Scottish Government – Page 359 – The NEN

Colleges open for business

Thousands of college places ensure opportunities for young people

College places in a wide range of courses to suit all levels and preferred modes of study are still available right across Scotland, ahead of the new term starting.

While there has been an increase in the number of young Scots being accepted into university, there are also a number of other options for young people to move forward in education or help them take their first steps into the jobs market.

As well as colleges offering hundreds of varied courses with clear career outcomes, the Scottish Government has funded 1,000 places specifically to help students to progress from further to higher education.
Cabinet Secretary for Education Michael Russell said:

“The most recent UCAS figures have been welcome news for Scotland, with two per cent more young Scots accepted to university compared to this time last year, including thousands who have taken up a place through the clearing process. Other young Scots will be pursuing their education and careers through other routes.

“Colleges deliver a wide range of top quality vocational courses and provide pathways to more advanced learning and work. In the coming weeks, thousands of young people will start a full time further education course at one of Scotland’s colleges. In recent years, the Scottish Government has sought to get the very best from our college sector and important reforms will see it become highly efficient with strong links with employers, universities and schools. Additionally, as part of a £10 million package to increase participation in higher education we have funded 1,000 additional places specifically to help college students move to university.

“We can be very proud of Scottish education. Our excellent exams results and record numbers of school leavers staying in positive destinations such as university, college, or employment are real marks of success. And we have guaranteed every 16 to 19 year old the offer of a place in education or training. Students wishing to continue with their education have plenty of options and, for many, a college course will make a huge difference to their lives and the start of their future success.”

Culture is good for your health!

Research shows a clear link for the first time

Participation in culture is significantly linked to good health and high life satisfaction in Scotland, new research shows. A detailed study carried out by Scottish Government analysts and published today, confirms for the first time that cultural engagement is having a positive impact on the nation’s health and life satisfaction.

The study, based on data from the Scottish Household Survey 2011, considered the impact on health of both culture and sport. It found that those who participate in culture or attend cultural places or events are more likely to report good health and life satisfaction that those who do not. This remains true even when other factors such as age, economic status, income, area deprivation, education qualification, disability or long standing illness and smoking are accounted for.

Key findings show:

Those who attended a cultural place or event in the previous 12 months were almost 60 per cent more likely to report good health compared to those who did not.
Those who participated in a creative or cultural activity in the previous 12 months were 38 per cent more likely to report good health compared to those who did not.
Those who visited a library and those who visited a museum were almost 20 per cent more likely to report good health than those who had not.
Those who visited a theatre were almost 25 per cent more likely to report good health than those who did not.
Those who participated in dance were 62 per cent more likely to report good health than those who did not.
Those who read for pleasure were 33 per cent more likely to report good health than those who did not.

The research follows data from the 2010 Scottish Household Survey that shows that people who are encouraged to participate in cultural activity as children are more likely to continue to do so into adulthood.

It also builds on evidence from the major longitudinal study ‘Growing Up in Scotland’ that shows that from the youngest ages, most children in Scotland are exposed to cultural activities, and that this has an impact on their cognitive development.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “This Government is committed to promoting and supporting cultural activities because we recognise and value the potential benefits not only to individuals but also to our communities.

“Cumulatively, this growing evidence base is giving us more insight into the benefits that taking part in cultural and creative activities brings – at every life stage.

“Starting young, and being encouraged to take part in culture as a child, makes it more likely that the benefits of taking part will be experienced as an adult.

“That’s why this Government has funded activities like Bookbug, Scottish Book Trust’s Early Years programme, which encourages parents and children to read together from birth, and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s Astar CD which is helping parents in Scotland to introduce their babies to the joy of music.”

Heather Stuart, Chair of VOCAL, said: “Those of us who are involved in the delivery of culture and sport services on a daily basis have never been in any doubt about the positive impact they have on peoples’ health and wellbeing and quality of life. We see it every day.

