Scottish Government – Page 398 – The NEN

Sturgeon sets out her stall

Education set to be key battleground in next year’s Holyrood elections

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has placed education at the heart of her Programme for Government, outlining how her vision of a fairer and more prosperous society can be achieved through helping Scotland’s young people.

Unveiling the Scottish Government’s plans for the final year of this parliamentary term, the First Minister announced a new National Improvement Framework that will help close the gap in attainment and ensure all children are being equipped with the skills they need.

The framework will help track the progress of all children, introducing a national system of standardised assessment in P1, P4, P7 and S3 that will bring consistency to the assessment of literacy and numeracy and tracking of progress across Scotland.

A wide-ranging legislative programme will see eight new bills introduced, with measures included to strengthen the law on harassment and sexual offending; increase security for private tenants, protecting against excessive rents; and implement the recommendations made by the Infant Cremation Commission.

The First Minister also announced additional support for Scotland’s kinship carers, with additional funding to local authorities to increase financial support for kinship carers to the same level as foster carers.

Outlining her plans for Scotland’s public services, the First Minister announced plans to complete the integration of health and social care by April 2016 and test new models of primary care in ten sites across Scotland. She also announced that policing would be strengthened by a national review of police governance and a new requirement on the Chief Constable to submit to local public scrutiny sessions.

Ms Sturgeon proposed that the next Scottish election to follow the 2016 poll will be held in 2021, as she confirmed that the Scottish Elections (Dates) Bill would be brought forward in the forthcoming session.

And she confirmed that the Scottish Government would begin to implement the additional powers to be devolved following the Smith Commission process, with a planned cut in air passenger duty to be brought in from 2018, and a Scottish rate of income tax to be set for 2016/17 in the forthcoming budget.

The First Minister said: “Improving school attainment is arguably the single most important objective in this Programme for Government. “Improving it overall and closing the gap between children in our most and least deprived areas is fundamental to our aim of making Scotland fairer and more prosperous.

“To address it, we need to be open to innovation and new practice – that’s the purpose of our £100 million Attainment Fund.

“But we also need to have better information about attainment so that we measure progress consistently and drive change. We need to be able to see what’s working and where we still need to improve.

“So I can confirm that we will establish a new National Improvement Framework – a draft of it is being published today. We will introduce new national standardised assessments for pupils in primaries 1, 4, 7 and in the third year of secondary school.

“The new assessments will focus on literacy and numeracy. They will be piloted next year in schools participating in the Attainment Challenge and then introduced in all schools in 2017.

“The new national assessments – which we will develop in partnership with local government, teachers and parents – will replace the variety of different assessments already used by local authorities. So they will not increase teacher workload – indeed, as a government, we are mindful of the need to reduce bureaucracy so that teachers can focus on what they do best: helping children to learn.

“These new assessments will introduce greater consistency to Curriculum for Excellence. They will provide reliable evidence of a child’s performance or progress – but they will not be the sole measurement. This is not about narrowing the curriculum or forcing teachers to “teach to a test”. It is not a return to the national testing of old. And the assessments will inform teacher judgment – not replace it.

“They will provide robust and consistent evidence to help teachers judge whether or not a child is achieving the required level of Curriculum for Excellence”.

The First Minister concluded: “This ambitious and reforming Programme for Government speaks to our aspirations. It sets out how this Government will work – now and in the long term – to achieve our vision for Scotland’s future.

“And it demonstrates how enduring values – a belief in enterprise, a faith in the value of education, a commitment to fairness and solidarity, and a passion for democratic engagement – can be applied to make Scotland a fairer and more prosperous country.”

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said the SNP government’s record on education was not one to be proud of and called for more investment in front-line staff.

She said: “Almost half of the poorest kids leaving primary school are unable to write properly or to count properly. “That should shame us as a nation.”

Ms Dugdale added that instead of putting money into recruiting ‘attainment advisers’, the government should invest in teaching staff.

