The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Adults with Incapacity Amendment Act (the AWI Amendment Act) consultation.
We consider this a valuable opportunity to comment on the proposals and the importance of reform to mental health legislation. It is positive that the proposals align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and incorporate some of the recommendations of the Scottish Mental Health Law Review (SMHLR).
However, whilst we acknowledge the fact that the Scottish Government have stated that this is an initial step towards longer term and larger changes in the law, we do not think that the proposed amendments go far enough to truly introduce positive change for people subject to the Act.
The ALLIANCE have concerns about the amendments approach being taken. Instead, we recommend that the Scottish Government legislate for a rights based system of supported decision making that will replace guardianship and which is in line with the UNCRPD.
We do not believe that the proposed new principles can be fully realised without a new supported decision-making framework that is robustly resourced, implemented and independently scrutinised to support them.
Holyrood’s Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin and UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband today signed a collaborative agreement on partnership between GB Energy and Scottish public bodies.
This aims to ensure that GB Energy maximises investment in Scotland:
Collaborative agreement between the Scottish Government and UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Vision
The Scottish Government and DESNZ have a shared objective in ensuring that Great British Energy (GBE) is set up to deliver effectively and maximise the benefits of its activities in Scotland.
Our joint objective is to secure investment in domestic priority supply chains and infrastructure to increase the pace of delivery of clean energy technologies, and maximise the economic benefits arising from this, including through creating jobs. GBE’s mission is to drive clean energy deployment, to create jobs, boost energy independence, and ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers and communities reap the benefits of clean, secure, home-grown energy, as set out in its Founding Statement.
Developing partnerships with existing Scottish public bodies active within the clean energy sector – including Crown Estate Scotland, the Enterprise Agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank – is a way in which GBE can deliver quickly and effectively, avoid duplication, and deliver maximum impact and value for money from Scottish projects. Scotland already has a strong pipeline of clean energy and supply chain opportunities, and is at the forefront of floating offshore wind development.
DESNZ and the Scottish Government will therefore explore opportunities for GBE to partner with these Scottish public bodies, as well as the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). These partnerships will seek to deliver increased investment in the clean energy supply chain in Scotland and related areas of value, to support community and local energy, and to support parity between GBE’s activities in Scotland and those in the rest of the UK, recognising Scotland’s institutional landscape. The Scottish Government and DESNZ will continue to engage on areas of mutual interest as GBE’s activities and commercial models evolve to promote equivalent opportunities for Scottish public bodies, where organisations can work together to deliver joint objectives.
DESNZ and the Scottish Government will also explore how GBE’s activities support the delivery of priority supply chain and infrastructure development work already being undertaken in Scotland, and activity to support community and local energy in Scotland.
Our work will help ensure that GBE’s supply chain work aligns with and enhances these activities, thereby supporting accelerated deployment of the existing Scottish offshore wind pipeline and other clean energy projects.
This agreement makes no changes to the devolved or reserved competences of either party, and this agreement will operate consistently with the devolution settlement.
Potential activities in scope
The following are potential investment activities which could be supported through a partnership between GBE and the Scottish public bodies:
the clean energy supply chain, including ports infrastructure, manufacturing and construction activities
land to support these activities
services that support supply chain development, such as digital
community and local energy projects
The clean energy supply chain includes ports and harbours, wider clean energy infrastructure, manufacturing, fabrication and construction activities.
GBE will be operationally independent, with the ability to make decisions on its own activities, within the legal framework set out in the GBE Bill, and respecting the Scottish Ministers’ devolved competences.
Where there is any formal collaboration between the Scottish Government and DESNZ on supply chain and infrastructure investment activity, this will be developed and agreed on a case-by-case basis bringing in other delivery partners as required.
Nothing in this agreement should be construed as conflicting with the Scottish Ministers’ devolved powers and functions which take precedence over this statement. This agreement does not create legal obligations between the parties.
Emergency donation of £250,000 to support relief efforts
Humanitarian aid efforts in the Middle East will receive funding of £250,000 in response to a Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Appeal.