“I am therefore delighted that this study evidences so well, and so robustly, the relationship between taking part in culture and sport activities, attendance at cultural places, and quality of life.

“Evidence like this needs to inform the longer term debate about the wider impact of these services and how they contribute to the wellbeing of the population and the priorities of central and local government.

“Their contribution in addressing the key challenges for Scotland around the physical and mental health of the population is clear. There is no doubt culture and sport services are effective preventative medicine.”

Mark O’Neill, Director of Policy & Research, Glasgow Life, commented:
“This is a really ground-breaking piece of work for Scotland – and for the UK. It demonstrates, for the first time, a clear association between cultural attendance and improved health and wellbeing. It strengthens the case for cultural participation being included in any assessment of life satisfaction – and in any holistic public health strategy.”

New drive to tackle debt

A Scottish Government campaign will highlight help for people struggling with debt, Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing announced yesterday.

The campaign raises awareness of the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS), an initiative that enables people to pay back debts over any reasonable length of time, based on the amount owed and their income and outgoings.

Administered by government agency Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB), it also freezes interest, fees and charges to prevent debts mounting up. It stops creditors using debt enforcement action, safeguarding people’s homes so long as they keep up mortgage repayments.

The campaign will help people take the first step in solving their money worries by directing them to information on how to find their nearest approved money adviser online at www.helpoutofthehole.org, which goes live today.

Mr Ewing said: “The Scottish Government continues to take action, where it can, to address these problems and introduce measures to help those people in Scotland who are struggling under the burden of debt.

“The Debt Arrangement Scheme is the only government-backed scheme to help people pay back their debts in a dignified way, protecting them from the threat of action by their creditors.

“Recent changes to the Scheme have allowed for earlier freezing of interest, fees and charges helping to prevent debts increasing further. Our aim with this campaign is to raise awareness of DAS which helps people faced with the difficulties of debt to take control of their finances and get help out of the hole.”

Government cash to aid community planning participation

Cash to help residents have their say in the design of their community.

Funding to help local residents to make their communities better places to live has been announced by Planning Minister Derek Mackay. £100,000 is being made available for planning authorities to run community participation projects which will create visions for the future of their communities.

The cash will support design projects, known as charrettes, where local residents and businesses work with expert teams to create ideas for the future of their local area. The charrettes are part of a process to simplify and modernise the planning system and will inform future planning projects through Local Development Plans.

Previous funding generated town masterplans for Wick and Thurso, a strategic plan for the long-term future of communities in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and a strategy for planning housing development in the South Wishaw area.

Funding is available for up to half the cost of projects taking place before the end of March next year.

Mr Mackay (pictured) said: “Local communities are the bedrock of our society. It is only right that in designing our towns and neighbourhoods we involve those who know them best – the people who live there.

“£100,000 funding is being made available to help create proposals for the future of towns and villages, with the promise of more to come.

“This support ensures that everyone can be involved in having their say on the long- term future of their community.

“The previous Scottish Government funded projects have helped energise communities and create a momentum for change from Caithness to Dumfries, Tyndrum to Lochgelly and Johnstone to Aberdeen.”

Green shoots? Scotland’s economy ‘gaining momentum’

What with welfare cuts, payday loans, food banks, escalating prices and zero-hour employment contracts it’s maybe hard to believe that things really are getting better, but an increasing number of indicators suggest that the economy is starting to pick up and that a recovery – however fragile – is under way at last.

House sales are on the rise, retail sales are picking up, there is growing consumer confidence and employers and business leaders are cautiously optimistic that the worst is now behind us.

Scotland’s economy is “gaining momentum”, according to a new report published yesterday. The latest State of the Economy report provides an analysis of recent economic developments in Scotland and the wider global economy. The report also looks at recent labour productivity trends in Scotland.