She went on: “Let’s see money invested in the teachers who are working with those pupils who face the biggest barriers to educational achievement.

‘We know who they are and where they work. We know so many of those teachers already defy the odds daily and help their pupils to shine.

“We can reward these teachers, we can give them more classroom assistants, we can bring in a new Enhanced Teacher Grade to raise the skills and rewards of those teaching in the most challenging classrooms.”

The Scottish Greens welcomed intention to tackle inequality, introduce rent controls for private tenants and oppose anti-union legislation – but are challenging ministers on climate change, education, health and land reform.

The Green say the First Minister made no mention of climate change despite the government’s failure to meet emissions targets four years running, but it did contain further support for oil and gas extraction and cutting air passenger duty. They added that the First Minister’s statement provided no clarity for communities concerned about fracking and underground coal gasification.

Patrick Harvie, Scottish Green MSP for Glasgow, said: “This final list of legislation before the 2016 election shows a Scottish Government that remains cautious in most areas but on housing it’s welcome to see ministers responding to the growing calls for greater security for tenants. Bringing in controls in areas where rents are spiralling beyond people’s means is something I have long advocated, and I look forward to seeing the detail of the Bill.

“On welfare, we know the UK Government intends to cut a further £12 billion as part of its cruel austerity agenda. Today’s comments from the First Minister on the creation of a Scottish Social Security system are welcome, as is her understanding that we must restore dignity to the welfare state.

“On land reform, we must see the proposed Bill toughened up if we genuinely aspire to a more democratic system of land ownership. And the lack of action on climate change must be challenged in light of four years of failed targets and the opportunity to create many more jobs in low carbon industries.

“Critically, the SNP must put an end to its contradictory positions on fracking and similar environmental threats – voters next year deserve to know what the SNP actually intend to do on this contentious issue.”

Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, said: “On education, we know that class sizes have gone up, spending per pupil has remained flat, and college places have been cut. So the move towards standard testing seems a strange priority, and ministers will have their work cut out convincing people that it will help.

“A better focus would be support for teaching staff by reversing cuts to Additional Support Needs, an area that is vital to giving every child the best chance to succeed. And the same goes for Adult Learning, an area that needs real investment if we want a more equal society.

“On health, we know too many people are experiencing lengthy waits for treatment and our NHS staff are under pressure due to tight budgets, rising costs and more complex health needs. We need better connections within the NHS and more focus on preventative spending, and Green MSPs will continue to press for these priorities.”

Time, gentlemen, please … renewed call for minimum unit pricing

Pubs feel the pinch: Almost three quarters of alcohol sold in Scotland was from supermarkets or off-licences

Alcohol sales went up again during 2014 – and the Scottish government says the latest figures reinforce the need for minimum unit pricing to tackle the sale of cheap, strong alcohol.

This comes after recent statistics showing a second year of increases in alcohol-related deaths.

Despite recent improvements in alcohol-related harm levels following measures such as the multi-buy discount ban and increased investment in alcohol treatment and care services, affordability remains a key issue, and is closely related to consumption and harm.

Figures published today show that 10.7 litres of pure alcohol were sold per adult in Scotland in 2014 – equivalent to 20.5 units per adult per week – compared to 10.6 litres in 2013. This is in contrast to the trend for declining sales seen in recent years and is mainly due to more alcohol being sold in supermarkets and off-licences – known as the off-trade.

Scots continue to drink almost a fifth more than in England and Wales, where nine litres of pure alcohol were sold per adult – equivalent to 17.4 units per adult per week.

The figures also show that for the first time since 2007, the average price per unit in the off-trade has not increased and remains at 52 pence. However, more than half of alcohol sold in off-trade costs below 50 pence per unit – the level proposed for minimum unit pricing.

The shift from sales in pubs and clubs to supermarkets and off-licences, where average prices are much lower, has also continued. Almost three quarters of alcohol sold in Scotland – 72 per cent – was from supermarkets or off-licences, the highest market share seen.

Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “It’s concerning that the decline in consumption seen in recent years now appears to have stalled, especially after figures published last week showed alcohol-related deaths have increased for the second year running.

“That is why we remain absolutely committed to tackling Scotland’s difficult relationship with alcohol head on. In particular championing the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing.

“We recognise that no single measure will help change our relationship with alcohol. Our Alcohol Framework has more than 40 measures to reduce alcohol-related harm, such as the multi-buy discount ban, increased investment in alcohol treatment and care services, increased delivery of Alcohol Brief Interventions, legislation to ban irresponsible promotions, and introduction of a lower drink drive limit.

“The Framework has had a positive impact so far, but while an average of around 22 people a week still die because of alcohol, there can be no room for complacency. That is why we are working on the next phase of our alcohol strategy which will be ready in 2016.

“The fact that more than half of alcohol in the off-trade is being sold at under 50p per unit is worrying, given the established link between affordability and alcohol-related harm. It reinforces our belief that minimum unit pricing is an essential part of an effective alcohol strategy.”

Tomorrow is Living Life Day

Emotional wellbeing is the focus of Scotland’s first ‘Living Life Day’, which takes place tomorrow (Tuesday 25 August).

With the theme ‘Make your day different’, Scots are being encouraged to take steps to improve their wellbeing, whether that’s through exercise, relaxation or time with family or friends.

National Living Life Day will also raise awareness of NHS Living Life, a free service providing over-the-phone therapy for anyone in Scotland experiencing mild to moderate stress or anxiety. It will be 7 years since the NHS Living Life service was launched, which offers free telephone appointments with a Self-help Coach or Therapist.

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator of NHS Living Life, said: “One in four people in Scotland will experience a diagnosable mental health problem each year. Living Life Day helps turn the spotlight on the importance of looking after your emotional wellbeing at an early stage. Services such as NHS Living Life are an empowering and practical way for anyone feeling stressed or anxious to get information, access resources and learn coping skills.”

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, said: “I’m delighted to support Scotland’s first Living Life Day. It’s so important that we all start think about looking after our mental health in exactly the same way we think about caring for our physical health. Physical activity, relaxation and spending time with family and friends are all excellent ways to improve mental wellbeing and reduce the likelihood of problems developing. Living Life Day is a chance for people to think about how they might be able to devote more time to these things.

“NHS Living Life is a tremendous service that helps thousands of people every year. It’s there for anyone experiencing stress or anxiety, and gives them the chance to talk about their feelings and get some practical advice on how to cope. This service is one of the many steps the Scottish Government is taking to improve Scotland’s mental health, reducing the number of people who develop more serious illnesses.”

To find out more about NHS Living Life visit www.livinglife.scot, or phone 0800 328 9655 (lines are open Mon-Fri, 1pm-9pm). Follow @NHS24 to find out what’s happening across the country for #LLDay

Learning? Together it’s fun

Early learning initiative will focus on P1 – P3s

Parents and families have a key role to play in helping their children to read, write and count well. That’s the message from Read, Write, Count, a new Government-led campaign aimed at children in Primaries 1 to 3.

The campaign, which was launched yesterday, will build on the Scottish Government’s PlayTalkRead early years campaign by encouraging parents and families to include reading, writing and counting in their everyday activities, such as walking around the supermarket or travelling home from school.

The campaign, which will be delivered in partnership with Education Scotland and Scottish Book Trust, builds on existing Scottish Government efforts to tackle educational inequalities and raise attainment in early years and beyond.

As part of the campaign, all P1-3 children will receive a gift of books and literacy and numeracy learning materials through their school. Outreach will be provided in some communities to support parents, families and communities to make the most of these resources. Resources will be available for children in both English and Gaelic medium education.

Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Ensuring children read, write and count well early is key to their success at school and in life. There’s lots of really good work already underway across Scotland and Read, Write, Count will bring some exciting new and fun ideas into the mix.

