Scotland’s onshore GDP grew by 0.3% in July 2024 according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician yesterday. This follows no growth in June 2024 (revised up from -0.3%).
In the three months to July, GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.3% compared to the previous three month period. This indicates a slight decrease in growth relative to the increase of 0.6% in 2024 Quarter 2 (April to June).
The two industries which made the biggest contribution to overall GDP growth in July were Manufacturing and Information and Communications Services, both of which contributed 0.1 percentage points of growth to headline GDP.
Plan to help communities understand how climate change impacts their lives
Communities and businesses across Scotland will be given support and tools to help tackle the unavoidable impacts of climate change as part of the Scottish Government’s new National Adaptation Plan.
The Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 (SNAP3) sets out a comprehensive suite of more than 200 actions and proposals for managing the current and future impacts of climate change in Scotland.
Climate change means Scotland will experience more extreme weather. Flooding, water scarcity and hot weather can damage our environment, disrupt public transport and affect our supply of foods, vital goods and services. This means that households, communities, businesses and organisations across Scotland are having to consider the impacts of climate change more than ever.
It includes how sectors including agriculture, transport and health as well as businesses and communities will prepare for more extreme weather events, such as flooding, water scarcity and extreme periods of heat.
These include:
£5.5 million of funding this year to complete a national network of Community Climate Action Hubs to drive locally-led climate action across Scotland
investing £400million investment to Scotland’s railway infrastructure to reduce weather-related disruption
facilitating peer-to-peer support to local governments and public services to prepare for the impacts of climate change for local populations
providing advice and support to businesses on how they can future proof their workplaces through practical check-lists on how to prepare for the impacts of climate change
ensuring the NHS Scotland estate is prepared and equipped to deal with extreme heat and flooding
Launching the plan at a visit to the Restoring the River Leven project, First Minister John Swinney said: “While we must ensure Scotland continues to play its part in addressing the causes of climate change, we must also be ready to deal with the impacts that are already locked in giving us wetter winters, drier summers and more weather-related disruption.
“Our new Adaptation Plan is our most comprehensive response to protecting people’s lives and livelihoods against the risks of climate change – with over 200 actions to build climate resilience in our communities, businesses, public services and natural environment.
“I am proud to lead a Scotland that is driving forward the race to net zero, whilst ensuring that our country is ready for the impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing. This can be demonstrated through the Leven River Restoration Project, which has adapted the local landscape to help reduce the amount of flooding in the area, whilst restoring and encouraging wildlife and nature to flourish. It is a fantastic example of how collaborative working can use nature to adapt to the challenges we face at the same time as delivering benefit for the local community.”
Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Scotland’s natural environment is globally renowned and our water environment, as we can see in Leven today, is central to our environmental, economic and social success. Scotland’s water quality is at its highest level ever, with more than 87% of our water environment achieving good or high classification for water quality, with an ambition to go further.
“Our climate is already changing and as Scotland’s environment agency, we’re at the forefront of working with partners to respond and adapt. The Water Environment Fund, including The Leven Project, is a very visible story for change and a great example of how public, private and community sector partners can successfully collaborate to improve water environments, boost flood resilience and deliver community benefits.
“In Scotland’s Climate Week, it’s fitting that we hear directly from young people and community partner’s who’ve worked so hard locally and who’s future depends on the work that together we do today.”
Fife Council Leader Councillor David Ross said: “”Fife Council welcomes the Scottish Government’s new Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which marks an important step forward in the collective fight against climate change.
“Much has changed since Fife Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and, although we have made significant progress on a number of fronts, we are committed to helping our communities prepare for, and respond to, the effects of climate change.
“The First Minister’s visit to the Restoring the River Leven project highlights the remarkable progress that can be achieved through strong partnership working, in this instance between Fife Council, SEPA, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust and local communities.
“This close collaboration has also led to – and will lead to – additional benefits through the Levenmouth Connectivity Project, the Active Travel Network and River Park Routes as well as The River Park Project that sit alongside the restoration project as part of the wider Leven Programme.
