Tag: Scottish Government

Scottish Government consults on ending conversion practices

Consultation on measures to protect people from harm

Views are being sought on planned legislation to end conversion practices which seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

The consultation presents detailed information on proposals for legislation in Scotland, setting out what the law would cover and how it would work in practice.

The proposed legislation seeks to prevent and respond to harmful acts while protecting existing freedoms including speech, religion and belief.

Situations that could be covered by the proposed legislation, if carried out with the intention to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity and which cause that person harm, include:

  • therapy or counselling that requires a person to change or suppress on their same sex attraction
  • prescribing medication to suppress a person’s sex drive
  • repeatedly or continuously controlling a person’s activities and appearance
  • repeatedly or continuously threatening or humiliating someone

Equalities Minister Emma Roddick said: “Conversion practices, which aim to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, are damaging and destructive acts that violate people’s human rights. Sadly, these practices still happen today and they have absolutely no place in Scotland.

“In taking forward our commitment to ban conversion practices we are leading the way in the UK and joining the growing list of countries acting to address this harm.

“The consultation responses we receive will help us to further consider those measures we can take to stop the harm of conversion practices and protect those at risk while ensuring that freedoms – including freedoms of speech, religion, and belief – are safeguarded.”

Chief Executive at LGBT Health and Wellbeing Mark Kelvin said: “Conversion practices are widely discredited and extremely harmful and have no place in any inclusive society.

“Whilst we’d like to think that they’re a thing of the past, or not happening in Scotland, we know that some LGBTQ+ people in Scotland are still being subjected to these abhorrent practices and we welcome the Scottish Government’s leadership and action on this issue.

“Our freephone helpline is staffed by a trained team who specialise in LGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing. Callers can expect compassionate and non-judgmental support, resources to help navigate their experiences, and referrals to other support if needed.”

The consultation runs until 2 April 2024.  

Support is available through the conversion practices helpline.

New campaign encourages drivers over 60 to get their eyes examined

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have launched a new campaign encouraging older drivers to consider their driving habits and have a free regular NHS eye examination so they can continue driving safely. 

With recent stats showing 29 per cent of car driver casualties killed or seriously injured in road collisions were over 601, the Fitness to Drive campaign highlights that eyesight can affect the way we drive as we get older and calls for anyone over 60 to have their eyes examined regularly, or as soon as they notice a change. 

It’s common for drivers to adapt their driving behaviour as they get older, for example, by not driving at night or on busier roads to avoid the glare from oncoming traffic, or by driving shorter distances. These adaptations often happen gradually and can be a sign of deteriorating vision.

Janet Pooley, Chief Optometric Adviser, said: “As we get older, we can experience changes to our eyesight, including blurred vision, a reduced visual field and less accuracy when it comes to judging distances, which impact our ability to drive safely.

“The best way to make sure your eyes are healthy is to have them examined regularly and to visit your local optometrist if you notice any problems with your eyesight.

“As well as detecting changes in your eyesight, an NHS eye examination can pick up age-related eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, and it can identify and help prevent other health conditions like blood issues and diabetes, which can also affect driving.”

The campaign reminds drivers that changes in your eyesight don’t have to mean giving up driving and that your local optometrist can often correct your vision with new glasses.

Janet Pooley, Chief Optometric Adviser, continued: “In some cases your optometrist might advise that you require surgery to improve your vision if you have a condition like cataracts.  Outstanding surgical results often enable people to continue to drive safely for many years.” 

In addition to eyesight, other age-related factors can also affect our fitness to drive, such as high blood pressure, medication, and slower reaction times.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead for when they do choose to give up driving and consider alternatives for getting around without a car, including public transport and getting help from family members and friends.

Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “Changes in our eyesight is something we’re all affected by as we get older, and with Scotland’s population continuing to age, it’s particularly important to ensure we all stay safe on the road.

“We’re encouraging everyone in this age group to get their eyes checked regularly to make sure they are fit to drive.”

Age Scotland’s Big Survey 20232 shows driving is the most common way to get around among over 60s, with 72% of respondents saying this is the mode of transportation they use most.

