Regulations, including safeguards, approved by MSPs
The Scottish Parliament has approved the early release of some short-term prisoners to address the impacts of a recent rapid rise in the prison population.
Under current modelling, based on the criteria set out in the regulations approved by Parliament, around 514 eligible prisoners will be released in four tranches from the 26 June.
Public safety will remain a priority, and underpin all decisions, with safeguards built in. Only prisoners serving less than four years and due to be released within 180 days are eligible for release.
Certain categories of prisoners are automatically excluded and not eligible for early release under the plans; that is any prisoner who: is serving a life sentence, is on the Sex Offenders Register, is subject to a non-harassment order, or who has an unspent conviction for domestic abuse.
As an additional protection, prison governors will have the power to veto the release of any otherwise eligible prisoner, if they deem them an immediate risk to a specific individual or group.
In addition, the regulations ensure that victims will be able to receive information about the release of a prisoner in their case through, or as well as, a named victim support organisation, where the victim has requested it.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Immediate and urgent action is needed to deal with the significant recent rise in the prison population. The same challenges in prisons are faced across the UK and the UK Government has taken similar action in England and Wales.
“Through this emergency early release plan, backed by Parliament, we are responding to this critical situation and ensuring the safety and welfare of staff and prisoners.
“Protecting the public remains my absolute priority, which is why there are significant and robust safeguards in place and only those due to be released in the next short while are eligible. Releases will also be completed in tranches so the necessary support can be provided to safely resettle released prisoners in their communities.
“We are working with victims organisations to ensure the right information and support is available where needed. In addition, the existing statutory schemes of information for victims will continue to ensure that victims who wish to receive information about an offender’s release, including emergency early release, can do so.
“This is part of a significant package of measures we are taking in both the short and longer term to deal with the continuing rise in Scotland’s prison population, which remains one of the highest in Western Europe.”
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has launched a public petition calling on the Scottish Parliament to host a national debate to bolster safeguards for threatened listed buildings
The petition, validated on 6th June 2024 by the Scottish Parliament, calls for an urgent Parliamentary debate to address a gap in legislation that leaves listed buildings across the country vulnerable to demolition.
The current loophole allows councils to demolish listed buildings under emergency public safety powers without providing evidence to justify their actions.
The case follows the highly controversial demolition of Category B listed Ayr Station Hotel by South Ayrshire Council which is still on going.
It has been carried out due to public safety concerns, following a major arson attack last year, but without the reports or surveys to justify the decision being made public and without providing evidence that alternatives to total demolition were robustly explored.
While fully recognising the paramount importance of making dangerous buildings safe, enhanced guidance is needed to address this policy gap, setting out the minimum structural evidence and process before undertaking demolition works to listed buildings on public safety grounds, including when consulting national heritage advisor Historic Environment Scotland. This will ensure only the minimum demolition necessary takes place to make the building safe, avoiding excessive or total demolition.
SAVE’s petition is calling for policy safeguards to ensure that listed buildings like Ayr Station Hotel cannot be demolished without robust and transparent justification.
We are specifically calling for the following policy controls to be introduced alongside existing public safety legislation:
1. Enhanced policy guidance setting out the minimum evidence and processes required by local planning authorities before making decisions on demolition of listed buildings under emergency powers
2. A mandatory policy requirement for local planning authorities to engage conservation-accredited engineers in all cases involving listed buildings
Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, said:“We see a huge opportunity in bringing this national issue to the attention of MSPs and opening a much-needed debate on the protection of listed buildings across the country.
“These buildings are gifts to the nation from the past – and we should be taking every step necessary to ensure they are protected from unnecessary demolition – as is intended by the legislation.”
Paul Sweeney MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow, said:“This petition addresses a glaring loophole in existing policy. It is not acceptable that councils can demolish listed buildings in Scotland – using so-called public safety powers – without providing evidence to show that there is no alternative to demolition.
“It is my hope that the Scottish Parliament’s petitions committee backs this petition so that we can strengthen protections of listed buildings in Scotland.”
Jocelyn Cunliffe, acting chair of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland, said: “The AHSS supports SAVE’s petition to the Scottish Government to provide enhanced safeguards for listed buildings across Scotland.
“Local authorities are empowered to act timeously to save listed buildings and it is imperative that all options be considered and that there are adequate checks and balances before demolition, which should be a last resort, takes place.”