“Fife Council remains fully committed to leading the way in tackling climate change and we are proud to be part of initiatives that not only restore our natural environment but also build resilience for the future.”
Jeremy Harris, CEO at Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, said: “This project to restore the River Leven is a working example of different organisations coming together to deliver something that directly contributes to the outcomes laid out in the new Scottish National Adaptation Plan.
“The carefully considered interventions already under way will return the river to its more natural flowing state ensuring that nature connects through the Leven catchment and delivers direct benefits to the local communities.
“Improved infrastructure with the river at its centre will serve the surrounding communities and enrich the lives of those who make use of it. At Fife Coast and Countryside Trust our mission is to connect environment and people and this river restoration project, running through the heart of Levenmouth, is a wonderful example of how to do just that. I look forward to seeing the natural world and local communities flourish thanks to this work for years to come.”
The UK Autumn Budget should focus on “investment and opportunity”, with more funding for public services, infrastructure and measures to eradicate child poverty, says Scotland’s Finance Secretary Shona Robison.
The Finance Secretary pledged to work with the UK Government and devolved administrations to ensure the Autumn Budget on October 30 “works for all four nations and delivers the change that people need”.
She called for the Chancellor to:
change the rules around borrowing to allow for greater investment in public infrastructure and services
reverse the forecast cut to capital funding, enabling the Scottish Government to invest more in hospitals, schools and transport
abolish the two child limit
deliver an Essentials Guarantee providing basic necessities for those who need them most
take greater steps towards delivering net zero, including by reforming motoring taxation
ensure any changes to tax take account of Scotland’s distinct and devolved tax system
https://twitter.com/i/status/1838594647918084161
Ms Robison said: “When I met with the Chancellor last month, we were in full agreement that we must put people first in all that we do. This principle must be at the heart of the decisions at the Autumn Budget.
“I want to work with the Chancellor, and the governments in Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure that we have a Budget that works for all four nations and delivers the change that people need.
“It does not need to be another Budget of challenge and constraint. Instead it can be a Budget about investment and opportunity.
“We’re calling for measures to tackle child poverty and grow our economy. We’d like to see new rules around borrowing that support investment in public services. We want the UK Government to work hand in hand with the devolved administrations to provide the funding to deliver on our priorities.
“These are the choices I encourage the Chancellor to make.”
Agenda for Change pay offer accepted by trade unions
Almost 170,000 nurses and healthcare workers in Scotland will receive a 5.5% salary increase this year, ensuring they have the best reward package in the UK.
Unions representing NHS Agenda for Change staff – which includes nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, porters and others – unanimously agreed to an investment of more than £448 million for improved pay conditions.
The pay rise, backdated to 1 April 2024, will come into effect from next month.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I am pleased that trade unions have unanimously agreed to accept this pay offer, which ensures that nurses and healthcare staff in Scotland, who are part of Agenda for Change, will have the best reward package in the UK.
“I want to express my thanks again to Scotland’s hardworking healthcare staff for the care they provide to patients, day in, day out. They are the very backbone of the NHS and we are committed to ensuring they feel supported and valued.”
Record high NHS 24 workforce to meet increased demand
A record number of NHS 24 call handlers will support the public to access the most appropriate care this winter as services deal with increased demand.
Through the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint Winter Preparedness Plan, continued investment for NHS 24 will increase service capacity to provide clinical supervision for at least 150,000 additional calls per year and help prevent unnecessary A&E attendances.
Key measures to support services in the face of increased demand, include; improving discharge planning for patients admitted to acute or community hospitals, maintaining established care at home packages and a Government led delayed discharge response team to directly support Boards in need of assistance. Planned care capacity will also be safeguarded with a continued focus on clearing long waits.
The annual winter vaccination programme, which includes respiratory condition RSV for the first time, will support a reduction in severe disease, hospitalisation and mortality – while protecting health and social care service capacity. The joint plan also sets out action to support the mental health and well-being of service staff through increased flexible working options and dedicated mental health resources.