“Crucially, it will encourage parents and families to play a key role in helping their children – something all the evidence suggests can have a big impact on how well children do at school.

“I was proud to launch PlayTalkRead nationally in 2011, which encouraged parents to play, talk and read more often with their children. Read, Write, Count takes the idea of learning further.

“It’s understandable that any parent or carer could feel daunted about playing a part in their child’s education. That’s why our campaign offers support on bringing fun and learning in to everyday activities with their child to make life happier and easier.

“Whether it’s in the supermarket, on the way to school, at bedtime or sitting down for a meal, learning isn’t just for classrooms or homework. Read, Write, Count offers some great ideas on how adults and children can have fun learning and sharing together. I would urge parents, carers and the primary pupils themselves to check out the website for ideas on how to get involved.”

Sophie Moxon, Deputy Director of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Scottish Book Trust is delighted to be working together with the Scottish Government and Education Scotland to deliver Read, Write Count. The campaign builds on the success of our existing Bookbug programme to deliver a new, exciting campaign for P1-3.

“Gifting a pack of high quality books and literacy and numeracy resources directly into the hands of every pupil in P1–3, coupled with strong community outreach, will make a fundamental contribution to the lives and prospects of all children in Scotland, especially those in our most disadvantaged communities.”

For more information and resources on Read, Write, Count, visit www.readwritecount.scot.

Beatson is 300th Living Wage employer

Scotland on track to hit Living Wage target

A significant milestone in the push to have 500 Living Wage-accredited employers in Scotland has been reached. Beatson Cancer Charity has been confirmed as the 300^th employer to be accredited, meaning that Scotland is well on track to reach its target by March next year.

The charity delivers a range of patient and family support including patient wellbeing and complementary therapy services. These are delivered through their unique and award-winning Wellbeing Centre and throughout the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and related facilities throughout the West of Scotland.

They also provide funding for a range of specialist posts including specialist nursing, radiography, physics and research-based staff as well as providing funding for enhanced medical equipment, innovative service developments, unique research projects and developmental staff training.

Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham said: “The Scottish Government is committed to fairness and supporting those on the lowest incomes. We recognise the real difference the Living Wage can make to working people and are leading by example by becoming the first accredited government in the UK earlier this year.

“We have been working closely with the Poverty Alliance to encourage employers to seek accreditation and today’s landmark demonstrates excellent progress in our aim to have 500 employers signed up by next March.

“The charity and its staff is a key partner of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and of NHS Scotland and they should be commended for their work in supporting the treatment, care and wellbeing of current and former cancer patients and their families. Today’s news ensures that all staff at the charity will be paid the Living Wage, good news for staff and a good example set for the sector in Scotland.

“Research shows that the Living Wage can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism and improve staff morale, but we need even more organisations to recognise those benefits and sign up for accreditation and help those on the lowest pay.”

David Welch, Chief Executive of Beatson Cancer Charity said: “Beatson Cancer Charity is proud to be the 300^th Living Wage-accredited employer and to have contributed to reaching this significant landmark. We are committed to continue to support this initiative and to ensuring that all of our staff are well supported and paid a fair wage for their work.”

Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance said: “Warm congratulations to the Beatson Cancer Charity on becoming the 300^th employer in Scotland to receive accreditation as a Living Wage Employer. Over the course of the past year, employers from the public, private and third sectors in Scotland have been standing up to be counted as Living Wage Employers.

”Scotland now has the highest public awareness of the Living Wage, and has the fastest rate in terms of growth of number of accredited Living Wage Employers than any other part of the UK.”