The report highlights improvements in both output growth and employment in Scotland’s economy over the last year. Chief Economist Dr Gary Gillespie describes a more positive environment for Scotland and its key trading partners, which can support a more sustained pick-up in investment, exports and growth.

Key points in the report include:

Growing signs of a global recovery starting to take root in 2013, especially when compared to a disappointing 2012.
Over the year, Scotland has seen growth in output and a general improvement in all headline labour market indicators.
In contrast to the UK where productivity measures have fallen during the recession, output per hour worked (the key measure of labour productivity) in Scotland has risen and is now approximately 3.5% above pre-recession levels.
A permanent improvement in productivity in Scotland would allow for potentially stronger growth in Scotland once demand returns to previous levels. This growth in output will be required to see a sustained recovery in the labour market, particularly in full-time employment, and to support improvement in real wages.
Recent output growth and analysis of the underlying nature of the recession in Scotland suggest the potential for Scotland’s recovery to take hold throughout 2013, with a return to pre-recession levels in 2014 across the economy as a whole.

Commenting on the report Finance Secretary John Swinney said:

“Though headwinds still remain, the general outlook for Scotland is of an improving picture through 2013 with the recovery strengthening in 2014.

“Recent economic indicators have seen Scotland outperforming the UK both in terms of output and with higher rates of employment and lower rates of unemployment and inactivity. The most recent GDP data shows that the Scottish economy grew by 1.2 per cent over the year to Q1 2013 compared to 0.3 per cent in the UK.

“Today’s report confirms these positive trends. This analysis suggests that the global economic outlook will continue to improve this year and Scotland can make the most of the opportunities that will come our way as a result.

“Particularly encouraging is the recovery in productivity which is now above pre-recession levels, which if sustained should lead to a further improvement in both output and the labour market.”

Unsurprisingly Mr Swinney believes that independence would ensure a stronger Scottish economy. He went on:

“While the State of the Economy report highlights the opportunities for Scotland, it also underlines the fragility of the recovery across the UK. We will continue to press the UK Government to take action to help our businesses move forward and, in turn, drive growth in the economy.

“With the full economic levers of independence we could do more to put Scotland more securely on the road to recovery.”

Is the future looking brighter? Do you feel more optimistic?

Let us know!

Increase in University acceptances

Two per cent more Scots have a place confirmed on exam results day.

22,770 Scots were accepted to Scottish universities on exam results day this year, an increase of two per cent. Figures released by the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) show 550 more Scots have a place at a Scottish university for 2013-14 than at the same time last year.

Welcoming the increase, Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said: “We’ve already delivered access to university based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay backed up with increased university places. It is great news that some 22,770 Scots are already accepted to a Scottish University to study for a degree on exam results day.

“These students will also be among the first to benefit from the best package of support in the UK when they take up their places. While the additional places we have provided to widen access will ensure more young people from deprived areas are taking their place on our universities campuses next year.

“Of course, some young people will be disappointed today but help is at hand. We guarantee every 16-19 year old the offer of a place in education or training and I’d encourage anyone who is still considering their next steps to call the SDS helpline on 0808 100 8000 for advice.”

Respect! Road users urged to embrace the Nice Way Code

Transport Minister Keith Brown was joined by representatives from Cycling Scotland and the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) yesterday to officially launch a ground-breaking new campaign aimed at all road users.

Starting on 5 August, the Nice Way Code campaign will target pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and ask them to respect one another while out on the road. It asks people to make small changes to their behaviour on the roads, in order to make them a safer and more pleasant place for everyone. The campaign asks drivers to give cyclists more space and overtake them with care, and to look carefully for pedestrians crossing, while cyclists are asked to obey red lights and not cycle on the pavement. Pedestrians are included too, with messages about not trying to cross the road while looking at your phone.

The campaign uses TV ads, accompanied by a poster campaign which uses a humourous take on everyday road signs to deliver the serious messages in an upbeat way which encourages road users to be more respectful of each other, with the key message of ‘Let’s All Get Along. Follow the Nice Way Code.’