This year’s plan has been published a month ahead of last year, and earlier than ever before, to allow more time for NHS Boards and care providers to prepare for winter surges in demand.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “As winter approaches, the NHS will see surges in demand across all health, social care and social work services. Our joint Winter Plan with COSLA is just one part of a wider programme of work to respond to heightened demand.
“A record number of NHS 24 call handlers will be available this winter to direct people to the most appropriate care, helping reduce unnecessary A&E attendances. We will continue our work to reduce delayed discharge in hospitals with an increased focus on effective discharge planning and protecting care at home packages. We will also ensure planned care capacity is protected as much as possible in the face of winter pressure so patients are seen as quickly as possible.
“We are prioritising frontline services with over £14.2 billion investment in our boards this year – an almost 3% real terms uplift – and also investing £2 billion in social care services.
“I thank all health, social care and social work staff for their continued efforts and dedication to deliver high quality care. It is fundamental we safeguard their wellbeing, and improved options on flexible working and continued access to mental health resources will ensure staff are supported over this challenging period.”
COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly said: “It is our shared responsibility to ensure that people and communities have timely access to quality care and support when they need it most.
“We know that Local Government and Health and Social Care Partnerships across Scotland are working hard to plan and deliver the essential health and social care services our communities rely on every day.
“The context within which this takes place is increasingly challenging, which is why COSLA have worked jointly with the Scottish Government to produce this plan. Local Government plays a key role in supporting people to experience better wellbeing and better outcomes, so it was only right that this plan reflects the whole system of integrated health and social care, from acute and primary care to social work, our care homes, community settings, and our partners across the sector.
“Winter is often a time of exceptional pressure on our services so I am pleased that this plan, produced with our partners across the sector, reflects the challenges and the opportunities we face.”
Legislation to raise funds for fixing cladding issues
Proposals for a tax on developers, aiming to raise funds to fix building safety issues in Scotland, have been published for public consultation.
Views are being sought on the proposed Scottish Building Safety Levy, which will be introduced under powers due to be devolved by the UK Government later this year. The consultation will open on 23 September and run for eight weeks, closing on 18 November.
The levy would apply to the construction of new residential buildings, mirroring measures being introduced in England through the UK Building Safety Act. Funds raised would support the Scottish Government’s cladding remediation programme.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “We are keen to hear from people across Scotland about our proposals, which would raise funds from developers to help safeguard people living in buildings with unsafe cladding.
“I know that developers share our determination to keep people safe and have continued to make significant progress.This legislation will build on that momentum, ensuring developers make a fair contribution to address building safety defects in Scotland, just as the UK Government is asking them to do in England.
“We are continuing our work in partnership with developers, in line with our New Deal for Business and Framework for Tax, to ensure this levy best contributes to our mission of keeping people safe.”
Climate Week NYC’s message this year is “It’s Time”: celebrating those driving climate action, challenging everyone to do more and exploring ways to increase ambition – and it’s time for our politicians to jet off to the Big Apple!
Climate Week NYC inspires, amplifies and scrutinises the commitments, policies and actions of those with the power to make change happen, while pushing the transition into the mainstream of business and government, showing what can be achieved.
Ministers discussed the need to deliver urgent action on climate change in the three nations, the importance of ensuring a just transition to net zero, and the critical importance of working together towards our shared UK wide goals.
While each nation faces different challenges and will have its own priorities, the twin imperatives to act now and to act fairly means embracing the benefits of collective action.
Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to share knowledge and experience to help each other make progress on reducing emissions reductions, creating climate resilience and working together to create the conditions for real, lasting and fair change across the three nations.
Ministers are looking forward to working with the new UK Government Ministerial team to further drive climate action across the UK.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin said: “It is time to move from ambition to action and I am honoured to be here to further build influence of devolved states and regional governments within the international climate debate all whilst having a strong focus on capacity building.
“I believe Devolved Administrations can learn from each other as we accelerate a just transition to net zero. There was a real impetus amongst us all today to continue these conversations ahead of COP29.
“Scotland has a unique opportunity as Under 2 European co-chair and Regions4 president to continue championing other subnational governments.”
Deputy First Minister of the Welsh Government, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “This needs to be the decade of action.
