Psychological abuse and coercive control in the home will soon be a criminal offence, after the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill was passed by Parliament on Thursday. As well as physical abuse, the Bill will cover other forms of psychological abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour that cannot easily be prosecuted under existing criminal laws. Continue reading Justice on the way for domestic abuse survivors
Scottish Women’s Aid is being granted dedicated training funding of £165,000 from the Scottish Government ahead of the Domestic Abuse Bill progressing through Parliament. The funding will support improved understanding of coercive control within communities and develop bespoke training materials for Scottish Women’s Aid staff. Continue reading More support for Scottish Women’s Aid to tackle domestic abuse
NHS, the economy and the low paid to benefit, says Scottish Government
COSLA welcomes recognition of local government concerns Continue reading A budget of compromise and consensus: ‘credit where it is due’?
Scotland’s schools are in line to receive a share of over £120 million next year to help close the poverty-related attainment gap, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has announced. Edinburgh’s share of the pot will be £7.45 million. Continue reading Pupil Equity Funding announced
Andy Wightman MSP, Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said a report published yesterday by a Scottish Government expert panel falls short of critically analysing the impact of the collaborative economy on individuals and communities in relation to short-term lets.
The Green MSP is calling for local councils to be given powers to control the rapid growth of short-term lets to ease the pressure on already limited housing stock, and address constituents’ concerns about anti-social behaviour and loss of community.
Research for Mr Wightman’s Homes First campaign shows that many landlords are operating lucrative short-term letting businesses, and many are not paying non-domestic rates, depriving local authorities of funding for local services.
Mr Wightman said: “While the report contains some useful evidence and recommendations, those concerning short-term lets are framed very much by what is in the vested interests of the industry, AirBnB in particular. They fail to properly analyse and come up with proposals for the real problem which is the conversion of homes to commercial enterprises, and they are dominated by proposals to experiment, gather data, and explore viability when what is need is action very soon to stop any further loss of homes and community in Edinburgh.”
Leith’s Dales Marine Services is one of six projects across Scotland to be offered a share of £1.5 million in the second round of Decommissioning Challenge Fund awards. Continue reading Leith firm shares in decommissioning fund awards
The number of flu-like cases in Scotland decreased slightly in the third week of January, prompting speculation that the worst may now be over. Health Secretary continues to urge eligible people to get their flu vaccination, however. Continue reading Flu: the worst may be over
Marking Young Carers Awareness Day today, Scottish Government Ministers have announced additional support and engagement activities. Continue reading Ministers announce additional support on Young Carers Awareness Day
The rationale for introducing Scottish Universal Credit (UC) choices will be outlined by Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman when she gives evidence to the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee inquiry into the roll-out of UC this morning. Continue reading Freeman to argue case for UC flexibility
Scotland can tackle stroke burden with better treatment and management of abnormal heart rhythm
~ Atrial Fibrillation is major cause of stroke and nearly 50,000 people are undiagnosed ~
Scotland has an important opportunity to reduce the burden of stroke on its healthcare system by focusing on Atrial Fibrillation (AF), a major cause of stroke, says a new report. The report, published today following a ground-breaking inquiry into AF, says Scotland must identify people with AF who are undiagnosed and ensure that clear and consistent clinical pathways exist to optimise the treatment and management of everyone who has this condition. Continue reading Scotland can act to address ‘ticking time bomb’, says new report