Joe Traynor, director of The Scottish Civic Trust, said:“The Scottish Civic Trust endorses SAVE’s petition which encourages policy makers to respect and boost the protection of Scotland’s historic buildings.
“These need to be protected, reused and celebrated as unique to the make-up of our communities and places.”
Current conflict of interest
In cases involving the use of emergency powers on grounds of public safety, current legislation creates a potential conflict of interest for Local Authorities between the legal duty of Planning Departments to protect listed buildings under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1997 and the duty of Building Control Departments to make any dangerous building safe, including via demolition, under Section 29 of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
The drawn-out demolition of large parts of Ayr’s Category B listed Station Hotel by South Ayrshire Council following an arson attack which damaged the building in September 2023, has brought this issue into the national spotlight.
Following the fire, the Council assumed legal responsibility for the site, with Building Control proceeding to demolish the south wing of the building, without publishing detailed evidence to justify its actions, and no requirement to gain approval from Historic Environment Scotland before doing so.
SAVE has remained consistently opposed to the council’s decision to pursue demolition and raised these issues of national heritage importance at a specially convened cross party round table at the Scottish Parliament in November 2023.
Photos published with this press release show the devastating impact of the demolition of the Station Hotel’s highly ornate south wing – and subsequently much more of the building.
In February, SAVE called for the retention of the listed building’s surviving north wing and tower as a key priority in South Ayrshire Council’s emerging vision for Ayr Town Centre which went out for public consultation in January 2024. These sections of the listed building were far less extensively impacted by the fire in September 2023 and could have formed the foundation for a refurbished modern railway station without tearing the heart out of the town.
However, South Ayrshire Council began demolition of the tower and a substantial portion of the north wing in April 2024, on the grounds of public safety. Yesterday, the council announced that this demolition is “on target” to be complete by 17th June 2024. A Dangerous Buildings Notice has been issued by South Ayrshire Council requiring the owner of the building to make the surviving section of the north wing safe.
SAVE’s petition, which addresses this loophole in legislation which allows councils to demolish listed buildings under emergency public safety powers without providing robust justification, was published on 6th June 2024 by the Scottish Parliament and is now open to signatures.
The next stage will be consideration at an upcoming Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee (CPPPC) meeting, at which point the committee will decide on what action will be taken.
This can include asking for a debate about the petition in the chamber or recommending actions for the Scottish Government. SAVE’s petition has called for an urgent Parliamentary debate.
TOURIST TAX: Local authorities empowered to invest in tourism
MSPs have backed legislation giving councils a new power to introduce a visitor levy that would raise funding for local visitor facilities and services.
The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill will enable local authorities to apply a levy on overnight stays with all money raised to be reinvested in services and facilities largely used by tourists and business visitors. Similar levies already apply in tourist destinations across Europe, including Amsterdam and Berlin as well as in countries outside of Europe, such as Canada.
Councils that want to introduce a visitor levy will be able to do so after they have consulted with local communities, businesses and tourism organisations.
An 18-month implementation period will then apply before any local authorities can introduce a visitor levy scheme in their area. This is to provide adequate time for councils and businesses to put in place the systems needed to collect and administer a levy.
An expert group of representatives from the tourism industry, COSLA and other partners will continue to work together to produce guidance for local authorities putting in place a visitor levy scheme.
Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “We share a vision with the tourism industry for Scotland to be a global leader in tourism and one of the most economically, environmentally and socially sustainable destinations in the world.
“A visitor levy can help achieve that vision by empowering councils to raise funding, if they wish to do so, that can be invested in local visitor services and activities.
“This Bill has been a clear example of partnership working between the Scottish Government, local authorities and the tourism industry, in line with the New Deal for Local Government and New Deal for Business.
“We have sought to deliver as much flexibility to local authorities as possible and to listen to businesses to make it as easy as possible for them to adopt these measures.”
Councillor Katie Hagmann, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, said: “I am extremely pleased that the Visitor Levy Bill has now passed through stage 3 in Parliament. With the introduction of these new Visitor Levy powers, councils across Scotland will have the ability to use a discretionary mechanism, that is firmly based on local flexibility.
“The opportunity of these new powers recognise the great diversity of Scotland’s communities, acknowledging that a one-size-fits all approach does not work. It will allow councils to respond to the needs and circumstances of both the local communities and our important visitor economies.
“The revenue raised through the introduction of visitor levy powers will be to the mutual benefit of residents, tourists and businesses. There will be opportunities for much-needed additional investment, potentially available across a range of facilities and services, from transport and culture to maintaining and improving our world-famous natural heritage and environment.