Funded by Transport Scotland and initiated by Cycling Scotland, the Nice Way Code campaign has the backing of major organisations that represent road users, such as the IAM, Sustrans, Paths for All and the AA.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “The Nice Way Code campaign seeks to build a culture of tolerance and patience between cyclists, motorists, pedestrians and all other road users across Scotland.

“While the numbers of road casualties in Scotland are at their lowest ever level there is still simply no room for complacency. One death on Scotland’s roads is one too many and our focus is on working with key safety partners to reduce the numbers further. I believe this campaign will play its part in making Scotland’s roads safer for all users in the future and raise awareness that road safety really is everyone’s responsibility.

“I am also pleased to announce an additional £200,000 worth of funding for implementing the learning from the pilot partnership programme ‘Smarter Choices, Smarter Places’ which will be allocated to local authorities to introduce local mapping, branding and signage to increase local active travel journeys.”

Ian Aitken, chief executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and it is important we move away from the ‘us and them’ mentality of some drivers, cyclists and pedestrians when in fact almost everybody falls into at least two of those categories.

” Road safety is most effectively achieved through a combination of the three E’s – engineering, education and enforcement, so we see this as being a key step towards educating people about the need for consideration of other road users. In conjunction with measures such as Police Scotland’s recent enforcement campaign to support vulnerable road users and a continued programme of infrastructure investment, this campaign will help everyone know how to respect each other in our shared road space.”

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the IAM, said: “The IAM supports the Nice Way Code campaign because we believe that sharing the road safely is the key to encouraging more cyclists on our roads.

“IAM research suggests that half of drivers already own a bike but only 19% of them actually use it regularly mainly due to safety concerns. If everyone on the roads can work together to reduce stress, give each other more room and stick to the rules then many more people will be encouraged to dig out their bikes and get back in the saddle.”

AA president Edmund King added: “We have been campaigning for years to break down the tribalism which exists on our roads between some drivers and some cyclists. Road users being individuals are all different, so sometimes they don’t conform, make mistakes or fail to show respect for others.

“When we’re on the roads we should be more at one with each other, sharing the space thoughtfully not provocatively. The Nice Way Code is a brilliant way to encourage all road users to get along in harmony, making our journeys calmer and safer.”

Ian Findlay, chief officer of Scottish charity Paths for All said: “We believe it’s important for all users of roads, paths and pavements to respect each other. It makes good sense, nobody wants to be responsible for an accident or be hurt themselves.

“Our goal is for more people to be active through walking and cycling in their everyday lives and we’ll only succeed if it’s safe and welcoming for all of us to do so. If drivers, cyclists and walkers unite in respect and consideration for one another, getting from A to B will be safer and more enjoyable for everyone.”

Superintendent Iain Murray, head of road policing for Police Scotland, said: “Mutual respect among road users can have a positive effect on road safety and I would encourage it at all times. Police Scotland recently held an initiative aimed at improving the safety of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians and received positive feedback for our efforts in education and enforcement.

“We have seen in recent weeks the tragic consequences of cyclists and pedestrians being involved in road traffic crashes and incidents and there is a responsibility on all road users to be prepared, act responsibly and be aware of others around them at all times. Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe on Scotland’s roads and will continue to support campaigns and initiatives which help meet that commitment.”

The initiative goes live on 5 August.

£62million boost for homebuyers announced

People across Scotland are to be helped on to the housing ladder with a £62 million funding boost announced today by Housing Minister Margaret Burgess.

The funding for the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme will be available over the next two years for eligible buyers on low to moderate incomes who are looking to buy their first home. This increases the overall investment in the scheme over the next two years to £90 million.

Eligible buyers will be able to purchase a home by paying a majority share in it, while the Scottish Government provides the remaining amount which is secured under a security on the home.

