Swinney to set out his vision for Scotland in St Andrew’s Day speech

FM’s pledge to ‘create the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive’

First Minister John Swinney will this week pledge to ‘create the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive’, as he urges the country to pull together in a spirit of collaboration to remove barriers to economic and social progress.

In a major speech to representatives from organisations across the public and private sectors ahead of St Andrew’s Day, Mr Swinney will reflect on his approach to leadership and why challenges must be ‘understood and solved from the bottom up’.

In the speech – which will be delivered one week before the publication of the 2025-26 Scottish Budget – the First Minister will say he is “here to do the hard work” in finding lasting solutions to improving people’s lives.

The First Minister is expected to say: “Every single day, I meet inspirational people from all walks of life – people who are doing their bit to make their community, their business or their country that wee bit better today than it was yesterday.

“When added together, those efforts form the engine of progress that is driving our country forward. For me, unlocking that potential is what government is about – it is about creating the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive.

“I do not believe in trying to solve problems from the top down. Rather, I believe they need to be understood and solved from the bottom up. I am not here to dictate from on high to those on the front line.

I am prepared to roll my sleeves up every single day to properly understand barriers to their progress and to find solutions. And in identifying those solutions, I am not looking for quick-fixes or sticking plasters.

“I am here to do the hard work, to lay the foundations for lasting improvements to our country, our economy, and our society. I do not pretend that this style of government is always headline-grabbing, but I do believe it is effective. And, in the long run, I know the results will speak for themselves.”

Joint working to support communities

Marking first year of Verity House Agreement

A report has shown how partnership working between the Scottish Government and councils is helping to deliver on community priorities.

Signed in June 2023, the Verity House Agreement sets out principles for the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), the representative body of all 32 councils, working together to empower local communities, tackle poverty, transform the economy and provide high-quality public services.

The Verity House Stocktake report highlights joint work on local government pay, enabling councils to double the full rate of council tax on second homes, delivering a new national allowance for foster and kinship carers, and close engagement around the Circular Economy Bill.

Finance and Local Government Secretary Shona Robison said the stocktake illustrated the value of the Agreement in its first year and how early, open and regular dialogue has helped to navigate challenges.

Ms Robison said: “The Verity House Agreement has built the foundations for us to work alongside local government in a more positive and proactive way, which enables meaningful and effective delivery of our shared priorities for the benefit of our communities.

“A key priority for Scottish Government and COSLA over the coming year will be to identify opportunities to improve our partnership approach, to fully reflect our shared ambitions such as tackling child poverty and improving public services.”

Councillor Shona Morrison, President of COSLA, said: “During the first year of the Verity House Agreement whilst we have seen some significant challenges, there have been positive results in many areas where adherence to the VHA principles have proved their worth.

“It is for this reason that COSLA welcomes publishing this joint review and why we remain firmly committed to those principles.  We believe that embedding the principles will not only help us overcome the challenges that remain but will continue to enhance and improve the critical relationship between both spheres of government in Scotland.”

Verity House Agreement – Stocktake One Year On – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

5,000 children and young people supported by advocacy service

A scheme that provides dedicated advocacy services for children and young people who are attending Children’s Hearings has been praised by those who use it, according to a new independent report.

The report, Children’s Hearings Advocacy Scheme Scotland-wide provision evaluation, features testimony from children and young people in the Hearings system.

The national Children’s Hearings Advocacy Scheme was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide support for children and young people attending Children’s Hearings.

The demand led scheme is backed by £2 million from the Scottish Government annually and taken forward by a network of ten organisations that provide advocacy services before, during and after a hearing.  

The report highlights the benefits of the service, ensuring children and young people feel:

  • the Advocacy Worker is on their side and there to support them and make sure they understand the Hearings process
  • more prepared, less worried, safer, confident and more in control ahead of speaking at the Hearing
  • supported by having someone else say the things they find difficult to say or to speak for them when they find it hard to attend the Hearing
  • they can access wide support – including at school, health services, social activities and legal support through the advocacy scheme

Access to advocacy is a key element of work to keep The Promise and this scheme, alongside ongoing efforts to reform the Hearings System, plays an important role in ensuring children and young people have their voice heard.

It also aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Act, ensuring children who take up the offer of independent advocacy are able to express their views, feelings and wishes in matters affecting them.