“We are showing leadership and commitment by setting our ambitious targets, but it’s time to focus on action and the wider benefits of taking action such as clean air, better homes and places to live and work.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to showcase Wales’s success stories, and to connect with colleagues in Governments across the world to share solutions and work together towards this most important goal.”
Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for the Northern Ireland Executive, said: “I am delighted to be able to join my Scottish and Welsh Ministerial colleagues this year to attend New York Climate Week as a member of the Under 2 Coalition.
Climate change is one of my top priorities. Attending this key event enables us to put Northern Ireland on the global stage and engage with others about ways to both tackle and grasp the opportunities arising from climate change.”
During their visit to New York, Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers will be attending a range of events and engagements which will include meeting with Ministers, Heads of States, Governors and business leaders.
New Scottish Government campaign encourages people to make their own organ and tissue donation decision and ‘Have the Chat’ with those close to them
Organ and Tissue Donation Week runs from 23rd-29th September, with 2024 marking 30 life-saving years of the NHS Organ Donor Register
Campaign reminds people of the choices they have under Scotland’s opt out system of organ and tissue donation
The Scottish Government has launched a new campaign to mark Organ and Tissue Donation Week (23rd-29th September 2024), encouraging more people to make a choice about their organ donor decision and, importantly, ‘Have the Chat’ with their loved ones about their choice.
The new ‘Have the Chat’ campaign comes as research[1] reveals that while more people in Scotland know if their family and friends prefer tomato or brown sauce – fewer know their organ and tissue donation decision.
When polled, members of the public were more likely to say they knew their loved ones’ coffee order or whether they’re a dog or a cat person, rather than if they’d want to donate their organs and tissue.
Findings also revealed that while more than three quarters (77%) of respondents know their loved ones religious or spiritual beliefs, only half (51%) are aware of their organ and tissue donation decision.
To launch the campaign, former Miss Scotland and radio presenter, Keryn Matthew took to the streets of the capital to encourage members of the public to ‘Have the Chat’ with their own family and friends.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register and celebrates the thousands of lives that have been saved thanks to people agreeing to the gift of organ donation. With many still awaiting transplants, it remains vital for people to confirm their organ and tissue donation decision.
Under Scotland’s opt out system of organ and tissue donation, Organ and Tissue Donation Week serves as a reminder for people to make their choices known and not leave their loved ones in doubt.
Nobody understands the importance of the gift of donation more than 29-year-old Martin Dillet, who underwent four liver transplants before the age of 30.The father of two has shared his story to highlight the life-saving impact it had for him.
Martin said:“I was diagnosed with a rare liver disease as a baby and had my first transplant at just three years old. Things went back to normal after that – I had a great childhood and went on to meet my wife, Danielle in 2012 before welcoming our first daughter in 2021.
“I always thought of my donor over the years. It wasn’t a conscious thought process – more a constant sense of being grateful for a second chance a life. However, in 2023, my health started to deteriorate rapidly and doctors discovered that the liver that had kept me alive for 25 years was failing.
“Things moved pretty quickly after that and I ended up going into full liver failure and was placed back on the transplant list at the same time as we were preparing for the birth of our second child. What should have been one of our happiest times as a family became one of the most anxious as we waited to hear that a liver had become available.
“Thankfully, we received a phone call and I received my transplant in September 2023. Everything went well with the operation, but unfortunately by the next day it became clear that my new liver wasn’t working. It’s an extremely rare complication and the only option was for me to go back on the list.
“We got the news that a new liver was available and I went back into surgery. This time it became immediately clear that the new liver wasn’t working properly. Doctors made the difficult decision to remove my liver entirely and I was added to the transplant list for a fourth time.
“We were nearly out of hope, but after 36 hours with no liver, I received my third liver transplant all within the space of five days.
“This time, everything went well and after being in a coma for 18 days I finally woke up and was reunited with my family. Danielle and I are so sincerely thankful to all my donors and their families.
“It’s so unfortunate that two of my transplants didn’t take, but it doesn’t change what my donors did for me and there are no words to describe how much it means to us.