“The visitor levy is a crucial step towards greater empowerment for local government, and we will continue to progress joint work with the Scottish Government in ensuring the smooth progression of these powers into the hands of councils across Scotland.”
Council Leader Cammy Day has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s decision to pass the Visitor Levy Bill.
He said: “We will continue to work closely with the sector, @VisitScotland and other partners to develop the scheme in the months and years ahead.”
Former Edinburgh city council leader SNP Cllr Adam Nols-McVey said: “Delighted to see this pass! It took a great deal of work, determination, engagement & collaboration when I led this process & changed @scotgov policy.
“The tourist tax can create investment for Edinburgh to help communities & local businesses thrive!”
The earliest a visitor levy could come into force would be spring 2026.
LAST this week (Wednesday 22 May) leading figures in agriculture, primary food production and land management in Scotland came together with MSPs at Holyrood at a parliamentary reception sponsored by Elena Whitham MSP.
The reception, attended by more than 130 guests, was hosted by the newly constituted Food and Agriculture Stakeholder Taskforce (FAST) and sponsored by Ms Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, to stimulate discussion and understanding with Members of Parliament about what is needed to promote sustainable and profitable agricultural production in Scotland.
Next generation farmers Nicola Wordie from Aberdeenshire and Cameron Wilson from Ayrshire were the main speakers, detailing what they want to see for the future of the sector and what those in the room can do to help them and the wider industry achieve this. The guests were invited to sign a pledge board to champion the industry in the future (see below).
During the evening, FAST Chair Neil Wilson emphasised the significance of the multi-faceted agricultural and primary food production supply chain to Scotland’s economy and the importance of pragmatic policy for its sustainable future:
“Agriculture generates more than £3.3 billion for Scotland’s economy and there are some pivotal decisions being made in parliament in coming weeks that will impact the future economic success, or otherwise, of the nation’s agriculture and sustainable food production.
“At a time when food security, cost of living and environmental pressures put the industry at the heart of matters, last night at Holyrood was an excellent platform to launch FAST as a formalised group and to have direct conversations with those who will be influencing future policy developments.”
Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity also gave an address highlighting the important UK Government deliverable of Scotland retaining at least 17% of the total farm budget going forward.
Mr Wilson, who is also Executive Director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), welcomed the recognition from Parliamentarians of the sector coming together to clarify and constructively address key areas of concern: “FAST is strongly supportive of the principles of co-design and collaboration, and we want to work constructively with government, politicians and other stakeholders to ensure a resilient and thriving farming and primary food production sector in Scotland.
“We know parliamentarians value the support from FAST members who have done a lot to help them understand the complex nuances and interdependencies within Scotland’s farming businesses and how policy changes might impact them.
“The reception gave FAST the stage to remind policymakers of the extensive and varied expertise within the organisation and how easily they can access people to sense check sectoral implications of agricultural policy changes via one body. Since its formation, FAST has aimed to be included at the sharp end of forming policy and how to best support Scotland’s rural economy and people to thrive.”
FAST first met in September 2022 and was recently formalised to speak collaboratively as one voice on common objectives. The aim is to identify the most effective proactive and reactive action for the industry in response to opportunities and threats affecting Scottish food production and farming through changing policy.
FAST has been providing information to MSPs ahead of the amendments being considered at Stage 2 of the Bill in the Scottish Parliament during May. This reflects the group’s desire for policy that supports agricultural businesses and communities and ensuring a robust level of expert scrutiny from the sector.
The 16 founding organisations of FAST are: Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), National Beef Association (NBA), National Sheep Association Scotland (NSA Scotland), NFU Scotland (NFUS), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI), Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society Ltd (SAOS), Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW), Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), Scottish Beef Association (SBA), Scottish Craft Butchers, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), Scottish Pig Producers (SPP), Scottish Quality Crops (SQC), Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA)
A search for local heroes from communities across Scotland is underway as the Scottish Parliament announces plans for a special commemorative anniversary event to take place on Saturday 29 June.
Every Member of the Scottish Parliament is being asked to nominate one of their constituents who have made an extraordinary contribution to their communities, their local hero. They will be invited to attend the event on the Saturday 29 June alongside their MSP.
The event will mark almost 25 years to the day since the Scottish Parliament was officially opened on 1 July 1999. Taking place in the Debating Chamber, the day will mark the achievements of the Parliament over the last 25 years as well as being a celebration of Scottish culture.
Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “As we prepare to mark 25 years of the first sitting of The Scottish Parliament, it reminds us of the significant political journey that the Scottish people have been on and the progress that’s been made since 1999.
“Our event in June is an opportunity for people from across Scotland to celebrate with us. To reflect on the role that MSPs and the Parliament have had over the past 25 years and the importance of continuing our commitment to our founding principles.
“A cornerstone of this commemorative event will be recognising the extraordinary contribution people from across Scotland make to their communities.
“I look forward to welcoming people from all over Scotland for a day of reflection and celebration.”
Local Heroes have taken part in the opening ceremonies of the Scottish Parliament in 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2021.
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body securely processes journalists’ data for the purpose of enabling reporting on the work of the Scottish Parliament, in line with current data protection requirements.
A call for views on the Scottish Government’s proposals for National Outcomes has been launched.
The Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee will lead Holyrood’s committees in scrutinising the proposed new and revised measures under the National Performance Framework.
Views are being sought from across the public sector, from businesses, the voluntary sector and from communities.
The deadline for submitting views is 28 June 2024.
Finance and Public Administration Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson said:“The Scottish Government must, by law, review the National Outcomes for Scotland at least every five years.
“Earlier this month the government published its proposals for new and revised National Outcomes.
“Our committee will lead the Parliament’s scrutiny of the new proposals and, working with other Committees, consider whether the proposed National Outcomes are the right ones for Scotland, and whether the Government should make any other changes.
“Our Committee, along with others, will also examine whether the 13 proposed Outcomes will lead to better lives for the people of Scotland, as intended by the Scottish Government.”
Call for Views
The committee’s call for views asks nine questions about the proposed National Outcomes.
The Scottish Government explains that the National Performance Framework is Scotland’s wellbeing framework.
The National Performance Framework aims to get everyone in Scotland to work together to deliver on the National Outcomes. This includes:
national and local government
public and private sectors
voluntary organisations
businesses and
communities.
What are National outcomes?
The Government explains that National Outcomes are part of the NPF and are the broad policy aims which, with the NPF, describe the kind of Scotland “in which we all want to live”.
The Scottish Parliament must be consulted on proposed National Outcomes and also considers the consultation the Government has carried out.
The Scottish Government’s Report on proposed National Outcomes and its consultation was published on 1 May 2024.
Committee Scrutiny
The Finance and Public Administration Committee is leading consideration of the proposed National Outcomes, although some other Committees will wish to consider evidence in their areas of interest. There is one consultation for all Committees which seeks views on the Government’s proposed National Outcomes.
What happens next?
Once the consultation has closed, the responses will be analysed, and that analysis will be sent to the relevant Committee to consider.
It will be for each Committee to consider what action they may wish to take, including whether to publish their views in a letter or a report to Parliament.
Speaking at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) annual Scottish Dinner in the Scottish Parliament last week (8 May), BVA President Dr. Anna Judson highlighted how vets in Scotland have shown resilience in the face of ongoing challenges to the profession. She also called for important legislative reforms for animal welfare and for futureproofing the veterinary professions.
Addressing guests including Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, BVA Honorary Member Edward Mountain MSP, other Members of the Scottish Parliament, as well as senior representatives from animal health and welfare organisations and colleagues from across the veterinary profession,
Dr Judson highlighted issues including the significant threats from avian influenza and the expected spike in Bluetongue virus cases; the impact of the XL Bully ban on vets in practice; and the intense pressure on vet teams following the negative media coverage of the proposed Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into the UK’s vet services market for pets.
Speaking about the CMA review, Dr Judson reiterated BVA’s support for “healthy competition and informed consumer choice”, highlighting the organisation’s new guidance to help vet practices provide greater client choice by improving transparency around fees and practice ownership.
She also cautioned about the impact of “inaccurate and unfair media reporting” on vet teams, saying: “We’re keen to see healthy competition and informed consumer choice within the veterinary services market and this external scrutiny is a welcome opportunity to reflect and ensure we’re continuing to deliver the best possible service for both patients and clients.
“However, we are also acutely aware of the impact the CMA review is having on the profession. Inaccurate and unfair media reporting, characterising vets as scammers who are preying on pet owners’ desire to do the very best for their animals, is leading to many vet teams reporting increased levels of abusive behaviour from clients, both in person and online.