The announcement comes after plans were unveiled last week to end the Right to Buy. A decision which will safeguard social housing stock for future generations – protecting up to 15,000 social houses from sale over the next decade.

Speaking during a visit to a home in Cruden Estates’ Golspie Street development in Govan where the homeowner benefited from support from the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme, Mrs Burgess said: “People in Scotland who should rightly be able to afford a mortgage are still facing real challenges buying a home. This overall investment of £90 million over two years demonstrates our commitment to do all we can to help credit worthy buyers to buy their first home.

“Over the past four years this scheme has helped over 2,700 people on low to moderate incomes buy a home. And it has reduced pressure on the social rented sector through freeing up properties and reducing demand expressed through housing waiting lists.

“Last week we announced the end of Right to Buy – a decision that will help to protect social housing for future generations to enjoy. This Government remains absolutely committed to helping people buy a home and our shared equity schemes are helping – and will continue to help – thousands of people get a foot on the property ladder.”

Link Group Chief Executive, Craig Sanderson said: “Having been involved in the administration of the OMSE scheme since its inception, we have considerable experience of the most positive effect this programme is having on the lives of so many who could otherwise have not been able to secure affordable home ownership. I therefore welcome and applaud this additional funding support from the Scottish Government.”

Managing director of Cruden Estates, John Gallacher, said: “Schemes like OMSE are beneficial for buyers and housebuilders alike. At Cruden Homes we’ve made a point of advising potential buyers who are concerned about affording a mortgage that there are options open to them through such Scottish Government schemes. This has allowed us to continue to build and sell homes for the First Time Buyer market as well as established buyers.”

Anyone for tennis? Cashing in on ‘Murray mania’

Four-year plan to capitalise on ‘Murray mania’ in Scotland

The Scottish Government’s national agency for sport, sportscotland, and Tennis Scotland, the sport’s Governing Body, have announced a new four-year investment stream aimed at capitalising on the phenomenal success of Andy Murray.

sportscotland is investing £5.8 million into tennis in Scotland over the next four years to help modernise and develop the sport’s structure by improving facilities and widening access.

The objectives are to grow participation rates, increase the sport’s accessibility, and provide suitable environments to develop athletes to performance levels.

Since 2008 Tennis Scotland’s membership has increased from 32,715 to 47,657 – a rise of 45.7 per cent.

The new investment will improve tennis facilities in Scotland – both in clubs and courts in public parks – and increase the sport’s accessibility for those looking to emulate Scotland’s Wimbledon and multiple Grand Slam champion.

In addition, the new money will enhance the regional development team at Tennis Scotland, which will help to further increase participation, develop closer links between schools and places to play tennis, opening up better pathways for the sport, and work with Local Authorities to prioritise the rejuvenation of park courts.

Speaking at the Gannochy National Tennis Centre at the University of Stirling today, Sports Minister Shona Robison said: “Andy’s win was an emotional moment for Scotland and the whole country has been inspired by his brilliant performance.

“We want to see more people playing tennis and having access to top quality facilities to get fit, try something new, and have fun. This money is all about making sure the right facilities are there to help people get more active, as well as helping to create the tennis stars of the future to keep those Wimbledon wins coming!”

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, added: “Andy’s Wimbledon victory was a defining moment for Scottish sport, and we are working collectively to capitalise on his incredible success. Today’s announcement will make it more accessible for people in Scotland to play tennis in improving facilities.

“It’s important that we take this unique chance to help grow the game in Scotland by providing more and better opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to play, and to assist the young players of today to emulate their hero from Dunblane by becoming the stars of tomorrow.”

Chief Executive of Tennis Scotland, David Marshall, said: “Never in the history of the game has tennis enjoyed such a level of profile in this country, and today’s announcement greatly enhances Tennis Scotland’s ability to take advantage of what is a huge opportunity to significantly increase levels of participation throughout the country.”

