Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 November 2022.

The Scottish Government has lodged a Legislative Consent Memorandum recommending that the Scottish Parliament withholds its consent for the UK Government’s Retained EU Law (Reform and Revocation) Bill.

The Bill seeks to revoke over 2,400 pieces of EU legislation that were included in the UK statute book at the end of the Brexit transition period.

In a letter to Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Grant Shapps, Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson has set out the Scottish Government’s rationale for recommending Parliament withholds its consent.

The letter reiterates the concern and the fundamental opposition of Scottish Ministers to the legislation and highlights the concerns of some bodies, such as RSPB Scotland and Greener UK, who say the Bill will ‘derail urgent action to tackle the nature and climate crisis’ and ‘rip up our most important nature protections in Scotland’.

The letter can be read in full online.

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 November 2022.

The average level of mental wellbeing amongst adults has declined.  The average Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) score was significantly lower in 2021 than in 2019 (48.6 and 49.8 respectively). This followed a decade in which levels had remained fairly constant.  Over one in five adults (22%) had a GHQ-12 score of four or more (indicating a possible psychiatric disorder). This is an increase from between 17% and 19% in the years 2017 to 2019.

Five per cent of adults reported having long COVID.  Prevalence was highest amongst those aged 35-64 (6-7%).  One per cent of adults reported that long COVID limited their activities a lot.   The most common symptom reported was ‘weakness / tiredness’, with 63% of those with long COVID reporting this.  The next most common symptoms were ‘shortness of breath’ (43%), ‘trouble sleeping’ (37%), ‘loss of smell’ (34%), ‘headache’ (31%), ‘difficulty concentrating’ (29%) and ‘worry / anxiety’ (27%). 

Three percent of adults reported ever having a problem with drugs.  Twelve per cent of adults reported using drugs in the previous 12 months. Prevalence was highest amongst those aged 16-24 (22%).  Mental wellbeing for adults who had used any drug in the last 12 months was significantly lower than for those who had not (WEMWBS mean scores of 45.4 and 49.1 respectively).

Almost one in ten adults (9%) reported having experienced food insecurity

in terms of having worried that they would run out of food due to lack of money or resources during the previous 12 months. This was the same proportion as in 2019.  Prevalence of food insecurity was highest for single parents and single adults aged under 65 living alone (34% and 19% respectively in 2019/2021 combined).

Prevalence of smoking amongst adults continued to fall to 11% in 2021, down from 28% in 2003.  Rates continued to be much higher in the most deprived areas (24%) compared to the least deprived areas (5%).  The proportion of children exposed to second-hand smoke in their home (2%) was significantly lower than in previous years (12% in 2012).

More adults (69%) met the moderate or vigorous physical activity guidelines than in previous years. This continued the general upwards trend since 2012 (62%).

Other key findings from the report show that in 2021:

• Almost half of adults (47%) reported living with a long-term condition, the same proportion as is 2019. Just over a third of adults (34%) said they had a long-term condition which limited their day-to-day activities.
• Sixteen per cent of adults had any cardiovascular condition. Six per cent had doctor diagnosed diabetes, 5% had ischaemic heart disease and 3% had had a stroke.
• Almost two thirds of adults (61%) reported ever attending cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
• Prevalence of hazardous or harmful weekly alcohol consumption has reduced from 34% in 2003 to 23% in 2021. Nine per cent of adults reported ever having had a problem with alcohol, with 1% saying they still had a problem.
• Five per cent of adults were current e-cigarette users, a reduction from 7% each year between 2015 and 2019.
• Thirty per cent of adults were living with obesity. This was similar to or marginally higher than rates in each year since 2008 (ranging from 27% to 29%).
• Around one in five of all adults consumed five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day (22%). This was similar to levels since 2003 (21% in 2003).
• One in five children (20%) aged 2 to 15 met the five-a-day recommendation for consumption of fruit and vegetables. This was significantly higher than in the years 2008 to 2019.
• Almost half of all adults (48%) met the Scottish Dietary goal to reduce total fat intake to no more than 35% of food energy. Around one in five adults (22%) met the Scottish Dietary Goal for free sugars intake to not exceed 5% of total energy.
• Almost six in ten adults (58%) undertook any gambling This has decreased significantly since 2012 (70%). Prevalence of adult gambling activity excluding the National Lottery has changed to a lesser extent (43% in 2021 compared to 45% in 2012).   Online gambling participation has doubled since 2012 (from 7% to 14%).
• The proportion of adults who reported having at least one accident in the previous 12 months has not changed since 2015 (10%).