“Of course, this portrayal of vets simply isn’t true and as a practising vet of more than 30 years, who knows first-hand the quality of care which vet teams deliver day in, day out, it’s painful to see our profession misrepresented in this way.
“I’m pleased to be able to stand here and tell you that BVA is tackling this issue head on, both with the media and by ensuring the veterinary profession’s perspective is fully heard and understood by the CMA.”
Dr Judson emphasised the importance of reflecting on what the profession can do “to rebuild the trust between us and our clients” and the steps BVA is taking to support all vets.
She said: “We have developed guidance for our members and the wider veterinary profession on how practices can be more transparent in relation to vet fees and practice ownership, improving how we explain prescribing and dispensing options for veterinary medicines, and ensuring we explain different treatment options which take into account the full range of clients’ circumstances, known to vets as providing ‘contextualised care’. It’s a positive step that will help move the profession forward.”
Despite the challenges posed by the CMA investigation, the BVA President acknowledged that it also presented an opportunity for positive change and expressed the hope that it would act as a catalyst for a much-needed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
Dr Judson called on gathered delegates to help BVA put pressure all political parties to keep this issue on the agenda and ensure this UK-wide legislative change happens, saying: “We cannot build a modern and effective veterinary profession on the foundations of legislation which was created in a very different era.
“The current Veterinary Surgeons Act fails to embrace the potential of the wider veterinary team. We do not work in isolation as vets, we are closely supported by others – such as registered veterinary nurses, vet techs, musculoskeletal professionals and equine dental technicians, yet these important roles are not recognised.
“The legislation fails to offer any legal protection for the title of veterinary nurse. Highly skilled and qualified, registered veterinary nurses work closely with veterinary surgeons, yet no formal training or qualifications are actually required for someone to call themselves a ‘veterinary nurse’.
“This must be rectified. As must the Act’s failure to regulate veterinary practices, meaning that individual vets and veterinary nurses are held accountable for business decisions which can directly impact on animal health and welfare. This is simply not appropriate.”
Dr Judson went on to highlight BVA’s calls for another key legislative change for animal welfare and public health. Speaking about the recent bans against XL Bully-type dogs, she welcomed the opportunity to work closely with Scottish Government as the details of the ban were developed.
However, she cautioned that breed-specific legislation has “consistently failed to protect people since its introduction,” saying: “Alongside our work to support the veterinary profession through these bans, we are continuing to press the UK Governments, in Scotland working alongside MSPs, for a complete overhaul of the dangerous dogs legislation.
“Breed specific legislation as enshrined in the Dangerous Dogs Act is ineffective and hard to enforce. It must be replaced with breed neutral legislation which deals with aggression in all dogs, and has responsible dog ownership and training at its core. Only then can we properly protect the public.”
The BVA President ended her speech by thanking BVA Scottish Branch colleagues for all their hard work and support, and welcoming Vivienne Mackinnon, who was formally elected as the new Branch Junior Vice President at the AGM on Tuesday afternoon.
Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, responded to the speech as BVA’s Guest of Honour.
The appointment of Angela O’Hagan as the new Chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission is to be endorsed by the Scottish Parliament on 16 May.
The Scottish Human Rights Commission’s role is to promote widespread awareness, understanding of, and respect for human rights.
The appointment follows an open recruitment process which sought candidates with a proven track record of promoting human rights, experience of successfully leading an organisation and excellent interpersonal and team working skills.
Professor O’Hagan will take up post in August 2024.
Angela O’Hagan is currently Professor of Equality and Public Policy at Glasgow Caledonian University where she created the current MSc in Human Rights and previously led the MSc in Citizenship and Human Rights.
She is the Depute Director of the WISE Centre for Economic Justice.
Her career encompasses leadership roles in the community and statutory sectors in Scotland, including as Director of Carers Scotland, and Head of Campaigns and Communications with Oxfam Scotland, after a period with the Equal Opportunities Commission.
Throughout her career Professor O’Hagan has focused on integrating equality and human rights analysis in public policy, policy analysis and service design.
She has served on a number of advisory and project groups with successive Scottish Governments including currently as the independent chair of the Equality and Human Rights Budget Advisory Group and the National Advisory Council on Women and Girls, and previously as a member of the Commission on Local Tax Reform.
Professor O’Hagan has an international profile, particularly in gender and human rights budgeting, and through membership of academic and civil society networks. In 2019, she was awarded the Jo Cox Award for Public Service and Activity Citizenship by the Political Studies Association.