Speaking on the fourth anniversary of the launch of the service, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Natalie Don-Innes said: “The Children’s Hearings System is unique to Scotland and I’d like to pay tribute to the outstanding service and dedication of all those who have worked and volunteered within the system over the past 50 years.

“The Scottish Government has committed to The Promise, ensuring children and young people’s voices are at the heart of this system and the decisions made about their care. Central to this is the support provided by advocacy services and I’m pleased that over 5,000 children and young people across the country have felt supported while attending a Hearing.

“However, we know there is still much more to do to improve the experiences of children and young people who go through the Children’s Hearings System and our commitment to Keeping The Promise is as strong today as it was in 2020.

“The Scottish Government is continuing its work to change the system and will ensure children and young people are at the heart of its redesign.”

Final-Evaluation-Report-September-2024.pdf (hearings-advocacy.com)

Keeping pets at home: Strengthening tenants rights

Greater flexibility to keep pets in homes amongst range of Housing Bill measures

New legislation will introduce a range of measures to improve renting in Scotland, including strengthening tenants’ rights to keep a pet.

Measures in the Housing (Scotland) Bill will allow a renter to make a request to keep a pet in their home and for that to not be unreasonably refused by their landlord. Currently, it is entirely up to the landlord whether a tenant can keep a pet, and they must be given written permission to do so.

Other provisions aimed at providing a good quality, and affordable rental market also include a system of long-term rent controls, with the Scottish Government working with tenants, landlords, investors and developers to bring forward a system that works for tenants and supports investment in private rented housing.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Pets are an important part of the family for many people across Scotland. Tenants have the right to feel at home in rented accommodation and having more control over keeping a pet can play a big part in that and can have additional benefits for their mental health and wellbeing.

“This is just one of a range of measures in the Housing (Scotland) Bill, including long-term rent controls, which will help improve the lives of renters and create an affordable, high-quality, and fair private rented sector.

“The Bill also meets the Scottish Government’s ambition to improve the renting experience in Scotland, whilst also encouraging landlords to invest.

“We will continue to work to create a system that strengthens renters’ rights and supports continued investment in the rental market.”

Gilly Mendes Ferreira, Director of Innovation and Strategic Relations for the Scottish SPCA said: “We welcome the provisions included within the Housing (Scotland) Bill, particularly the safeguarding of the rights of tenants to keep pets and hope that these measures will foster a more inclusive and compassionate rental market.

“Our research has found that over 75% of tenants stated they had a pet for emotional (77%) and mental health (83%) support.

“This survey also highlighted that seven out of 10 tenants would risk becoming homeless if they were no longer able to keep their pet in their current accommodation.

“Sadly, we also found that 37% of tenants stated that they have had to make that unimaginable choice between having a pet and having a roof over their head. 

Transparency needed on spending risks and plans for public services

Public services will come under further threat if the Scottish Government does not set out and deliver a clear and costed vision for public service reform, says Scotland’s spending watchdog Audit Scotland.

Spending pressures have become more acute in recent years and are forecast to grow. But ministers have continued to rely on short-term decisions to balance the books, rather than making fundamental changes to how services are delivered.

Public service reform is a key component of the Scottish Government’s approach to fiscal sustainability. But there is no evidence of large-scale change on the ground, while the Scottish Government:

  • has not yet fully established effective governance arrangements for a reform programme
  • does not know what additional funding is required to support reform
  • and has not provided enough leadership to help public sector bodies deliver change.

The Scottish Government has not been transparent enough with the Scottish Parliament or the public about the medium-term risks it is facing.

The medium-term financial strategy and financial plans for the NHS and infrastructure investment have all been delayed. The absence of these documents makes scrutiny of the current uncertain financial situation more difficult.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: ““People do not fully understand the medium-term risks public services are facing because of a lack of transparency from the Scottish Government.

“The reality is that we need a fundamental change to how public money is spent to ensure services can meet demand and remain affordable beyond the short-term.

“To turn that into action on the ground, the Scottish Government must set out a clearer vision of what its plans for reform will achieve, including delivery milestones and the likely impact of reform on services and people.”

Carers Rights Day: Carers urged to check for financial help

Thousands of unpaid carers could be missing out

This Carers Rights Day (Thursday 21 November 2024), unpaid carers across the country are being encouraged to check their eligibility for financial support from Social Security Scotland.

It is estimated that there are around 800,000 unpaid carers, including 30,000 under the age of 18, providing care for a family member, friend or neighbour in Scotland.