DEC, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) and Mercy Corps will use the funding to support humanitarian activities as the situation in the region continues to deteriorate.
£200,000 will contribute to a fund shared between DEC’s 15 member organisations helping to provide food, water, medical assistance and shelter to displaced people in the region. SCIAF and Mercy Corps will each receive £25,000 to support aid activities.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Thousands of innocent people have been killed in the crisis in the Middle East, with millions more displaced and left without certainty about how to access to shelter, food, clean water and medical care.
“The humanitarian crisis in the Middle East continues to deepen and spread, and an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation of conflict is needed to prevent more innocent lives being lost and bring an end to the unimaginable suffering this conflict has caused.
“Urgent humanitarian aid must be provided to all those who need it, and this contribution from the Scottish Government will assist the Disasters Emergency Committee, SCIAF and Mercy Corps in ensuring it reaches as many people as possible. Members of the public can also pledge support and make donations to the DEC Appeal in a variety of ways and I would urge everyone to consider donating if they are in a position to do so.”
The DEC appeal for the Middle East launched today (17 October 2024).
Details are available on the DEC website for how to donate to the Appeal.
UK government accelerates “skills passport” and with Scottish Government strikes deal for Great British Energy to work with Scottish public bodies
Energy Secretary visits Aberdeen as UK and Scottish Governments partner to make billions available in funding across the UK including for Scotland’s clean energy industry
UK and Scottish Governments strike new deal for Great British Energy to work with Scottish public bodies to support clean energy supply chains
UK Government also confirms the speeding up of delivery of a ‘skills passport’ to support oil and gas workers to move into offshore wind
The UK Government will take decisive action to help make available billions of pounds in funding across the UK including for Scotland’s clean energy industry, the Energy Secretary has pledged ahead of a visit to Aberdeen.
The Energy Secretary will visit Aberdeen with Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier for the first time since the city was announced as the headquarters for the UK’s new publicly-owned energy company.
Following the visit, the UK Government is set to sign a new agreement with the Scottish Government today (Thursday 17 October) to boost Great British Energy’s ambitions to support clean energy supply chains and infrastructure.
By developing partnerships with Scottish public bodies in the clean energy sector – including Crown Estate Scotland, the Enterprise Agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank – Great British Energy can deliver quickly and effectively, avoid duplication, and deliver maximum impact and value for money from Scottish projects.
Scotland has a strong pipeline of opportunities and is at the forefront of floating offshore wind development, and Great British Energy is in prime position to help accelerate this work by harnessing expertise in project development, investment and work with local communities.
Great British Energy has £8.3 billion of funding over this Parliament, and work is underway with the energy industry in Scotland to use this for public investment to create new private sector jobs and drive projects in Scotland.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Scottish energy workers will power the United Kingdom’s clean energy future- including in carbon capture and storage, in hydrogen, in wind, and with oil and gas for decades to come as part of a fair transition in the North Sea.
“Unlike in the past we’re also working closely with the Scottish Government with a new agreement to ensure our publicly owned company Great British Energy is primed to accelerate clean energy investment in Scotland.”
This follows the announcement in the summer of a partnership between Great British Energy and The Crown Estate, covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which could support the leveraging of up to £30-60 billion of private investment.
Ahead of the visit, the UK Government has also confirmed that oil and gas workers will be supported to move more easily into careers in the renewable sector, including offshore wind, as the UK government accelerates delivery of a ‘skills passport’.
The passport is an industry led initiative overseen by RenewableUK and Offshore Energies UK and supported by the UK and Scottish Governments which will align standards, recognise transferable skills and qualifications and map out career pathways for suitable roles. A digital tool for workers is set to be piloted by January 2025.
The UK Government’s Office for Clean Energy Jobs is working closely with Skills England to support other British workers on the energy transition, which by 2030 could create hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the UK.