Katherine Crawford, CEO of Age Scotland, said: “We know driving is hugely important to older people and plays a big part in their ability to stay active, mobile and independent.

“This campaign is a good reminder for older drivers to get their eyes examined regularly or, if they notice a change in their eyesight, to make sure they have the best vision for driving safely.”

Betty Gilchrist said: “I’m not as confident at driving as I once was, particularly at junctions where I take a bit more time now.

“Driving in the dark has also become more challenging. The glare from headlights can be dazzling, so I’m reluctant to drive in the evenings and I stick to short journeys on local roads.

“It’s important to have regular eye exams as we get older and our vision changes. Many of us also develop conditions like cataracts which can be picked up at an eye exam and treated to keep us driving for longer.”

Derek MacPherson said: “As I’ve aged, I’ve become more aware of my eyesight changing and how that affects my driving. I’m now less likely to drive long journeys or drive at night, when the glare from other cars and streetlights can make it harder to see.

“Getting my eyes checked by the optometrist is quick and easy, and knowing my eyesight is up to scratch helps me stay confident on the road so I can keep enjoying the freedom of driving.”

The campaign will also address family and friends who may be initiating discussions about driving with their loved ones, which can be a sensitive subject. 

For more information about the campaign or how to book a free NHS eye examination, go to roadsafety.scot.

Follow Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) (@roadsafetyscot) pages for more details.

Working people reminded they can still qualify for Scottish benefits

Payments not just for those out of work

As many people return to their jobs following the festive break, those in part-time and full-time work have been reminded that they can qualify for Scottish Government benefits.

People in work can receive many of the payments administered by Social Security Scotland, including those designed to help low-income families.

The Scottish Government also delivers Job Start Payment – a one-off payment to help young people who haven’t been working meet the costs of starting a new job.

In Scotland, around one in three people getting Universal Credit are in work, and Universal Credit is a qualifying benefit for several other payments.

Thousands of working people get Scottish Child Payment and the other benefits which make up Social Security Scotland’s five family payments.

These consist of three Best Start Grants – Pregnancy & Baby Payment, Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment – and Best Start Foods.

People with jobs can also qualify for Adult Disability Payment, with qualification not based on employment or income, and one-off payments including Winter Heating Payment and Funeral Support Payment.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley Anne Somerville said: ““In January there are lots of people starting new jobs or returning to work for the first time in a while and I’d urge them to check what benefits they may be eligible for.

“I’d particularly highlight the support available to young people starting in work via Job Start Payment.

“This one-off payment can make a difference with the costs of getting up and running in a new job and again we want to make sure it reaches as many eligible people as possible.

“We are helping people across Scotland through the cost-of-living crisis by committing £6.1 billion in social security benefits and payments. That’s £1.1 billion more than the Block Grant Adjustment received due to spend on comparable benefits by the UK Government.”

 Job Start payment helps with the costs of starting a new job such as paying for travel, work clothes or childcare. Eligible people receive a one-off payment of £294.70 or £471.50 if they are a main carer of any children.

It is available to those between the age of 16 to 24 who are already getting qualifying benefits and have been out of paid work for six months prior to finding a job. Care leavers can apply for a further year (up to the day before their 26th birthday) and only need to be out of work and receiving a qualifying benefit on the day of the job offer, not for the previous 6 months.

 Social Security Scotland administers 14 benefits on behalf of the Scottish Government: Social Security Scotland – Benefits

Are you missing out on benefit entitlements? Call Granton Information Centre on 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 to arrange an appointment for a benefits check – email appointments@gic.org.uk

UK Government’s repeated refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire is shameful, says Yousaf

First Minister urges UK to hold the Government of Israel to account

First Minister Humza Yousaf has urged the UK Government to use its position as a trusted ally of the Government of Israel to demand an end to “indiscriminate attacks” that have seen thousands of children in Gaza killed. He has made it clear that those responsible for killing civilians must be held accountable.

Ten weeks since Israel’s invasion of Gaza the First Minister said the UK Government’s refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire is “shameful”.

The First Minister’s latest call comes as the United Nations has expressed concern up to 1.9 million internally displaced people are moving into smaller and smaller pockets in the Gaza Strip.