Supporting today’s initiative, Roger Draper, Chief Executive of the Lawn Tennis Association, said: “Andy’s victory has inspired a nation, and this is a great opportunity to get more people playing tennis in Scotland. We’re committed to investing in places and programmes which will help to make tennis a game for everyone, and we are working with Tennis Scotland and sportscotland in order to achieve this goal.”

However while welcoming the announcement Scottish Green MSP for Lothian Alison Johnstone – a former competitive athlete and a member of Holyrood’s cross-party group on sport – has warned that tennis should ‘serve as a lesson’.

She said: “Andy Murray’s victory has inspired a nation and we’ll see a welcome increase in interest in tennis in Scotland as a result. It’s a shame the investment we’re now being promised has taken so long to materialise.

“Tennis used to be something anyone could do by simply walking on to their local court but over the years these facilities have been neglected or sold off for development. Governments at national and local level have allowed sports such as tennis to become costly and convoluted when they should be affordable and accessible.”

The Green MSP went on: “Many Scots will remember walk-on courts in their local parks and playing fields that are now grassed or concreted over, deemed costly and unnecessary. Promising to revive the public tennis courts in our town and city parks is a welcome step and they must be maintained for future generations. This sudden splashing of cash by government must serve as a lesson to those in authority that failure to invest in sport and leisure is a false economy.”

Social housing cash boost

Local authorities and registered social landlords (RSLs) are to benefit from a £44 million increase in housing subsidies, allowing them to create more social housing.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the increase, which will give councils and housing associations an extra £16,000 per home, on the same day as the publication of a report on Affordability, Financial Capacity and Subsidy Rates, which recommended introducing higher subsidy levels.

The report was put together by a short life working group, with representatives from the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum (GWSF), the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO) and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).

Councils currently receive up to £30,000, towards the cost of building a new home, while RSLs get around £42,000.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I would like to extend my thanks to the working group for their hard work and commitment on this report. We are aware of the pressures being faced by councils and housing associations, and support the recommendations of the working group in full, including increasing subsidies by £16,000. Housing is and will remain a priority for this Government and today’s announcement of £44 million in funding brings our total budget for affordable housing to nearly £900 million over three years. Increasing the supply of affordable housing is a vital part of our efforts to build a better and fairer Scotland.

“We are now two years into our five year target of delivering at least 30,000 additional affordable homes and we are collectively making good progress towards making this target, with last month’s housing statistics showing that we have already completed almost 12,900 additional affordable homes. In announcing the end of Right to Buy last week I also signalled our commitment to ensuring that we keep and make the best use of our existing housing stock.

“Housing is central to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities and I am confident that the additional resources announced today will strengthen our commitment to provide the people of Scotland with high quality, sustainable homes that they can afford and which meets their needs.”

COSLA President Cllr David O’Neil said: “COSLA is pleased that councils and housing association will receive an increase in the development subsidy for social housing. This increase will assist councils in responding to local housing need. It will create greater confidence amongst councils to plan for a sustainable new build social housing programme. This in turn will provide a boost to local economies and employment opportunities.”

Susan Torrance, Policy Manager for Investment, Asset Management and Development, who represented SFHA on the Working Party said: “I am delighted that the recommendations of the Working Party have been approved by the Scottish Government, representing as it did, the unanimous views of all of us who are working to build social rented and affordable housing for those in need in Scotland. New homes are needed urgently and these measures will enable us to build with the right level of subsidy to ensure rents remain affordable to those working in low paid jobs and on low incomes.”

Jim Hayton, Policy Manager for the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO ) added: “ALACHO very much welcomes the announcement that subsidies for new social housing construction are to be increased by an additional £16,000 per home for councils and RSLs alike.

“There is a pressing need for social housing throughout Scotland, and this increase will give councils and their partners much needed scope to plan and deliver sustainable social housing development programmes for their communities. We also commend Scottish Government for the inclusive manner in which the working group has been encouraged to develop its report and recommendations on this important issue.”