Remembering Hiroshima

‘We must always pray for the lost souls, always remember and always commit to peace and an end to nuclear weapons – I pray, I remember, I commit.’ – Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop’s message in the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall book of remembrance

Seventy years ago today, an American B29 Superfortress bomber called Enola Gay dropped the world’s first atomic bomb – with the innocent sounding name of ‘Little Boy’ -on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

This was followed three days later by the dropping of another nuclear bomb – ‘Fat Man’ – on Nagasaki. The bombs caused devastation on an unimaginable scale: at the epicemtre, five square miles of Hiroshima simply ceased to exist, flattened. Up to 120,000 people were killed in the attacks and many more suffered horrific injuries, disabilities and long, lingering deaths through radiation sickness. The nuclear bombs brought World War Two to a swift conclusion – but their unleashing changed the world we live in forever.

Today, the world will remember those cataclysmic events.

Events planned in Edinburgh include:

Today, 12 noon: Floating paper lanterns on the pond outside the Scottish Parliament. Organised by Edinbugh CND. Contact edinburghCND@yahoo.com

This evening, 6-7 pm: Vigil at the Mound/Princes Street. Organised by Edinbugh CND. Contact edinburghCND@yahoo.com

This evening, 6 pm: Launch of WMD Awareness Project exhibition, “Nuclear weapons in Popular Culture” Gayfield venue, Gayfield Square, with Bill Kidd MSP.

Saturday 8 August, 1-5pm: Support for an international Hiroshima-Nagasaki fast with singing from 1-2 pm.

The Scottish Government today reaffirmed its stance against nuclear weapons.

The Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop made the comments as the first of 22 events across Scotland to mark the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by atomic bombs begins today following her visit to Japan last month.

During her visit, The Cabinet Secretary visited the Nagasaki Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Museum and the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall, to pay respect to the tens of thousands who died in both Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

At midday, Ms Hyslop will join others to scatter flower petals on the pond outside of the Scottish Parliament to mark the commemorations.

Ms Hyslop said: “Just over a month ago, I stood at the hypocentre of the explosion in Nagasaki. Even standing beside the physical scars, it is impossible to imagine the destructive power of a nuclear bomb. The shadows of men, women and even children marked the city, memories of ordinary innocent lives burnt into rock. Why anyone would consider this to be an appropriate response today is equally hard to imagine.

“My thoughts today are with the generations of Japanese people who have had to come to terms with the horrific effects of nuclear weapons. I admire greatly the compassion they have shown in moving forward. My visit to Nagasaki left me profoundly saddened and in no doubt about the horror of nuclear weapons.

“Scotland stands with Japan on the issue of nuclear disarmament. We oppose the continuation and the proposed renewal of the UK’s Trident nuclear weapon system, and the Scottish Government is firmly committed to worldwide disarmament. We strongly believe that the way forward is to create the conditions for peace through dialogue as well as action.

“The successor Trident system is estimated to cost a staggering £100 billion over its lifetime – money that could be far better spent on initiatives to support our people and our economy. As a nation, Scotland opposes nuclear weapons. Both the Scottish Parliament and the overwhelming majority of Scottish MPs are opposed to its replacement, it’s time the UK Government listened to what the people are saying.”

While in Nagasaki, Ms Hyslop spoke about Scotland’s stance on nuclear weapons to Susumu Satomi, Deputy Governor of Nagasaki Prefecture and Mr Taue Tomihisa, Mayor of Nagasaki. The Scottish Government has a shared vision with the national and regional governments’ of Japan for a world free of nuclear weapons.

The Scottish Government has made repeated calls for the UK Government to reconsider renewing the trident nuclear weapon system and is strongly opposed to the possession of nuclear weapon by any nation or nuclear weapons being stored in Scotland.

Talking about a healthier Scotland

‘We want to know what really matters to people and their families when thinking about the future, and what support they need to lead healthier lives.’ – Health Secretary Shona Robison

The conversation on the long term future of health and social care services in Scotland began at an event held in Dundee yesterday.

Representatives from the Scottish Government, NHS, care sector, charities, patient groups and the third sector came together this morning in a café conversation-style event hosted by national third sector health and social care organisation, the ALLIANCE.