Many of the skills required for the transition already exist, with research from Offshore Energies UK showing that 90% of oil and gas workers have transferable skills for offshore renewable jobs.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “I welcome this collaborative agreement committing Great British Energy to work with our public bodies to maximise investment into Scotland.
“Scotland already has a strong pipeline of clean energy and supply chain opportunities, is at the forefront of floating offshore wind development, and has a depth of knowledge and experience on community & local energy. We look forward to working with Great British Energy to ensure it delivers real benefits for the people of Scotland and a just energy transition.
“To make sure that no offshore energy workers are left behind, the Scottish Government provided initial funding of £3.7 million between 2022 – 2024 for the development of the industry-led Skills Passport.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: “The UK government will support our world class, world leading offshore workforce with the recognition they deserve and support the transition to renewable jobs in the future.
“This is an area the UK Government and Scottish Government can and should work in partnership to deliver for Scotland and harness the potential we have to truly lead the world in renewables jobs. That’s why we have set out to reset the relationship between Scotland’s two governments to deliver better outcomes for Scots.
“It should be easier to switch between oil and gas and renewables work offshore. The present situation, where training in one industry isn’t recognised in the other, cuts off opportunities for oil and gas workers. The fact some workers are paying out of their own pockets is scandalous.
“We need to cut that red tape and deliver a skills passport that allows offshore workers to move flexibly back and forth between both industries in the years and decades to come.”
Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier said: “The clean energy transition is a huge opportunity for Scotland, which is already at the cutting edge of technology like floating offshore wind, and Great British Energy is well positioned to help accelerate the development of key supply chains and infrastructure.
“By working closely with the Scottish Government, alongside The Crown Estate in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we can help to drive forward investment and create jobs across the country.”
RenewableUK’s Executive Director of Offshore Wind Jane Cooper said: “The upsurge in offshore wind jobs over the course of this decade and beyond creates excellent opportunities for highly-skilled oil and gas workers to bring their valuable experience to the clean energy sector.
“We’re working closely with our colleagues at Offshore Energies UK, and the UK and Scottish Governments, to make that transition as smooth as possible across all parts of the energy industry. The Energy Skills Passport is a great example of what we can achieve together and we’ll continue to look for other potential areas of work that can further support the transition of workers between sectors.”
David Whitehouse, Chief Executive Officer, Offshore Energies UK comments: “This package of announcements contains significant measures for firms, their workers and their supply chains across the UK.
“The skills passport is an important part of the toolkit industry is assembling in recognition of the integrated nature of the energy landscape. Those working in our domestic oil and gas sector have powered the country for the last fifty years and will play a critical role in our energy future.
“The sector is committed to working in partnership with government to leverage our industrial strengths to deliver a managed transition that creates opportunities for people and communities around the country.”
In Wales, the UK Government is already discussing how Great British Energy could work in partnership with their publicly-owned renewable energy developer, Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, and other public bodies to deliver on shared priorities with the Welsh Government.
The UK Government is also working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on opportunities for Northern Ireland, to help accelerate the clean energy transition across the United Kingdom.
Yesterday (Wednesday 16 October) the Energy Secretary also confirmed that Liz Ditchburn has been appointed as Chair of the North Sea Transition Authority, which regulates and influences the oil, gas, carbon storage and offshore hydrogen industries. Liz is a highly experienced public sector leader and will help to deliver the UK Government’s plans for a phased, responsible and prosperous energy transition in the North Sea.
Scotland intends to support inclusive education in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia with funding of up to £12.5 million over the next five years, First Minister John Swinney has announced.
The funding will support two programmes, the first of which aims to remove barriers to quality education for out-of-school children with disabilities and additional support needs. The second programme will support girls and women to complete secondary education and transition to tertiary or technical education.
The First Minister met the High Commissioners of Malawi and Zambia, and the Deputy High Commissioner of Rwanda during a series of engagements in London yesterday (15 October), where he re-affirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to collaborative international development with its partner countries.
The First Minister said: “This funding aims to help overcome some of the persistent barriers faced by women, girls and children with disabilities, to ensure they have equal access to education, and are fully included in the social and economic life of their communities.