“They gave me a chance to be here for my girls, Georgia and Amber, to see them both grow up.”
People in Scotland can choose to be a donor, or to opt out. If people aged 16 and over choose to do nothing, it may be assumed that they agree to be a donor if they die in circumstances where donation is possible, unless they are in a group for whom the opt out system does not apply or it would be against their views.
Data shows that 90% of families would support organ and tissue donation if their loved one had confirmed their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register[4]; however, over two in five (43%) are yet to register their choice[5].
James Powell, Associate Medical Director, Surgical Services, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Consultant Transplant Surgeon, NHS Lothian, said: “Martin’s story is incredibly inspiring and we wish him and his family all the very best.
“If you participate in any part of transplantation, you know that every transplant takes a full team including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, donor services and family members, all working together.
“Most important though is the generosity of organ donors who have given the ultimate gift of life. With their gift, and the support of family members in achieving their loved one’s wishes, the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit has been able to help many patients.”
The NHS Organ Donor Register was set up to promote organ donation and allow people to record their decision to donate.
It was the result of a five-year campaign by John Cox and his daughter Christine after their son and brother, Peter, died in 1989. He had asked for his organs to be used to help others.
To find out more and register your decision, visit the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.scot.
Protected zones of 200 meters around all abortion services in Scotland are now in place.
Within these zones, it is now a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress.
Police Scotland are responsible for enforcing the legislation. People who break the law can be fined up to £10,000, or be given an unlimited fine, depending on the court procedure.
Determining whether an offence has been committed will be a matter for Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Courts.
Depending on the facts and circumstances of each case, some examples of criminal behaviour may include: approaching someone to try and persuade them not to access abortion services, surrounding people as they try to go in or out of the clinic or hospital, handing out leaflets, religious preaching and silent vigils.
Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “The introduction of Safe Access Zones is a crucial milestone in protecting women’s abortion rights – no one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions and the law now makes that abundantly clear.
“I thank Gillian Mackay (pictured below) and all those involved for their work to progress this legislation.
“I would like to especially recognise the women who showed incredible courage in speaking up and sharing their experiences during the Bill process.
“The new zones of 200 meters around all abortion services will help ensure women have safe access to healthcare – free from intimidation. This law is about protection for women at a time when many will feel incredibly vulnerable around taking a deeply personal and difficult decision.”
Full details of the penalties that apply for committing an offence.
We are protecting access to abortion services.
From Tuesday 24th September, The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024 comes into force. It will create protected zones of 200 metres around all premises providing abortion services.
FM: Scotland will target investment from UK Energy initiatives
First Minister John Swinney says the Scottish Government will focus on maximising investment from newly created UK Government energy initiatives, including Great British Energy, the National Wealth Fund and the Clean Power 2030 Mission, in projects in Scotland.
The pledge came as the First Minister co-chaired his first meeting of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board, the key expert body which advises the Scottish Government on energy. The First Minister was joined by the Chair of Great British Energy Juergen Maier, the Head of Clean Power 2030 Unit Chris Stark and representatives of Scotland’s energy sector to plan the way ahead for Scotland.
Speaking at the meeting – which was the first engagement event between the Scottish Government and Great British Energy – the First Minister said it is vital Scotland is seen as an attractive proposition for GB energy and pledged his government’s support to make sure investment opportunities are secured.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Clean, green energy represents a massive opportunity for Scotland. Not only does it help tackle climate change but it can be a huge stimulus of jobs and prosperity for Scotland for decades to come.
“We welcome the creation of Great British Energy and Clean Power 2030 and now it is up to Scotland to maximise the investment and opportunities that will come to projects in Scotland from these initiatives.
“Having the heads of both Clean Power 2030 and Great British Energy in Scotland today, meeting with the leaders of Scotland’s energy sector, is the next step in doing exactly that. It means we can make sure Scotland is ready to grab the chance for jobs and green growth they represent. It is a chance we will grasp with both hands.
“Scotland has already made great strides towards a clean, fair and secure energy system and we are continuing to accelerate our enormous renewables potential and work to ensure the maximum possible economic and social benefit from the opportunities created.”