It is the first in a series of events and discussions which will be held around the country between August 2015 and April 2016.

Opening the event, Health Secretary Shona Robison called on people from across the country to get involved. She also announced the launch of the Creating a Healthier Scotland website, giving people the opportunity to follow the conversation and contribute to the debate as it progresses.

Ms Robison said: “Earlier this year I announced my intention to hold a national conversation about the future of our health and social care services. I want to seek agreement on how to make more progress in improving the health of the population, and on how our NHS and social care systems should develop by 2030 to continue supporting everyone to live well.

“We want to know what really matters to people and their families when thinking about the future, and what support they need to lead healthier lives.

“The NHS is a treasured institution and holds a special place in this country’s heart. Nearly every single person has used or had some experience of the NHS in their lifetime and so it is absolutely right that we involve as many people as we can in the discussion about where the NHS will go in the next ten to fifteen years and beyond.

“There will be many opportunities for people to get involved, and tell us what matters over the coming months.

“We have made some real progress in recent years – cutting waiting times, vastly reducing superbug infections in our hospitals and bringing together health and social care through legislation for the first time ever to deliver fully joined up services for people in Scotland.

“We have also taken steps to address immediate challenges – like investing £100 million to tackle delayed discharge, recruiting record levels of staff, investing more than £12billion in a financial year for the first time ever and setting out a new plan for emergency care.

“Our vision for 2020 – that people should live longer healthier lives at home or in homely settings remains the right course to set. But our approach to health and social care between now and 2030 cannot simply remain the same as we face increasing challenges and pressures and we must start discussing and planning for that now.

“Most importantly, I want to ensure that as far as possible the outcome of the national conversation is turned into a practical reality. This isn’t about producing just another vision – we want to take these views and put them into practice as quickly as we can.

“Today marks the beginning of this conversation and I’m pleased to be here in Dundee to listen to a wide range of stakeholders, professionals and patients of the NHS.”

Ian Welsh, Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) said: “The ALLIANCE welcomes the national conversation on the future of health and social care in Scotland. This provides us with an opportunity to engage with people across the country who use support and services in defining priorities for improving Scotland’s health and wellbeing. We look forward to working with our members to generate a substantial contribution to this process and support creative discussions about what keeps people well.”

The national debate will focus around three broad questions:

What support do we need in Scotland to live healthier lives?
What areas of health and social care matter most to you?
Thinking about the future of health and social care services, where should our focus be?

Find out more on the Creating Healthier Scotland website: http://healthier.scot/

Contribute to the debate via post and email, or by joining the discussion on the blog, Twitter, orFacebook page.

Crisis? What crisis? Fifty thousand families receive emergency help as austerity bites

150,000 households aided by Scottish Welfare Fund

More than 150,000 vulnerable households, including around 50,000 families with children, have received essential help to buy everyday products like nappies, food and cookers through the Scottish Welfare Fund.

The Scottish Welfare Fund consists of Crisis Grants – which provide a safety net to low income households in a disaster or emergency – and Community Care Grants, which help people to live independently.

Since the scheme began in April 2013, £65 million has been spent, with 105,000 households receiving Crisis Grants and 72,000 households receiving Community Care Grants.

The latest statistics, which break down grants between April 2014 to March 2015, show:

• Over the year 69,000 households received Crisis Grants averaging around £70, they were mostly for food and energy costs and were claimed because of an emergency. They included:
o Almost £3.9 million of grants were given out for food – up from £2.4 million in 2013/14;
o £23,000 was spent on nappies, an increase from £17,200 in 2013/14;
o Nearly £1.3 million was spent on energy costs, up from £826,000 the previous year.

• 43,000 households received Community Care Grants averaging around £600. These awards were most likely to be claimed by people looking for help to stay in or set up their own home, or families facing exceptional pressures. They included:
o Nearly £7.2 million in grants awarded for the refit of carpets, up from £5.5 million in 2013/14;
o Almost £8.2 million spent on cookers, washing machines and fridges, compared to £6.9 million in 2013/14;
o Around £630,000 was spent on clothing and shoes, an increase of £90,000 from the previous year.

