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
“Tackling inequalities will never be an optional extra for this government – it is core to everything we do, as we strive to make Scotland fairer and more equal.” – Communities Secretary Angela Constance Continue reading Constance reaffirms commitment to tackling child poverty
A new independent scrutiny body that will hold Scotland’s social security system to account is to be created by the Scottish Government. Continue reading New independent body will hold Scotland’s social security system to account
Grants totaling £1.6 million is to fund innovative services aimed at tackling homelessness and improving housing, particularly for the most vulnerable. Seventeen projects successfully applied for the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme (HVGS) 2018/19, which supports third sector organisations to deliver housing related projects and services.
The latest round of funding will fund projects which include support for people at risk of homelessness, enabling independent living for older people, disabled people and veterans, and providing support and advice services for refugees.
Among the successful projects is Rock Trust, receiving £47,000 to support A Way Home Scotland, a national coalition to end youth homelessness
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “Tackling and preventing homelessness and improving housing is of utmost importance as we work to make sure everyone in Scotland has a safe and warm place to call home.
“The third sector plays a vital role in supporting many of Scotland’s most vulnerable people, who can be faced with anxiety over their housing situation and the possible threat of homelessness. These projects will offer invaluable advice and support to help tackle those issues.
“We are clear in our commitment to tackling and ending homelessness and recognise that this requires more than just the provision of housing as every individual has their own unique needs and challenges. That’s why I’m delighted to announce this funding, which will help provide support for so many across Scotland.”
Rock Trust Chief Executive Katie Polson said: “We are delighted to receive an award through the Scottish Governments Housing Voluntary Grant scheme. This will enable us to drive forward the work of the A Way Home Scotland coalition which aims to end youth homelessness in Scotland.
“The coalition will support organisations across Scotland to develop systems and practices in their local area to ensure that young people are able to avoid, resolve and move on from homelessness using youth specific methods. The post which is funded will ensure that young people are leading the solutions and are able to share and develop them in each local area.”
Seventeen organisations will receive funding for 2018/2019. Grants are awarded to support existing services provided by third sector organisations to deliver housing related projects and services.
Further information on the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme is available here online.
Organisations to be offered funding in 2018/19:
| Organisation | Proposed funding | Project summary |
| Age Scotland | £ 94,000 | Provide information and advice to older people |
| Housing Support Enabling Unit (HSEU) | £116,000 | Assist providers of housing support to have a voice in policy making |
| Legal Services Agency | £ 43,944 | Preventing Homelessness Project extends the model of developing, testing and disseminating legal remedies |
| Move On Ltd | £ 25,000 | Assisting young people at threat of homelessness through peer support & education |
| Housing Options Scotland | £257,431 | Independent advice, information and support services on housing options, to disabled people, veterans and older people |
| Glasgow Centre of Inclusive Living | £ 49,000 | National resource for disabled people who are looking for a suitable home in either the private or social rented sector. |
| Positive Action in Housing | £ 53,000 | Housing advice and support service for BME people and refugees |
| PATH Scotland | £ 85,750 | Training and Education Programme for BME and refugee communities plus after care support to trainees. |
| Say Women | £ 60,420 | Offers safe, supported accommodation and related services for young women who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault and who are homeless or threatened with homelessness |
| Scottish Churches Housing Action | £ 59,000 | Supports a range of services and activities including training for volunteers involved in local starter pack’s projects and befriending networks |
| Scottish Refugee Council | £132,000 | Overcoming barriers facing refugees looking to secure their first tenancy, to improve the housing experience for refugees in Scotland |
| Scottish Women’s Aid | £ 72,345 | Tackling and preventing homelessness for women who are victims of domestic abuse |
| Homeless Action Scotland | £168,000 | Facilitates national homelessness networks |
| Shelter Scotland | £183,000 | To provide access to specialist legal expertise and representation on housing issues across Scotland |
| Scottish Homelessness Involvement Empowerment Network (SHIEN) | £ 50,000 | Ensures that service users across Scotland have as many opportunities as possible to influence the policies, practices and perceptions that affect them |
| Tenant Information Service (TIS) / Tenant Participation (TPAS) Advisory Service
(joint application) |
£ 99,700 | Develop tailored support to four new Regional Networks to advance their skills and influence national housing policy |
| Rock Trust | £ 47,000 | Supports A Way Home Scotland, a national coalition to end youth homelessne |