“The Scottish Government has prioritised this work as part of our commitment to international development and good global citizenship, working in partnership with our counterparts in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia to meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development goals.
“So I am very pleased to confirm this additional funding in support of those efforts. I am also grateful for the work of Oxfam, Link Education International and local partners in all three countries who are delivering these programmes to help some of the world’s most marginalised learners, who have the same right to a quality education as anyone else.”
H.E. Macenje Mazoka, Zambia High Commissioner to the United Kingdom said: “The Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education in Zambia is a testament to the strong bonds between our nations.
“Their support for programs that enhance access to quality education for all, especially for marginalised groups, aligns perfectly with Zambia’s vision for equitable development.
“We look forward to strengthening the positive impact this partnership will continue to have on our education system and the lives of Zambian students, particularly those who are the most vulnerable.”
CONSTRUCTION has begun on the second phase of affordable homes in South Queensferry which will provide a much-needed boost to housing supply.
Cala Homes (East), in partnership with Manor Estates Housing Association (MEHA), has broken ground on 25 social rent homes at its Queensferry Heights development near the Firth of Forth.
The £4.3 million project, supported by the City of Edinburgh Council with grant funding from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Investment Programme, includes 15 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 10 three-bedroom terraced houses.
It builds on the 19 homes that have already been built and handed over to MEHA as part of the first phase, taking the total number of affordable homes delivered across the development to 44.
The second phase of homes are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026, providing new opportunities for families and individuals seeking affordable living in the area.
Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “Given all the challenges around building new affordable homes in Scotland we are delighted to have agreed all the terms required to start work on this second, larger phase.
“Manor Estates Housing Association is based locally and has already proven to be an excellent partner to work with at this location. Together we’re able to ensure that those moving in can benefit from warm, efficient and contemporary homes, within a flourishing community.”
The development, located in a prime position near the Forth Bridges, offers excellent transport links and access to local amenities, making it a desirable location for new residents. As with the first phase of 19 MEHA homes, the second phase blends seamlessly with the wider private development.
In addition to its attractive location, the development has been designed with sustainability and community in mind, featuring energy-efficient homes and integrated green spaces.
Cala have signed a contract with housing association, Manor Estates, to provide 19affordable homes at Cala’s Queensferry Heights development.
Pictured: site manager Gavin McCann and Manor Estates’s CEO, Claire Ironside and Chair of the Board, Rachel Hutton (Glasses)
Amanda Hay, Property Services Director with Manor Estates Housing Association said: “Our goal is to create safe, sustainable communities, and this project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration with Cala Homes and support from the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council.
“We are delighted to have appointed C~urb Property Development to provide a full development consultancy service for this phase of new homes.”
C~urb Property Development, part of the Link group of companies, provides expert affordable housing development services to a range of customers including Registered Social Landlords cross Scotland.
Keith Giblett, Chair with Queensferry and District Community Council (QDCC), said: “QDCC is pleased that Cala has found a way forward to deliver the much needed affordable homes working with Manor Estates, an existing provider of homes in Queensferry.
“The added benefit is the Community Council has good working relationships with Manor built up over many years which is good for the community of Queensferry.”
Aid for communities suffering worst drought in a century
Thousands of drought-affected households in Zambia and Zimbabwe will receive support from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund.
Christian Aid and the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) will each receive £175,000 to enable both charities to provide cash to communities to meet their immediate basic needs, including food and safe drinking water.
SCIAF will support 1,530 households in Zambia with cash transfers of 600 kwacha, equivalent to £17 a month. Christian Aid will provide cash transfers to 562 drought-affected household in Zimbabwe and promote services that work to prevent gender-based violence, which can increase during times of instability following major disasters.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Between a record drought exacerbated by the climate crisis and ongoing cholera outbreaks, the current situation in Southern Africa looks very bleak.
“This funding will ensure people in some of the hardest hit communities can put food on their families’ tables, buy basic essentials, and safe drinking water – which is critical to prevent further spread of cholera.