Over a third of the grants were made to vulnerable households such as people with mental health problems, lone parents, disabled people, or those suffering from a chronic illness.

Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said: “These grants are a vital lifeline for people in crisis with more than 150,000 households benefitting from a share of the £65 million Scottish Welfare Fund.

“It is helping people in desperate situations buy everyday items like food, shoes and beds, and keeping them afloat during worrying times.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with councils to publicise this scheme and reach those who are struggling to be able to afford items that many of us take for granted.

“While the UK Government presses ahead with its austerity agenda and continues to widen the gap in inequalities, the Scottish Government will continue to try to militate against the worst of the impacts of the UK cuts, including investing £296 million in mitigation schemes, extending our free childcare and encouraging employers to pay the Living Wage.

“As part of our drive to tackle inequalities we are also asking people for ideas on how we can create a fairer, healthier, happier Scotland where opportunities, wealth and power are spread more equally.”

Councillor Harry McGuigan, COSLA’s Community and Well-Being spokesperson, said: “There is a growing number of people using the fund to buy the most basic of items like food, beds and cookers.

“Councils and the advice sector make sure those in need know where to get this vital help. Given the planned social security cuts, the fund will come under considerable pressure as more people require help over the next few years.

“Councils are committed to providing the best support to those in need that we can, both direct financial help, as well as advice and referrals.”

Renewable energy comes to town

Edinburgh renewable energy project to receive funding

Communities from inner city Glasgow to western Harris are set to benefit from £500,000 in funding for demonstrator projects designed to encourage the use and local ownership of renewable energy.

A third of the 23 projects are specifically focussed on town and city areas, building on the already established trend for community ownership of renewable energy sources in more rural areas.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing announced in June that community and locally owned energy capacity in Scotland could generate enough electricity to power approximately 100,000 domestic households.

This is the second allocation made from the Scottish Government’s Local Energy Challenge Fund, which confirms Scotland’s position as a global leader in renewables and low carbon development. Each project has received funding of up to £25,000 for feasibility work and, if successful, may be able to compete for significant capital support.

The 23 projects include Edinburgh-based UrbanLink. Led by ChangeWorks, the UrbanLink project will identify opportunities to install new hardware in 1000 households, including modern electrical and thermal energy domestic storage.

Other successful applicants include:

• Large Scale ASHP District Heating Exemplar: This project will provide an example of off-grid district heating to Glasgow Housing Association multi-storey blocks built in 1971 in South Glasgow. It will use a large scale Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP), an alternative to electric or gas heating.

• Heat from the Street: This Linlithgow project will use heat pump and solar panel technology to capture heat from the local waste water system and distribute it to town centre buildings.

Mr Ewing said: “The Scottish Government is defining a distinctive approach to Scotland’s future energy provision; putting communities at the heart of decisions about their local energy system; and empowering them to take an economic stake in new developments.

“Community ownership gives communities more control over their own energy and will help us tackle challenges like grid constraints and fuel poverty – while at the same time sparking economic revival.

“Onshore wind is our most successful technology for community benefits, but it is by no means the only game in town. I am excited by the breadth and depth of the work this funding will support and am equally pleased that the projects will explore the potential for ownership of renewable technologies to support all of the communities in Scotland, be they in Gala or Glasgow.”

Laura Campbell, Challenge Fund Project Manager, said: “Local Energy Scotland is delighted to be able to provide support through the Local Energy Challenge Fund to these 23 innovative and aspirational projects. We are looking forward to working with the projects over the next year to develop their proposals further. It’s exciting to think that these projects have the potential shape the future of Scotland’s local energy economies and act as demonstrators for other communities.”

