Tag: Scottish Government

Pause on debt recovery for people with mental ill health

Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Bill approved by Parliament

Protections for people who are in debt and experiencing mental health problems have been approved by the Scottish Parliament.

The Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Bill includes the power to bring in a pause on debt recovery action until six months after the person has finished treatment.

People may be eligible to apply for the mental health moratorium if:

  • they are receiving crisis mental health care
  • a mental health professional has confirmed that their debt is contributing to their mental illness or is hindering their recovery

Further detail of how the moratorium will work is included in separate regulations now before MSPs and will be subject to a public consultation.

The Bill also makes a number of technical changes to the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016, such as clarifying the time periods for appeals against decisions by the Accountant in Bankruptcy, the organisation responsible for overseeing bankruptcies. It also makes some minor changes to the law covering how debt recovery is carried out in Scotland.

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “Mental health problems can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to manage their finances. This legislation will give them breathing space during which creditors cannot contact them, enabling them to complete their mental health treatment and access money advice services.

“There has been broad support for the mental health moratorium and we will continue to work with our partner organisations as we put the new system in place.”

Chief Executive of the Accountant in Bankruptcy, Richard Dennis, said: “It has been good to see those with an understanding of debt and those with an understanding of mental health crises coming together to design an approach that can offer hope to those facing both these concerns.”

Jo Anderson, Director of Influence and Change at SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), said: “The relationship between poor mental health and debt is well established: debt problems can lead to mental health problems, and mental health problems can result in debt.

“The passage of this Bill, which makes it possible to create a debt moratorium for people with mental health problems that prioritises mental health recovery over the recovery of debt, is really welcome.

“We look forward to working with the Scottish Government and partners to ensure that a moratorium provides robust protections and is accessible to everyone that needs it.”

The Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Bill

Draft of the Debt Recovery (Mental Health Moratorium) (Scotland) Regulations 2024

Progress in tackling child poverty

Annual report published

The Scottish Government is estimated to have invested almost £1.4 billion to benefit children in low income households in the last financial year.

The investment is detailed in an annual progress report which highlights key actions to tackle child poverty including:

  • Awarding almost £430 million to families through the Scottish Child Payment, supporting more than 329,000 children as of 31 March 2024
  • Widening eligibility for Best Start Foods, the benefit which helps low-income families access nutritious food, so thousands more children and pregnant women can benefit
  • Supporting around 4,400 children through continued work to develop a system of school age childcare and continuing to provide 1140 hours of funded childcare for all eligible children
  • Providing free bus travel to over 2.3 million people, with 727,000 children and young people registered as of March 2024
  • Delivering 6,045 affordable homes across Scotland, with two thirds for social rent, between April and December 2023 – helping an estimated 2,015 households with children into affordable housing

Ms Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the First Minister’s top priority and the actions we are taking are making a difference. Modelling published in February estimates that our policies will keep 100,000 children out of relative poverty this year.

“Over the last year we have continued to provide immediate support to families through investment in the likes of our ‘game-changing’ Scottish Child Payment, and by mitigating the Benefit Cap as fully as possible within the scope of devolved powers.

“We have set out, through our Building a New Scotland series, how we would deliver differently in an independent Scotland. Only with the full economic and fiscal powers of an independent nation can we use all of the levers other governments have to tackle inequalities, and we will continue to make this case. However, this will not stop us from taking all the action we can towards our goal now.”

Best Start Bright Futures: Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan – Annual Report

Child poverty cumulative impact assessment: update – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Following a further increase in the value from 1 April 2024, together the Scottish Government’s five family payments of Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Foods and the three Best Start Grant payments could now be worth over £10,000 by the time an eligible child turns six, and around £25,000 by the time they turn 16.

Supporting public services

Public Sector Pay Policy published

A new multi-year, above inflation pay strategy for the Scottish public sector will provide certainty for the workforce while improving public services for the people of Scotland, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

The 2024-25 Public Sector Pay Policy sets out a framework for workers to receive an average 9.3% uplift over three years – providing above inflation protection from forecast inflation rates of 5.7%.

Finance and Local Government Secretary Shona Robison said the framework can be used to take forward negotiations on pay and non-pay elements relevant to individual sectors and workforces.