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) for Palestinian Refugees has warned that 40% of the population of Gaza is now at risk of famine due to “catastrophic hunger”, and the latest Integrated food security Phase Classification (IPC) brief shows Gaza is experiencing a food security emergency driven by ongoing hostilities.

Responding to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the region, the First Minister said diplomatic approaches have so far failed to bring about any change and an immediate ceasefire was needed.

The First Minister said: “The time has come for the UK Government to speak out forcefully and make it clear that Israeli action has gone way beyond a legitimate response to the appalling Hamas attack of 7 October. 

“Hearing comments from an Israeli Government Minister urging displacement of Palestinians from Gaza is deeply disturbing and should be universally condemned. Gaza is Occupied Palestinian Territory and will be part of a future Palestinian state – Gazans should not be subject to forcible displacement or relocation from Gaza.

“The UK Government must make clear that Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli Ministers and military commanders will be held accountable for the killing of thousands of innocent civilians and the deaths of tens of thousands more from starvation and disease if Israel does not immediately cease indiscriminate attacks and allow aid to enter Gaza on the scale needed to avert a humanitarian disaster.

“Hamas leaders must also be held accountable for the appalling attacks against Israeli civilians on 7 October.

“Talk of a sustainable ceasefire from the UK Government has made no difference on the ground, as the situation has worsened for the people of Gaza.

“The UK Government must use its voice and influence to stop the killing – directly with the Israeli government, and indirectly with the US.”

Eight organisations share Victim Surcharge Fund backing

Organisations that support victims of crime have been awarded a total of £405,451 from a fund financed by penalties imposed on offenders who received a court fine.

Eight organisations – including Victim Support Scotland, Dumbarton District Women’s Aid, Migrant Help, The  Moira Fund, The Manda Centre, Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTiS), Action Against Stalking and Dundee Women’s Aid – will share the funding to provide practical help directly to victims.

This is the fourth round of payments from the Victim Surcharge Fund, which was established in November 2019, and takes the latest funding to £1,322,437.

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said:  “I am pleased the fund has provided support to so many people.

“Since financial awards were first made in January 2021, 14 different victim support organisations have benefited from this fund –  all of which have used the money to help people impacted by crime.

“It is only right that the people who commit crimes should pay towards helping those impacted to recover from the trauma and move on with their lives.”

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “Funding to VSS Emergency Assistance Fund made it possible to reach more than 1,400 victims of crime and their families with awards last year totalling over £400,000.

“Too many people face financial hardship as a result of crime, and this funding allows us to cover the costs of essential items such as food vouchers, rent, property repairs, alarms and funeral costs.”

The following organisations are set to benefit from the Victim Surcharge Fund in this round:

Victim Support Scotland (VSS)                                                           £300,000

Dumbarton District Women’s Aid                                                          £11,750

Migrant Help                                                                                         £28,540

The Moira Fund                                                                                    £14,500

The Manda Centre                                                                                £10,000

Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS)                         £20,661

Action Against Stalking                                                                         £15,000

Dundee Women’s Aid                                                                           £5,000

COSLA: ‘Poverty gap in Scotland will continue to grow’

‘A BUDGET OF MISSED OPPORTUNITIES ON TACKLING POVERTY AND LITTLE FOCUS ON PREVENTION’

COSLA has described the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget as a missed opportunity for the communities of Scotland in relation to tackling poverty.

COSLA also added that Scotland’s Council Leaders, Councillors, the Local Government Workforce and communities should be treated with the respect they deserve demonstrated through investment, not cuts.

COSLA said:  “At a special meeting just before Christmas, there was dismay and frustration from Scotland’s Council Leaders about the way Local Government and the communities we represent had been treated in the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget.  As the Budget currently stands, communities will see and feel a range of negative impacts.

“COSLA’s ‘Councils are Key’ budget lobbying campaign set out the case for fair funding that would allow Local Government to deliver for the people of Scotland, particularly around tackling poverty, one of the three shared priorities laid out in the Verity House Agreement.