Women hit hardest by welfare reforms

‘inequalities faced by women have been exacerbated by the welfare reform agenda’ – Clare Adamson MSP

Women are being hit hard on multiple fronts by changes to the benefits system, according to a report published by Holyrood’s Welfare Reform Committee today.

The Committee found women are ‘disproportionately impacted’ by welfare reform across a range of issues and benefits. Its report includes recommendations to the Scottish Government and Department of Work and Pensions, aimed at mitigating the impact of welfare reform on women, including:

An integrated approach to job seeking support across health, housing and social care, to better meet the needs of women.
To tackle the greater dependence of women on the benefits system due to low pay and insecure employment, the Committee calls for better measures to close the gender pay gap and end occupational segregation.

Committee Convener Michael McMahon MSP, said: “The evidence we have set out confirms the devastating impact on women of the UK Government’s reforms to the social security system. Of particular concern is the cumulative impact on women hit by multiple benefits cuts, from child support to carer’s allowance.

“The UK Government urgently needs to look at how women are being affected by these changes and we are also calling on the Scottish Government to look at the gender impact of their own policy decisions.”

Deputy Convener Clare Adamson MSP, said: ““Our report shows inequalities faced by women in Scotland have been exacerbated by the welfare reform agenda. With the Scotland Bill still making its way through Westminster and the Chancellor set to announce even deeper cuts to welfare spending, the Committee is urging the Scottish Government to make use of expected new powers over welfare to help mitigate more of the negative impact of welfare reform on women.

“The Committee would, for instance, support a move away from monthly and single household payments under Universal Credit, as a way of protecting women’s financial autonomy.”

The report will come as no surprise to many, but perhaps of more concern is the scale of cuts still to come: Chancellor George Osborne is expected to announce a further £12 billion of welfare ‘savings’ in his budget on Wednesday.

Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said more women could be pushed into poverty and disproportionately affected by social security reforms if the UK Government cuts £12 billion from its welfare budget.

Commenting on the Scottish Parliament’s Welfare Reform Committee’s Women and Social Security report Mrs Burgess expressed her fears that the UK Government’s emergency budget would only deepen the gender inequalities highlighted in the findings.

The report backed Scottish Government recommendations on payment flexibilities under Universal Credit and it also highlighted the need for gender impacts to be factored into any policy decisions.

Mrs Burgess will meet women at One Parent Families Scotland in Glasgow today to hear their views on how the Scottish Government can create a Fairer Scotland. This comes on the same day as Barnardo’s Scotland and the Scottish Government joined forces to call a halt to proposed cuts.

Mrs Burgess said: “It is alarming to see that women have been disproportionately affected by the UK Government’s benefits cuts and are twice as dependent on social security than men. I am deeply concerned that the UK Government’s £12 billion cuts will only widen this gap.

“With our new powers we will create a fairer and simpler social security system that aims to tackle gender and other inequalities. However we need to know how the UK Government’s cost cutting will affect benefits that are to be devolved.

“Organisations like One Parent Families Scotland and Barnardo’s Scotland see the effects of social security changes on the groups the report highlights as being particularly vulnerable, on a day to day basis, and are rightly concerned about the devastating impact further cuts could have on children.

“We welcome the Committee’s recommendations over Universal Credit and sanctions, and we will continue to do all we can to break down the barriers that prevent women from entering into work.

“Over the next few months we’ll be listening to the people affected by the UK Government’s welfare changes and cuts and, will be making sure we get the views of women on how we can create a system that suits their needs.

“Despite challenges from the UK Government we are tackling poverty head on. Our new Independent Adviser on Poverty and Inequality will be looking at what more we can do to lift people out of poverty, we have invested £296 million in welfare mitigation measures, extended our childcare and are encouraging employers to pay the Living Wage.”

Last week the children’s commissioners for Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland warned in a report to the United Nations that government austerity measures had failed to protect the most vulnerable children. The report said the £12bn of planned cuts would have the biggest effect on the 2.3 million children in the UK estimated to be living in poverty.