Ms Robison said: “The most valuable and important asset of public services is their workforces. Our approach to public sector pay in recent years means that people in key public sector roles in Scotland are now paid 6% more on average than in the rest of the UK demonstrating that we have supported public sector workers during the cost-of-living crisis.

“This new above inflation multi-year framework offers public sector workers certainty and a considerable degree of pay restoration when set against expected inflation forecasts up to 2027.

“It also continues our journey to build the Scottish economy and create the prosperity necessary to support people in Scotland – underlining our commitment to strong public services. Scotland thrives when the organisations that support the people of Scotland thrive, and it is my belief this new pay policy will support workers to achieve exactly that.

“The Scottish Government operates on an effectively fixed budget, limiting what can be delivered through pay policy. We have set out a fair framework within the limits of our budget. A change to UK spending plans would be required to increase spending on public services and public service workers.”

The Scottish Government Public Sector Pay Policy 2024-25

Bill passed to provide justice to wrongly convicted sub-postmasters

Post Office Horizon victims to be exonerated

Legislation has been passed that will automatically exonerate sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted as a result of the faulty Horizon IT system, the day after Royal Assent is granted.

Those whose convictions are quashed under the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences (Scotland) Bill will be able to access the UK Government financial redress scheme.

After the Scottish Parliament agreed to use its emergency procedure, the Bill has been introduced and passed in just over two weeks – to allow justice and redress to be delivered to victims as swiftly as possible in line with the UK Bill, which did not cover sub-postmasters in Scotland.

Sub-postmasters who previously sought to appeal their convictions will now also be exonerated, following a Scottish Government amendment to the Bill, brought at Stage two, in Parliament.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “I hope this Bill goes some way to bring justice to innocent sub-postmasters who had their lives ruined by being wrongly convicted of offences of dishonesty on the basis of tainted evidence from the faulty Post Office Horizon system.

“As the UK Government’s legislation was not extended to cover Scotland, we have worked as quickly as possible to ensure parity for affected sub-postmasters here, who will also be able to access the UK Government’s compensation scheme.

“The unprecedented step of introducing legislation to right this terrible wrong was necessary to respond to the scale of the scandal and the length of time that victims have waited for justice.

“We will now be seeking Royal Assent for the Bill as quickly as possible so affected sub-postmasters can have their convictions quashed and then access the compensation they deserve.”

Improving the lives of people with Type 1 diabetes

Increased access to Diabetes technologies

Access to technologies which will transform the lives of those living with Type 1 Diabetes is set to be expanded, the Scottish Government has announced.

Up to £8.8 million will be used to  rollout of loop systems this year to support all children living with Type 1 Diabetes access Closed Loop System technology and increase the provision of these life changing technologies for adults with this condition. 

A closed loop system uses a glucose sensor linked to an insulin pump to automatically calculate how much insulin should be delivered – removing the burden of people needing to calculate their insulin dosage and take injections.

A national team will enable training, education and support to be given remotely from health professionals, including Diabetes specialist nurses and dietitians, as well as peer support from others living with diabetes.

Cabinet Secretary Neil Gray spoke to staff at the new Usher Institute building at Edinburgh University.

During his speech he outlined his vision for how technology and innovation can help make the NHS more sustainable in the future.

Mr Gray said: “Closed loop systems are an incredible asset for those living with Type 1 Diabetes. It not only improves sugar control and reduces the risk of long term complications, but also removes a lot of the burden that people living with type 1 Diabetes face on a day to day basis.

“The use of this technology can make it much easier for people to manage their Diabetes, greatly reducing the risk of the health complications that can be associated with the condition.

“This is an example of the kind of innovation that can help transform healthcare, equipping the NHS to meet the challenges it currently faces. It will also greatly improve the lives of people living with Diabetes, particularly children and their parents.”

Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong condition which affects over 35,000 people in Scotland and around 3,340 children.

Scotland launches refreshed National Events Strategy

SCOTLAND – THE PERFECT STAGE?

Scotland has launched its refreshed national events strategy designed to provide strategic focus for all involved in the planning, securing and delivery of events across Scotland. 

Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035* aims to build on the event industry’s many achievements to date, as well as respond to the ongoing challenges faced by the sector.   It also focuses on a range of national priority outcomes and critical success factors for the sector as it looks towards the next ten years.  

An extensive consultation was undertaken across 2023 to shape the strategy. This involved an online consultation, a programme of industry engagement workshops delivered in partnership with Local Authorities across the country and a series of online webinars with additional stakeholder groups.  More than 300 organisations and individuals engaged and their responses informed the strategy’s key themes and priorities.   

Building on this approach, and in order to ensure a strong, shared ambition, the development and approval was a collaborative effort involving Scottish Government, VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA and Trade Union representatives. 

At the strategy’s core is the need to sustain and develop a dynamic, resilient, and responsible events sector that is recognised as a global leader and valued for its contribution to Scotland’s wellbeing economy.    

Delivery of the strategy’s vision is centred on three critical interconnecting focus areas: Developing Events, Developing the Industry and Developing Scotland.   

A range of aligned priority themes are also identified and form a key strategic focus.  These include: 

·         Inclusive & Responsible Events 

·         Investment and Support  

·         Measuring, Monitoring and Reporting Impact 

·         Portfolio Approach enabling a variety of events and a balanced programme 

·         Attracting, Retaining and Developing a diverse talent pool 

·         Quality Planning and Delivery 

·         Infrastructure and Services 

·         Reputation and Profile  

·         Visitor Economy  

A detailed action plan will be created, building on the set of suggested ‘next steps’ for each priority theme. The Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), together with partners, will help develop and oversee this action plan.  

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The launch of our refreshed national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035 marks a significant milestone for Scotland’s events sector. 

“This strategy is a testament to our collaborative efforts and shared ambition, designed to build on our achievements and address the challenges ahead.  

“With a focus on inclusive and responsible events, investment and support, and a dynamic portfolio approach, we’re committed to developing a sustainable events industry that contributes to Scotland’s economy. The new strategy will ensure Scotland remains a global leader in the events industry.” 

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland said: “Since the development of the first national strategic approach to events in 2008, which was updated in 2015, Scotland has achieved an enviable global reputation as a major events powerhouse, hosting a scale and breadth of major international sporting championships, cultural festivals and much-loved regional events.

“Events are ideally placed to continue to deliver tangible results against a range of national priorities. They serve as catalysts for innovation, bring people together, and span a range of socio-economic impacts that propel society forward.    

“The impact of this consistent and sustained focus on developing Scotland’s events industry over the last twenty years has been transformative. The refreshed strategy not only emphasises the hugely valuable importance of the sector, but it sets out a shared ambition for the next decade which is critical for ensuring Scotland maintains its world-leading events destination status.”  

Peter Duthie, Chair of Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG) said: “Scotland’s events industry is an established global leader, delivering world-class events and experiences that contribute vital social, economic and cultural value for Scotland. 

“The refreshed strategy provides the focus necessary to retain our global status as we look to the future.   It will require us all to work collaboratively, innovatively and responsibly with confidence, determination and purpose, whilst also recognising the part we each play in the continued success of our sector.  It also emphasises the need for continued support and investment to drive continued growth. 

“On behalf of the Advisory Group, I welcome this strategy as we continue to move forward producing an enviable portfolio of business, sporting, and cultural events.” 

scotlands-national-events-strategy-2024-2035-summaryDownload

Delivering the best start in life

Over £829 million in social security payments providing boost for families 

The families of more than 329,000 children under 16 are benefitting from Scottish Child Payment, latest statistics show. 

The weekly payment of £26.70, which is unique to Scotland, is helping families with the cost of living crisis, with over £677 million paid since the payment launched.

Scottish Child Payment is part of a wider package of payments – including the three Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods – which together have provided over £829 million in vital financial support at key stages of a child’s life.

There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments.

In a survey, also released today, the majority of families said that the payments helped their child to take part in social or educational opportunities and also helped them buy milk and healthy food for their children.

Survey responses also suggest that families are finding it straightforward to apply with more than 90% of people noting the application was clear and did not take too long to complete.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “As the First Minister has set out, eradicating child poverty is the number one priority for the Scottish Government.