The figures released today were produced in accordance with professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 November 2022.

An additional £5 million of funding to tackle loss and damage has been announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the COP27 climate summit.

The funds take Scotland’s commitment to addressing loss and damage caused by the climate crisis to £7 million and will enable communities to take direct action to address the impacts of loss and damage. This includes slow-onset effects, such as sea level rise and non-economic effects, such as the loss of cultural identity. It will also help to tackle existing inequalities, including gender inequalities, which are exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

Meanwhile a summary report has been published following on from October’s international loss and damage conference hosted by the Scottish Government in Edinburgh. Addressing Loss and Damage: Practical Action highlights the clear funding gap for action to address non-economic and slow-onset loss and damage ahead of a more extensive report to follow COP27.

In line with the conclusions of the conference, the delivery of grant funding rather than loans will ensure no additional debt burden for recipient countries, and that the process will be community-led and owned.

Drawn from the £36 million climate justice fund, grants will be delivered over the next three years in a way that ensures communities in countries most impacted by the climate crisis have a clearer say on how the funds should be allocated.

Speaking ahead of a panel discussion on loss and damage on the second day of COP27, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“In virtually everything we do on loss and damage, Scotland is trying to ensure that we listen to international perspectives – especially the perspectives of the Global South. After all, for more than 30 years now – since the views of island states were first ignored – decisions at COP have been dominated by the voices of the Global North.

“With loss and damage now on the formal agenda for the first time, this COP can mark a turning point in ensuring the views, experiences and perspectives of the Global South assume a far more central role. If that does happen it will lead to greater progress on loss and damage and will also, I hope, lead to quicker action on other aspects of climate change. I encourage all parties to make space for serious, open and honest discussion over the next two weeks.

“The funding Scotland has announced today is a small sum in terms of the overall scale of the loss and damage that developing countries face, but I hope that it sends an important message.

“As Denmark and Wallonia have shown, governments can act now on loss and damage if we want to. We don’t need to wait for a consensus decision at COP – we can start funding programmes straight away.

“I very much hope that we will make collective progress on loss and damage at this COP. If that doesn’t happen, I expect that more and more governments will take action on their own – my belief is that as we do, it will create a momentum for change which will feed into future COP summits.”

Professor Saleem Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development, said:

“The Scottish Government’s leadership in this area, including this latest funding pledge, is welcome and I hope it will prove an inspiration to other countries to take action to provide funding for loss and damage with urgency at COP27.”

Elizabeth Wathuti, young Kenyan Environmentalist and Climate Activist, said:

“From devastating flooding to the prolonged droughts in Africa, frontline communities like mine are bearing the burden of a crisis they did not cause. Rich countries beginning to recognise the need to address loss and damage is a step in the right direction. But to deliver on their promises, real political commitment and collective effort from developed countries through a loss and damage finance facility is crucial. We need permanent, reliable and sufficient funding.”

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 November 2022.

The Near Me video consultation scheme is being extended so patients can use it in community settings such as libraries, community and health and care facilities as well as their own home.

The platform is already being used for around 40,000 consultations a month, helping to ease pressure on the health service, and saving people time and money travelling to appointments.

Near Me consultations include hospital outpatient appointments, GPs, and a wide range of other services including care homes, dietetics and mental health support. Patients should be offered the option of a Near Me appointment, if appropriate, by the hospital, GP practice or other service, along with details of a website address for its video clinic.

Now patients will be able to visit 55 hubs across Scotland which have set up areas for private video consultations thanks to funding from the Scottish Government.

The new hubs provide private confidential space, good connectivity, and help for those with low digital confidence or no access to a suitable device.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf praised the innovative use of technology to benefit patients and ease the pressure of the NHS.

Mr Yousaf said:

“Face to face appointments will always be there for people who need them, but Near Me has many benefits to patients, including saving time and money. It is valuable in giving them options on accessing healthcare in a way that is easy and comfortable for them.

“It allows multiple family members to join consultations and saves patients having to take time off work or organise childcare.

“The platform has also reduced the need for travel, saving an estimated 57 million miles of travel since January 2020. That is so important at this time when we are looking at fuel costs and the impact on the environment.”

Andrina Robb, Near Me Support Manager for NHS Highland, said:  “The Near Me system is safe and secure, and very straightforward to use. There is no app to download or registration required. Your details remain private, just like any other appointment.