“The response from the Scottish Government to our Budget ask is disappointing and will mean that the potential that councils have to prevent problems occurring will be limited severely.

“Specifically on poverty, the Budget should have had a focus on tackling the root causes of poverty, particularly its impacts on children. This would have needed a greater prioritisation of the work councils do in prevention and early support.

“The essential social supports councils provide in homes, schools, hubs and communities that aim to support and empower people will be further eroded – this has been the case for a number of years now, due to poor Local Government settlements that cut core funding.

“Services that support Local Government to Keep the Promise made to Scotland’s care experienced children and young people like family support and youth work, are under threat as a result of the proposed Scottish budget. 

“Tackling poverty in Scotland will continue to be a significant challenge when councils do not have the resources they need to support communities.

“This year’s Budget presented the opportunity prioritise prevention and tackle inequity, to invest in communities and realise our ambitions to end poverty in Scotland.

“It did not deliver. Without a fair settlement for Councils, the poverty gap in Scotland will continue to grow. Investing in Local Government is key to a fairer Scotland.”

“The proposed Council Tax Freeze means that money which could have been invested in tackling poverty upstream – in families, communities and schools – is lost, missing a real opportunity to unlock Councils’ potential.

“COSLA’s President, Vice President and political Group Leaders from all parties have written to the Deputy First Minister and are seeking an urgent meeting.  

“Council Leaders will not let this lie, they simply cannot afford to because it will have such a detrimental impact on the communities they represent.”

Choudhury plea to Scottish Government: Make housing a priority

Scottish Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury has implored the Scottish Government to make housing a priority in 2024.  

Mr Choudhury has raised concerns over the festive period that hundreds could sadly be faced with rough sleeping this winter, with many more at risk of homelessness or living in what he says is unsuitable temporary accommodation.  

Mr Choudhury says he is often inundated with casework where constituents are in poor quality temporary housing and are concerned about the lengthy waits for housing.  

It is reported that there could be almost 30,000 people facing homelessness this year. Recent budget plans, however, will see a real-terms cut in homelessness prevention funding for local authorities of £500,000. Mr Choudhury says that this is unacceptable and that the Scottish Government must make it a priority in 2024 to give local authorities sufficient funding.  

Mr Choudhury said:  “I am reiterating my plea yet again this festive season to the Scottish Government to increase funding to local authorities, so that Councils can ensure that they can meet the demand for housing and have the capacity to build more social housing. 

“We also must ensure that Councils have enough funding to make improvements and upgrades to current properties such as retrofitting, which could help improve conditions such as mould and damp which my constituents often report to me. 

“Nobody in Scotland should be forced into homelessness or have to endure seemingly endless waiting in unsuitable housing. 

“I am imploring the Scottish Government to ensure fair funding for local authorities so that they can invest what is needed in our social housing sector and I will continue to make it a priority to campaign for this in 2024.” 

COSLA: Scottish Budget is a ‘missed opportunity’

COUNCIL LEADERS SEEK URGENT MEETING WITH DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

COSLA has today (Friday) described the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget as a missed opportunity for the communities of Scotland in relation to transforming our economy and meeting climate targets.

The councils’ umbrella body added that Scotland’s Council Leaders, Councillors, the Local Government Workforce and communities should be treated with the respect they deserve demonstrated through investment, not cuts.

A COSLA spokesperson said: “At a special meeting just before Christmas, there was dismay and frustration from Scotland’s Council Leaders about the way Local Government and the communities we represent had been treated in the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget.

“As the Budget currently stands, communities will see and feel a range of negative impacts.

“COSLA’a budget campaign set out the case for fair funding that would allow LG to deliver for the people of Scotland, particularly around Transforming our Economy through a just transition to deliver net zero, one of the 3 shared priorities laid out in the Verity House Agreement.

“The response from the @scotgov to our Budget ask is disappointing and will mean that the potential that councils have to prevent problems occurring will be limited severely.

“The Budget is bad news for the just transition to a net zero economy. We are still analysing the impact across all services but one notable cut is to the regeneration capital grant fund (RCGF) and the vacant and derelict land improvement programme (VDLIP) .