“Scotland must fulfil its role as a good global citizen and a big part of that is supporting those who have contributed the least to climate change, through the worst of its effects.”
SCIAF Chief Executive Lorraine Currie said: “Right now, people in Zambia and neighbouring countries in Africa are at crisis point, with failed harvest after failed harvest.
“The root cause is climate change, which is ravaging the region. It’s making weather patterns more extreme with more intense, more frequent droughts, floods, and heat waves. Rural areas, where most people farm to feed themselves are the hardest hit.
“This funding from the Scottish Government will literally save lives. Working through our local partners, we will make sure the most vulnerable people are reached with cash grants which will give them the freedom to quickly buy what their families need to survive. These are our sisters and brothers and we will not forget them.”
Christian Aid’s Zimbabwe Country Director Aulline Chapisa said: “We’re deeply grateful for the Scottish Government’s commitment and support. This funding will enable 562 vulnerable households to access essential food items and will be delivered by our local partner the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. It will also help to significantly reduce levels of gender-based violence by improving access to information and support services.
“Sadly we know that during times of crisis and food insecurity cases of domestic violence increase. Additionally, with extra funding from Christian Aid, we’ll be improving access to safe water supplies and supporting people to diversify their means of earning a living. Ultimately this project is about life saving food assistance and building resilience and wellbeing in these communities.”
An incremental pay increase offered to Resident Doctors, formerly known as Junior Doctors, and Dentists in Training will ensure NHS Scotland remains an attractive place to work and train in, Health Secretary Neil Gray has said.
If accepted by trade union members, the investment of more than £64 million in 2024-25 will see an 8.5% pay increase backdated to 1 April 2024, with a further 2.3% increase applied from 1 October 2024.
The offer will make significant progress towards tackling pay erosion and is in line with the shared aims of the multi-faceted 2023-24 pay deal, which included commitments to contract reform and work on a pay bargaining review mechanism.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Following weeks of constructive engagement with BMA Scotland, I am pleased to have agreed a pay offer that will ensure that our Resident Doctors, and Dentists in Training continue to feel valued while allowing NHS Scotland to remain the place of choice for them to work and train in.
“I want to express my thanks again to Scotland’s hardworking Resident Doctors, and Dentists in Training. I am pleased we have been able to work together to honour the agreement from 2023-24, with this offer making significant progress towards resolving pay erosion.
“I am grateful for the continued efforts around the table and, with the unions now consulting their members, I hope it will be accepted.”
This pay deal represents a £64.1 million investment and means a doctor at the start of their career will receive a salary increase of £3,418 in 2024-25. For those at the end of their training, the rise will be £7,088 over the same period.
The starting salary for a Dentist in Training will increase by £4,239 in 2024-25. For those at the end of their training, the rise will be £5,902 over the same period.
A year on from the Scottish Government commitment to increase investment in culture by £100 million annually by 2028-29, stakeholders have indicated confidence in the culture sector remains low due to the lack of clarity from the Government regarding how the additional investment will be rolled out, say the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.
The Committee say the Scottish Government should provide this greater clarity and certainty to the sector following the UK Spending Review, when it has more clarity on its longer-term budgetary outlook. The findings are part of the Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny of the culture portfolio ahead of the Scottish Government Budget 2025-26.
The Committee says it recognises the challenging environment facing public finances currently and welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase investment in culture by £100 million annually by 2028-29. It also welcomes the intended minimum £25 million increase in culture funding for 2025-26.
The Committee say the recent temporary closure of the Open Fund for Individuals was unhelpful given the urgent need to restore confidence in the culture sector.
It says it’s unclear why Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government were unable to resolve any issues before the fund closure was announced and is seeking reassurances from both that lessons have been learned from the significant uncertainty this caused to the sector.
The Committee add that the recent postponement of announcing the Multi-Year Funding Programme outcomes until January 2025, a matter of weeks before those decisions were scheduled to be announced, has led to yet more uncertainty for the sector.