“All you need is a device for making video calls, like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and an internet connection. If you don’t have these things, Near Me rooms are now available in some GP surgeries and other locations such as libraries. You can even invite along a friend or family member for support, and they can join the call even if they live far away.”

A feedback survey of nearly 25,000 users reported an average saving of 36 miles per visit – around 1.4 million miles a month. They survey also revealed 92% said the system was easy to use and 97% would use it again.

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 7 November 2022.

Food and drink businesses across Scotland will benefit from a share of more than £10 million to improve supply-chain efficiency, increase production and run feasibility studies.

A total of 33 businesses, large and small, will receive grants ranging from £16,000 to £1.4 million from the Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation (FPMC) grant scheme.

Projects include capacity building for a dairy farm to meet the growing demand for its soft cheese, setting up of a new venison processing operation and installation of solar panels at a butcher premises to reduce carbon footprint and minimise electricity costs.

During a visit to one of the recipients of the fund, a family run organic farm in Aberdeenshire, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“The Scottish Government is supporting investment and expansion in our food and drink sector which offers incredible produce that is enjoyed at home and abroad.

“The FPMC scheme has enabled some really exciting projects in the past and I’m confident that this round of funding will play an important role in helping producers continue to deliver high-quality, innovative and nutritious products – securing and creating jobs and boosting the economy.

“I look forward to seeing how these grants enable businesses to move to the next level and I wish them the very best.”

Phil Swire of P HM & PP Swire, Balmakewan Farm Shop, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that our FPMC Grant application was successful. The FPMC grant gives our small farming business a huge opportunity to diversify and move forward.

“It will allow us to process our Organically home grown produce on site, creating further local employment. It is my belief that we need to be offering nutrient dense, ethically farmed, chemical free and environmentally positive food directly to local consumers whilst also reducing food miles. This project will allow our small family run farm to start offering exactly this to our local community.”

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 7 November 2022.

Social Security Scotland has published its Annual Report and Accounts, which shows that it made £163.6 million in direct payments across 11 Scottish benefits from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022.

The combination of direct payments and those delivered through Agency Agreements with the Department of Work and Pensions saw the Scottish Government invest a total of £3.48 billion in benefits across Scotland.

The results of an annual survey of clients by Social Security Scotland have also been published, showing that people felt they were treated well, with staff commended for treating people with ‘kindness’, ‘listening’ and showing ‘empathy’.

Among those who responded to the survey, 94% of people who had been in contact with staff ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that they were treated with kindness while 93% said their experience with staff was ‘very good’ or ‘good’ with a further 92% saying they felt they had been listened to.

The positive feedback matches the high standards reported last year, where 93% also said their experience with staff was ‘very good’ or ‘good’ and 92% saying they felt they had been listened to.

Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson, said:

“Social Security Scotland’s Annual Report and Accounts demonstrate the impact of delivering benefits that help tackle poverty and promote equality. We ensure money goes directly to people who need it most, including carers, disabled people and families on low incomes.

“Next week our transformative Scottish Child Payment will be extended to all eligible young people under the age of 16 and increased to £25 per week per child – a 150% rise within 8 months of introducing this important benefit, which is only available in Scotland.

“I am pleased Social Security Scotland have maintained high satisfaction levels in their service delivery, as evidenced in the latest Client Survey. We encourage all those who are eligible for support to apply, and are committed to treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.”

Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland, David Wallace, said:

“Four years ago, we began delivering our new social security service for Scotland after listening to people who had experience of the benefits system. They helped us create a service based on our values of dignity, fairness and respect and we continue to listen to them as we grow and deliver more benefits.

“Our annual Client Survey reflects the work we have put in to deliver on our commitment and the fact that we managed to maintain such an exceptionally high level of client satisfaction through a period of significant growth is a source of immense pride for me. In fact, 96% of people surveyed told us they had received their benefit payments when we said they would. These results are testament to the care and pride our people take in their work. We have worked hard to build a diverse workforce of people who share our values that reflects modern Scotland. The year ahead will remain difficult for many of us but our commitment to our clients remains strong and we will continue to listen to their feedback as we develop our service and prepare to deliver new benefits.”

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 7 November 2022.

The First Minister will today call on world leaders to deliver on the commitments they made in the Glasgow Climate Pact, as she attends the first full day of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt.

The First Minister will take part in an all-female panel discussion on financing decarbonisation with government leaders, including the Prime Minister of Barbados.

The First Minister will also meet representatives of countries from the Global South to hear their experiences of the climate crisis and what they want to see delivered at the climate talks.

