Tag: Scottish Government

Doing things differently: Scottish social security applicants guaranteed support

Anyone applying for social security assistance under Scotland’s new system will have a right to have someone with them during assessments or meetings, under new Scottish government plans. In a change from the current system, the amendment to the Social Security (Scotland) Bill lodged by Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman would ensure any applicant has the right to be accompanied if they need or want it.

The minister described the step as proof that Scotland would “do things differently”. Continue reading Doing things differently: Scottish social security applicants guaranteed support

Eat Better, Feel Better: Aileen and Yogi relaunch healthy eating campaign

Sports stars have helped relaunch the Scottish Government’s Eat Better Feel Better campaign – telling primary school children about their favourite snacks and the benefits of healthy eating. Continue reading Eat Better, Feel Better: Aileen and Yogi relaunch healthy eating campaign

First Minister calls for changes to “broken welfare state”

Universal Credit contributing to child poverty

‘Broken’ benefits system failing Scotland’s families

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called on the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to make urgent changes to Universal Credit (UC) as she backed warnings from Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson over the ‘disproportionate effect’ of UK Government welfare policies on young people. Continue reading First Minister calls for changes to “broken welfare state”

Reducing loneliness and isolation: draft strategy open for consultation.

‘Young or old, loneliness doesn’t discriminate’ – Jo Cox

A new national strategy, one of the first in the world, is being developed to tackle loneliness and isolation. The draft plan, now open for consultation, will look at the causes of social isolation and loneliness and how they can be addressed. Continue reading Reducing loneliness and isolation: draft strategy open for consultation.

Skills Investment Plan to boost childcare opportunities

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has highlighted a need for the nation’s Early Learning and Childcare sector to attract a more diverse workforce to create an additional 11,000 jobs by 2020 to meet expected demand. The organisation has worked with partners to create new national Early Learning and Childcare Skills Investment Plan (SIP) for the sector. Continue reading Skills Investment Plan to boost childcare opportunities

Saving Our Seas: Scottish Government to consult on plastic cotton bud ban

Plans to introduce legislation to ban the manufacture and sale of plastic stemmed cotton buds have been announced by Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham. The proposals will be put to public consultation and would make Scotland the first country in the UK to legislate against these environmentally damaging items. Continue reading Saving Our Seas: Scottish Government to consult on plastic cotton bud ban

3834 Lothian newborns have received Baby Boxes

Latest figures from the Scottish Government have revealed that the transformative Baby Box policy has already benefitted 3834 newborns across NHS Lothian since they were introduced last summer – and over 22,000 have so far been delivered across Scotland. Continue reading 3834 Lothian newborns have received Baby Boxes

Festive A & E figures show a service under unbearable strain

An increase in flu cases and patients with complex care needs have contributed to significant pressure on Scotland’s A&E departments over the Christmas period, as clinicians focus on delivering the best treatment for patients. Continue reading Festive A & E figures show a service under unbearable strain

Keeping Scotland in Europe: next few months offer “window of opportunity,” says FM

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said today that the first few months of 2018 are a window of opportunity for all those working to protect Scotland’s place in Europe and particularly our membership of the European Single Market.  Continue reading Keeping Scotland in Europe: next few months offer “window of opportunity,” says FM