The Committee say there is a need for a substantially improved relationship between Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government and therefore welcome the proposed review of Creative Scotland.
As part of this review the Committee say it should review the legislation which sets out Creative Scotland’s statutory roles and responsibilities, consider where it sits within the wider culture sector, and the level of resourcing it requires to fulfil its functions.
Following the significant concerns highlighted by the Committee regarding Creative Scotland’s handling of the funding for Rein, the Committee say the review must also consider effective governance and transparency.
The Committee also welcome that this will form part of a wider review of the way the culture sector is supported, which it says will be valuable in supporting the effective distribution and investment of additional funding for the sector. However, the Committee say it is key this review does not delay the delivery of additional investment, including the planned minimum £25 million additional funding for 2025-26.
The Convener of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, Clare Adamson MSP, said:“We recognise the funding challenges facing the Scottish Government and we welcome their commitment to increase investment in culture by £100 million annually by 2028-29 and the intended £25 million at least increase for culture in 2025-26.
“We think the Scottish Government should provide greater clarity and certainty to the culture sector on planned funding increases following the UK Spending Review, when it has greater clarity on its own budgetary outlook as this can increase confidence in the sector.
“There must also be a strategic approach taken for any increased funding to ensure the Scottish Government maximises the impact of the increased investment in culture that it has committed to deliver. That’s why we welcome the review of the way the culture sector is supported.”
The Deputy Convener, Alexander Stewart MSP added: “The temporary closure of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals and the postponement of announcing the outcomes of their Multi-Year Funding Programme only add to the feeling of uncertainty and precariousness across the culture sector.
“We believe the relationship between Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government must substantially improve and while we welcome the proposed review of Creative Scotland, we recommend it should be independent and look at effective governance and transparency.
“We support this forming part of a wider review of the whole culture sector, how it is supported and funded, in order to foster a sustainable and thriving sector for all.”
Emergency legislation will be introduced to Parliament to contribute to the sustainable long-term management of Scotland’s prison population, Justice Secretary Angela Constance told MSPs.
The Bill, to be introduced in November, will propose a change to the release point for short-term prisoners serving sentences of less than four years. At present they are released at the halfway point of their sentence. Under these new proposals they will be released after serving 40% of their sentence, with prisoners serving sentences for domestic abuse or sexual offences excluded from the changes.
The Justice Secretary said the wellbeing of victims and the safety of communities will be a priority when implementing the measures, and the Scottish Government will engage directly with victims organisations.
The proposals, scheduled to come into effect from February next year, would apply to both those currently in prison and those sentenced in future. If backed by Parliament, it is estimated the changes could result in a sustained reduction to the prison population of between 260 and 390.
The proposals in the legislation would also give Ministers powers to change the point of release under licence conditions for long-term prisoners serving sentences of four years or more. This follows the recent public consultation on long-term prisoner release, which highlighted various areas requiring more in-depth consideration with partners.
While not currently proposed, contingency planning for the emergency early release of short-term prisoners is being undertaken, should it be needed to ensure the health and welfare of prison staff and prisoners during a continuing rise in the prison population.
In her Parliamentary statement, Ms Constance underlined the importance of public safety and putting in place a sustainable long-term strategy to tackle the rising prison population.
Speaking after delivering her statement, the Justice Secretary said: “I am prioritising actions that can deliver a sustained reduction to the prison population. Public safety remains paramount, which is why I am focusing on short-term prisoners only and with built-in exemptions.
“I recognise the concerns that may arise from victims and their families and I am committed to working closely with victim support organisations on key issues.
“The measures I have outlined are necessary to support prisons to continue to function effectively and I remain grateful to Scottish Prison Service staff for their continued resilience. We must ensure that we have a prison estate which houses those who pose a risk to the public and provides the full range of support needed for people to leave on a better path and never turn back.”
These prison management measures follow yesterday’s announcement that victims of crime will receive improved support, advice and information under reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme that entitles victims or close relatives of homicide victims to certain information about the person responsible for the crime.
