1 million to the Carnegie Trust’s Affordable Credit Loan Fund, doubling the size of the fund. Continue reading Credit where it’s due: new support to help reduce the cost of borrowing
The new GP contract for Scotland comes into force today. Backed by investment of £110 million in 2018-19 and jointly developed with the BMA, it will ensure GPs can spend more time with the patients who need them most by ensuring patients can access the right person at the right time. Continue reading Patient care strengthened as new GP contract introduced
Parents of premature and sick newborn babies will receive help meeting the additional costs they face as a result of their baby being in hospital with the introduction of a new £1.5 million fund. From 1 April, the Neonatal Expenses Fund will be available to all parents to support them to spend as much time with their babies as possible, while they are receiving care within a neonatal unit. Continue reading Neonatal Fund will support families through “hugely testing and emotional time”
