Tag: Scottish Government

Transport Police plan hits the buffers

Integration initiative delayed indefinitely

The Joint Programme Board overseeing the integration of British Transport Police (BTP) in Scotland into Police Scotland has agreed to review the timetable. A longer timetable will allow for enhanced engagement with officers, staff and their representatives on key issues, including pay and conditions. Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has expressed disappointment at the delay, but the news has been welcomed by opposition parties at Holyrood.  Continue reading Transport Police plan hits the buffers

First Minister: “Number one priority is to raise school attainment”


First Minister Nicola Sturgeon saw some of the innovative work being carried out to raise attainment in Scotland’s schools yesterday and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to reducing inequality . Continue reading First Minister: “Number one priority is to raise school attainment”

Finance Secretary: Income tax reforms will benefit lowest earners

More than two thirds of income taxpayers will pay less tax next year on their current income, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has confirmed as MSPs prepare to debate proposals to reform income tax in Scotland. Continue reading Finance Secretary: Income tax reforms will benefit lowest earners

Question mark over government’s nursery places plan

The public spending watchdog has questioned government plans to fund increased nursery provision in Scotland. The Accounts Commission says in a new report (below) there is a “significant risk” councils will not be able to resource the government’s ambitious plan to double early learning and childcare hours by August 2020. Continue reading Question mark over government’s nursery places plan

Ministers act following aid abuse allegations

Following allegations of abuse and misconduct by staff in the international development sector, Holyrood’s International Development Minister Dr Alasdair Allan has written to all non-governmental organisations working overseas and funded by the Scottish Government.  Continue reading Ministers act following aid abuse allegations

Double your money: cash boost fuels roll-out of funded childcare

A record number of early years apprenticeships are expected to start this year as part of the expansion of free nursery and childcare, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said yesterday. The Scottish Government is almost doubling funded childcare from 600 to 1,140 hours by 2020, backed by £243 million in the 2018-19 draft budget alone. Continue reading Double your money: cash boost fuels roll-out of funded childcare

Have your say in Fire & Rescue Service consultation

Consultation opens on ‘transformation vision’

THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is set to launch a public consultation as it continues to lead the way in Scotland’s public sector – by proposing to transform to meet modern risks. Continue reading Have your say in Fire & Rescue Service consultation

Housing First, says Holyrood Committee

Scotland should make a number of improvements in its approach to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, including the implementation of a ‘Scottish style Housing First’ that would give people a safe and permanent home. Continue reading Housing First, says Holyrood Committee

£465,000 for student sport development

Students at Scotland’s colleges and universities will soon have more and even better opportunities to get involved in sport, thanks to a £465,000 Scottish Government investment. Continue reading £465,000 for student sport development

FM announces action to improve women’s representation in politics

Projects to encourage greater representation of women in political roles at all levels of Scottish society are to be backed by a new £500,000 fund. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has set out the measures that will see grants provided for grassroots and local projects across the country to empower more women into politics.  Continue reading FM announces action to improve women’s representation in politics