“Overall capital regeneration funding to Local Government has been cut by 27%, from £62.5m to £45.8m. This undermines work to regenerate communities, tackle inequalities and to reduce carbon emissions.

“This means the RCGF, which is jointly managed by Local and Scottish Government, now won’t be open to new bids for 2024-25. Our town centres and communities will be worse off due to this decision.

“On a larger scale, cuts to local government revenue and capital funding are completely the wrong things to do if Government is serious about tackling climate change and its impact on society and the economy.

“Given that 82% of all emissions are within the scope of influence of Local Authorities, plans to deliver on the Scottish Government 2030 statutory target must now be in serious doubt a few weeks after Ministers were talking up Scotland at COP 28.

“COSLA’s President, Vice President and Political Group Leaders from all parties have written to the DFM and are seeking an urgent meeting. Leaders will not let this lie, they simply cannot afford to because it will have such a detrimental impact on the communities they represent.”

Supporting children and young people’s mental health

Funding for new project announced

The Scottish Government has announced additional funding for a new project to support LGBTQI+ children and young people’s mental health.

LGBT Youth Scotland will receive £50,000 to establish a new Mental Health LGBT Youth Commission.

LGBTQI+ young people continue to experience significant health inequalities and face real barriers to accessing healthcare.

The Commission will explore barriers and challenges LGBTQI+ young people face when accessing mental health support and services. This work, will be taken forward with young people, and their lived experience will help inform future work, designing targeted and tangible solutions, formulated by the LGBT Scotland Youth Scotland Mental Health Ambassadors.

This project has been developed based on the feedback and recommendations of children, young people and families and will provide important additional mental health support to the LGBTQI+ young people in Scotland.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “I am happy to announce this additional support for LGBT Youth Scotland on top of the substantial investment we are already making in improving the mental health and wellbeing support provided to children, young people and their families.

“We have listened to children, young people and families, and are taking direct action in the areas where they have told us more support is needed.

“Making sure all children and young people can get the mental health and wellbeing support they need, at the right time, is important to this government as our continued record investment in this area goes to show.”

LGBT Youth Scotland, Chief Executive, Dr Mhairi Crawford said: “There is a tremendous amount of work still needed to ensure that the voices of LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland are heard. However, this funding represents a step in the right direction.

“We recognise the current pressures on the NHS, but even during times of crisis, we cannot deprioritise the needs of marginalised groups.

“LGBT Youth Scotland’s Mental Health Youth Commission will see young people share their lived experience to drive change and inform solutions.

“We thank the Scottish Government for supporting this project which will amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ young people, have a significant impact on services and help LGBTQ+ young people across Scotland thrive.”

Minister urges those eligible to apply for Council Tax support

Scottish households have saved more than £3.5 billion in council tax since the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme was introduced a decade ago.

The latest figures published by the Scottish Government show 460,860 recipients received CTR in October 2023, meaning one-in-five households were benefiting from the scheme.

People on low incomes are eligible for CTR if they live in Scotland – there is no equivalent benefit in England where most councils require each household to contribute a minimum amount of council tax, irrespective of ability to do so.

People who receive CTR save on average £800 a year and become eligible for up to 35% off their water and waste charges.

As part of the 2024-25 Scottish Budget the Deputy First Minister also made £144 million available to enable local authorities to freeze Council Tax rates at their current levels, benefitting every Council Tax payer in Scotland.

Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “The Council Tax Reduction scheme celebrated its tenth anniversary in April and these latest figures show the scale of support it has provided to people in Scotland over the last decade.

“Our social contract with the people of Scotland means we are committed to giving an extra helping hand through targeted additional support to those who need it most and it is important everyone is aware of the help that is available to them. 

“Some people are also eligible for other council tax discounts or sometimes full exemptions, including students, people with disabilities and carers amongst others.

“I urge people to check their eligibility for council tax reduction , council tax discounts and other financial support by visiting our online resources or by contacting their local council.”

People can check whether they are eligible for Council Tax Reduction through mygov.scot or by contacting their local council.

Details of other help available including extra financial support or for things like food, heating and electricity can be found on the Scottish Government’s cost of living crisis support website.