Research also suggests that many do not see themselves as a carer, meaning they do not take up support they are entitled to.

There are three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland dedicated to supporting unpaid carers.

Carer Support Payment is replacing Carer’s Allowance in Scotland and is now available for new applications Scotland-wide.

Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement are only available in Scotland. There has been a 26% increase in Young Carer Grant applications from those aged 16-18 in the 12 months to September 2024 compared to the same period the previous year.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government has supported around 164,000 unpaid carers through social security payments since 2018. We understand their important role and that many may be juggling caring with work, study or family commitments.

“That is why we’ve been working closely with carers and organisations that represent them, to develop a better social security system in Scotland. This includes improving the application process and providing two payments that are only available for carers here in Scotland.

“This Carers Rights Day, I urge everyone who carries out a caring role to find out more about the financial help available. And if you know an unpaid carer, whether a student, work colleague, friend or even someone caring for you, let them know support is available.”

As part of Carers Rights Day, Social Security Scotland has organised a pop-up event at South Lanarkshire College to help raise awareness amongst students about the financial support available and to support them with applying.

Head of Student Services, Rose Harkness, said: “South Lanarkshire College proudly support carers of all ages who provide unpaid assistance to loved ones facing illness, disability, mental health challenges, or addiction.

“Our inclusive environment enables carers to achieve qualifications without barriers through tailored guidance, course and funding advice, and support with completing applications.

“Working in partnership with Social Security Scotland has encouraged more of our carers to check eligibility and apply for funding to help in their caring role.  We are committed to empowering carers for both academic success and personal growth.”

To find out more about the financial support available for unpaid carers visit:  mygov.scot/browse/benefits/carers

Background

  • Carer Support Payment is available to people providing care for 35 hours or more a week, earning a maximum weekly income of £151 after tax, National Insurance and expenses, to someone who receives disability benefits. It replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland and is a payment of £81.90 per week. Carer Support Payment is also available to some carers in education. This includes full-time students aged 20 or over and students under 20 in advanced or higher education. Students aged 16-19 in non-advanced education e.g. studying for National Certificates, Highers and Advanced Highers, may also be eligible. Carers in Scotland who are already receiving Carer’s Allowance don’t need to apply for Carer Support Payment. Their benefits will be automatically transferred. This process is due to complete in spring 2025.
  • Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £383.75 and is available for carers age 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving certain benefits. The money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.  
  • Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an automatic payment made twice a year to unpaid carers receiving Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland or Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The next payment of £288.60 will be paid on Friday 6 December for those who were paid Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 7 October 2024.  The Scottish Government has committed to replace six monthly lump sum Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments with more regular payments alongside Carer Support Payment once case transfer is complete.
  • Information on other support for carers is available at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot 

Improving eating disorder services

New guidance for Scotland

People affected by an eating disorder can expect higher and more consistent standards of care following the roll-out of new national guidance for services.

The publication of a national specification will support both the NHS and local services to deliver person-centred, safe and effective care. The new guidance was developed by a working group of experts with academic and clinical practice experience, alongside people affected and their families.

The blueprint aims to ensure that everyone has access to a high-quality standard of service regardless of what stage they are in their recovery and is for care across all stages of treatment, from primary care to specialist inpatient care.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1859167370272444792

Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “We want to create a more supportive, accessible, and effective care system for everyone affected by eating disorders.

“This new guidance is another step on the way to delivering the recommendations from the National Review of Eating Disorder Services and I am grateful to all those involved in putting it together.

“The full implementation of this specification has been a long-term goal but by working alongside clinicians, patients and their families, we aim to build a brighter, healthier future for everyone affected by eating disorders in Scotland.”

Chair of the National Eating Disorder Network Professor Cathy Richards said: “I’m delighted that the national specification has now been published and want to recognise the hard work of all who have been involved in its development. It is a privilege to work with such a committed group of stakeholders.

“I want to recognise the dedication of those delivering vital care and treatment amidst real and pressing challenges.

“I look forward to working with everyone involved to develop local, regional and national improvements to ensure the new national standards are delivered consistently to benefit all those affected by eating disorders.”

Co-Chair of the National Eating Disorder Specification Working Group, Lived Experienced Peer Researcher, Ellen Maloney said: “The launch of new national guidance is important to make sure that everyone in Scotland who experiences an eating disorder can access the right help at the right time.