“Scottish Child Payment plays a key part in that mission. Together with our Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments, this package of financial support, which is worth almost £25,000 per child by the time their child turns 16, is helping to make sure all children in Scotland get the best start in life.

“We have provided over £829 million to help people raise their families, putting money into the pockets of people who need it most.

“This crucial cash is available as soon expectant parents know they are pregnant all the way through to their child starting nursery, then going to primary and secondary school and helps them cover costs of caring for their children.

“We know from our recent research that families say the application process is clear and doesn’t take too long to apply. So I would urge families to apply for our package of five family payments and get the money they are entitled to.”

Technology to help cut Scotland’s waiting lists

Software to reduce hospital waiting times and enhance operating theatre efficiency will be rolled out in NHS boards across Scotland over the next year.

Developed by clinician-led tech company Infix, the national theatre scheduling tool improved operating room efficiency by up to 25% without the need for extra medical staff or additional theatres during successful pilots across three health boards. It also enabled the completion of additional operations for patients which resulted in significant financial savings.

The platform will now support all NHS Boards to increase productivity, remove paper processes, and reduce the overall administrative burden in the creation and approval of theatre lists, which can delay patient treatment.

In a speech in Edinburgh later today, Health Secretary Neil Gray will outline the role of innovation and collaboration in the future of Scotland’s health service.

He said: “Better use of data and digital technology is critical to how we drive improvements in healthcare and is a key part of our plans to reform services.

“This technology is backed by more than five years’ worth of NHS operating times data and is just one of the initiatives that will help enable us to schedule 1.5 million procedures per year – while improving data quality to help safely increase productivity. This will help maximise capacity, build greater resilience and reduce waiting lists.

“Reducing the administrative burden on staff will give them more time to spend on patient care. This is a shining example of how we are embracing cutting edge tools to tackle the challenges facing health and social care.”

enabling-connecting-empowering-care-digital-ageDownload

Tackling pyrotechnic misuse at football

Expert group to consider current legislation

The law surrounding the misuse of pyrotechnics at football will be the focus of a new short-life working group set up by the Scottish Government. 

The group will consider the evidence on, and possible barriers to, the use of Football Banning Orders as a penalty for pyrotechnic possession and misuse.

It is already a criminal offence to take or try to take a pyrotechnic into football matches, while carrying pyrotechnics in public without a reasonable excuse was recently made an offence through the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. The Act gives police powers to stop and search someone where they have reasonable grounds to believe that the person may be in possession of a pyrotechnic in a public place.

Football Banning Orders (FBOs) can be imposed by a Court for up to ten years for violent offences at matches, which could include throwing a lit pyrotechnic as a weapon. The working group will consider if extending the scope of FBOs would be an effective way to further deter the carrying and misuse of pyrotechnics at football.  

The expert working group includes representation from the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and Scottish Football Association, Football Safety Officers Association, Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and is expected to report next year.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of a football match without the fear of serious injury from pyrotechnics.

“We have considerably strengthened pyrotechnic laws, and those who carry fireworks and pyrotechnics in public and into football stadia can face fines and up to six months in prison. Despite this, pyrotechnic misuse at football matches remains an issue.

“We have been working closely with football’s governing authorities and with police on what more can be done to stop this antisocial and dangerous behaviour at football matches.

“Football Banning Orders of up to 10 years, are already an effective measure courts have at their disposal to deal with violent behaviour and I have asked this working group to consider whether extending their reach would be a further deterrent to pyrotechnic possession and misuse.

“Consisting of representatives from football and the justice sector, their review will also take views from clubs, fan groups, as well as front-line services.” 

Calum Beattie Chief Operating Officer of the SPFL, said: “The dangers of pyrotechnics in crowded football stadia are significant and our clubs are keen to work with the Scottish Government, police and the courts to find meaningful ways of tackling this growing problem.

“Recent surveys have also shown that most fans believe there is no place for these devices at games. We are looking forward to playing an active role in this group to examine further how football banning orders can form part of a package of deterrence for any fans tempted to smuggle these dangerous items into grounds.”

Superintendent Chris Stewart of Police Scotland said: “The public have the right to feel safe when they attend football matches and we work with a range of partners, including the clubs, to make sure these events are safe and secure.

“We will engage with the review and support partners involved.”