Terms of appointment
The appointment is for a single term of 6 years.
The post attracts a daily fee rate of £351 and is not pensionable.
The time commitment is 10 days a month, 120 days a year.
The Scottish Human Rights Commission
The Commission is the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) for Scotland. NHRls are independent organisations established by law, to promote and protect human rights.
The Commission is one of over 100 NHRls around the world.
The Bill contains six main parts, addressing areas such as rent control, eviction procedures, tenant rights, and homelessness prevention.
It seeks to introduce measures to enhance tenant protections, prevent homelessness, and promote sustainable housing solutions.
Before the Bill was introduced to Parliament, the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee established a Tenants Panel and a Landlords Panel, representing renters and landlords from across Scotland, to advise the Committee on the key issues within Scotland’s private rented sector.
These panels will now provide feedback on the Bill alongside the responses to the joint public consultation to inform both Committees’ scrutiny of the proposals.
Commenting on the launch of the Committee consultation, Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Convener Ariane Burgess MSP said:“The new Housing Bill offers an opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that will positively impact the lives of tenants, homeowners, and communities across Scotland.
“Even before the Bill was published, we had already been gathering views from our Tenant and Landlord Panels to learn about what both need from new legislation.
“Now we want to hear from other stakeholders with an interest in Scotland’s housing policies, to ensure that the Bill is responsive to and reflective of the significant challenges facing the sector.”
Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, which holds the remit on scrutiny of the homelessness and domestic violence aspects of the Bill said:
“Everyone should have a warm and safe place to live and tackling rising levels of homelessness across Scotland should be a priority for us all.
“The proposals in this Bill seek to shift the focus away from crisis intervention and towards homelessness prevention.
“It’s important that we hear from a wide range of stakeholders, including tenants, landlords, advocacy groups, local authorities, and members of the public, to understand if the proposals go far enough to prevent so many people reaching crisis point.”
The Committees want to hear your views on the Housing (Scotland) Bill. The Key areas for feedback include:
Rent control mechanisms and affordability measures.
Tenant rights to pet ownership and property modifications.
Proactive homelessness prevention strategies by local authorities.
Enhancements to eviction procedures and tenant protections.
To participate in the consultation and contribute to shaping Scotland’s housing future, individuals and organisations are invited to submit their views through the official Scottish Parliament consultation portal.
Foysol Choudhury MSP has joined Winchburgh residents outside the Scottish Parliament to deliver a petition addressed to Minister Jim Fairlie, calling on the Scottish Government to name a date for a new train station for Winchburgh.
Winchburgh is an expanding West Lothian community, with Winchburgh Developments Ltd delivering thousands of new homes and some new schools. However, a train station has not been delivered, as a new railway station was not a condition of planning permission.
As a result, homeowners in Winchburgh have been left without commuter links to Glasgow and Edinburgh, leading to a campaign to get the station built.
Foysol Choudhury, Labour MSP for Lothian, has been pursuing the issue on behalf of constituents for almost 2 years and has addressed the issue in the Scottish Parliament with Ministers, as well as making enquiries with other stakeholders such as the Council, local councillors and the Developers.
Yesterday the Labour Lothians list MSP joined the residents of Winchburgh outside the Scottish Parliament to call for action from the Scottish Government and deliver the petition addressed to Minister Jim Fairlie.
Following the rally outside Holyrood, Mr Choudhury said: “Winchburgh community have campaigned for many years for a much-needed train station and I have been raising this for almost 2 years at the Scottish Parliament.
“I was pleased to join the community today in delivering a petition for the Minister-it is time for the Scottish Government to take action, enough is enough.
“The Scottish Government needs to stop passing the buck and take responsibility for ensuring this much-needed and long-awaited station can finally be delivered.
“We must all work together to secure a station for the people of Winchburgh, who were sold homes on a belief it would be a commuter town.
“Instead, the Scottish Government do not seem to be taking these collaborative efforts to solve this important issue of clean and sustainable transport links for Winchburgh seriously.
“I am glad that other stakeholders, including MSPs, local councillors, the local community and the developers Winchburgh Developments Ltd, are instead taking this seriously where the Scottish Government are not.
“I am hopeful this petition and the clear strength of feeling from the community will lead to action from the Scottish Government – let’s get Winchburgh train station sorted!”
Mr Choudhury says he remains committed to continuing to pursue a new Winchburgh train station on behalf of all his constituents and will work with all relevant stakeholders possible to secure the station for his constituents.