“I hope these standards will make a real difference for people with eating disorders, providing the care and support they need.”

Schools share £150,000 investment to mark Book Week Scotland

Reading `picnics’ and campfire projects win library funding

As Book Week Scotland opens, it has been announced that 17 projects will benefit from the 2024-25 funding round through the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF). 

Among these, the S’More Reading For Mental Health initiative which operates at Fraserburgh, Inverurie and Mintlaw Academies in Aberdeenshire will benefit. It uses campfire-themed kits with tents, replica campfires, and nature toys to create a calming atmosphere for storytelling sessions and has been awarded £12,260.

The Craigie Book Blether at Edinburgh’s Craigentinny Primary gets £3,200 to help foster a reading community, engage parents, and raise attainment through “reading picnics” in the library.

There’s also £13,500 for eight Edinburgh Secondary Schools for Back to (Information) Basics – An Information and Digital Literacy Skills Programme.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “As Book Week Scotland gets underway, it’s an important time to reflect on the vital role school libraries play in supporting improved literacy and communications skills in our children. 

“I am very pleased to see a range of creative projects benefit from this funding, which will ultimately encourage more young people to read for enjoyment.”

Alison Nolan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “School libraries play such an important role in providing a safe space for young people to learn while also expanding their horizons through the world of reading.

“Programmes like SLIF allow school libraries across the breadth of the country to tailor their offering to the pupils who make use of the library on a daily basis, and it’s great to see so many deserving projects receive confirmation of their award to kick off Book Week Scotland.”

 

Call to scrap UK voter ID requirements

Policy ‘creates barriers’ in democratic process

Requirements for voter identification brought in by the previous UK Government should be scrapped, Holyrood’s Minister for Parliamentary Business has said.

Jamie Hepburn has highlighted evidence from the Electoral Commission that the new requirements kept potential voters away from the ballot box at the recent UK Parliamentary election, and fears misunderstanding around the need for ID could have a similar impact in Scotland.

In a letter to Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government), he asked for the UK Government to consider scrapping voter ID requirements.

Background

Letter to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Scotland ‘driving progress on global climate financing’

Investment to support just resilience projects

Communities which are most at risk from the impacts of climate change will benefit from Scottish Government funding which will support them to prepare for climate changes ahead.

The Scottish Government will provide £40,000 to Regions4 to deliver a project focused on the emerging area of ‘just resilience’.

The term broadly refers to actions which prepare countries and regions for the known impacts of climate change – whilst recognising that those least responsible for climate change are often most impacted by it.

The project will help create a standardised definition of the term and identify examples of best practice – to help countries in global south access funding to prepare for the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, fire and disease. It will also assess bids from communities within Regions4 partner regions and match relevant projects with suitable funding.

The Scottish Government will also provide £200,000 to help develop cholera vaccine testing in Malawi and Zambia.

These countries have been experiencing a surge of cases brought about by the impacts of climate change. This funding builds on the Scottish Government’s existing partnerships with both countries, and will strengthen local capacity for vaccine testing, distribution and delivery.

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Climate justice is at the heart of COP29 – and the Scottish Government is working to ensure that it supports and champions the voice of communities from the global south.

“Just Resilience has the potential to make a significant impact upon the lives of those most affected by climate change and this project represents a rare opportunity for the Scottish Government to lead on an emerging field of climate action in a way that is in line with our climate justice principles.

“By supporting the development of a globally recognised definition of just resilience, as well as identifying examples of best practice – countries and regions will be able to better identify opportunities for funding and support.

“Ensuring that everyone has access to safe and effective vaccines is also critical – as cases of diseases such as cholera become more prevalent as a direct consequence of climate change.

“These two projects are the latest examples of our work as a good global citizen and further developing the resilience of countries in the global south against the impacts of climate change.”

Speaking about the Just Resilience fund, Regions4 Secretary General, Natalia Uribe said:  “Scotland’s contribution to the Just Resilience Project shows an invaluable commitment to advancing climate and biodiversity action that is both fair and inclusive.

“This support allows Regions4 to bring the concept of Just Resilience to life by capturing and sharing transformative actions from subnational governments in the Global South.

“By establishing frameworks, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration, we are building the capacity of local governments to implement resilient solutions that prioritize the needs of communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.

“Together, we are working to empower these communities, ensuring that they are equipped to face climate challenges and have a central role in protecting our shared future.”

More information on vaccine testing: Global health – International development – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)