Ahead of the formal opening of COP27 the First Minister met on Sunday with the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC Simon Stiell, Director General of the International Organization for Migration Antonio Vitorino and Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados.

The First Minister said:

“COP26 in Glasgow delivered real progress on tackling the climate crisis, with strengthened commitments to curb emissions, build resilience to climate change, and provide the finance needed to reach net zero. World leaders must use the next two weeks to take meaningful steps to deliver on the promises made in the Glasgow Climate Pact.

“We are gathering against a tense backdrop and the geopolitical landscape has changed significantly in the last year, not least as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. However the climate crisis has not gone away and the answer to many of the global crises we face, such as energy security and food shortages, lies in going faster.

“For many countries, particularly in the global south, this must be the COP where the global north not only delivers on our promises to finance adaptation and mitigation, but recognises the need to address the loss and damage experienced by countries already impacted by climate change.

“Last year, Scotland became the first developed nation to pledge finance to address loss and damage and others have now followed suit, including Wallonia and Denmark. This shows just how important the action of smaller governments can be, and I know many countries and campaigners hope to see other countries, particularly in the north, step up and make COP in Egypt the loss and damage COP.”

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 6 November 2022.

Monday 8 May 2023 will be a national bank holiday to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate the Coronation.

His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023, and the introduction of an additional bank holiday on the following Monday will result in a three-day “Coronation Weekend”.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“The Coronation will be an historic moment for Scotland, and the Scottish Government wants to give as many people as possible the opportunity to join the celebrations.

“Scotland will want to send its best wishes to His Majesty, King Charles III, and The Queen Consort.”

Background

This bank holiday will operate in the same way as other bank holidays, and there is no statutory entitlement to time off. Employers may include bank holidays as part of a worker’s leave entitlement.

The bank holiday will be for one year only and The Proclamation of the bank holiday will be delivered to the Privy Council in time for the meeting of Wednesday 9 November.

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 3 November 2022.

Additional residential rehabilitation and detox capacity has been created at a life-saving drugs service in Lothian with almost £3.3 million of Scottish Government funding.

Lothian and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP) has added eight residential rehabilitation places and four detox places – bringing the total number to 28 and 12 respectively – in one of the first projects to be funded through the Residential Rehabilitation Rapid Capacity Programme.

This contributes towards the Scottish Government’s aim to treble the number of publicly funded residential rehabilitation placements to 1,000 by 2026.

Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance said:

“I am pleased to launch these additional services at LEAP which provide invaluable, life-saving care to people affected by substance use in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“Of course, work on residential rehab is not just about creating more beds. We want to improve pathways through and out of residential rehab, and LEAP is a perfect example of good practice in this area with their three-month holistic programme of therapeutic care.

“We are investing £250 million over the course of this Parliament in a range of different treatments and services in order that all those affected, and their families, can receive the support which is right for them when they need it. £100 million of this is available for the development of residential rehabilitation services and associated aftercare.”

LEAP Clinical lead Dr David McCartney said:

“We are thrilled to be launching significant developments to the LEAP residential rehabilitation service including improved access, greater capacity and more comprehensive aftercare.

“These improvements are being made possible due to investment from the Scottish Government and the Lothian Alcohol and Drug Partnerships. LEAP and our partners will see improved outcomes for our patients and their families who are struggling with addiction to substances, helping them move to recovery – something that will benefit individuals, families and communities.”

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 3 November 2022.

Families of more than 83,200 children are saving around £5,000 per eligible child per year, thanks to the Scottish Government’s Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) offer.

Latest figures show a year-on-year increase in children accessing funded ELC.

The number taking up the full offer of 1,140 hours a year is also up from this time last year. If families paid for this themselves, it would cost them around £5,000 per eligible child per year.

A total of 93,902 children aged two to five were accessing funded ELC at the start of September – a 3% rise from the same time last year. Of those, 83,237 – 89% – were benefiting from the 1,140 hours offer.

Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said:

“Scotland is the only part of the UK to offer 1,140 hours a year of funded early learning and childcare to all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds.

“This offer saves families a significant amount of money, which is particularly important at a time when so many are struggling with cost of living pressures. It also supports parents into work, training or study.

“High-quality ELC benefits children, too, by enriching their early years and giving them the confidence and skills they need to prepare them for school.

“We intend to expand our childcare offer even further, including building a future system of school age childcare and a new early learning and childcare offer for one and two-year-olds, starting with those who need it most.”

COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson Councillor Tony Buchanan said:

“I’m pleased that today’s figures confirm that nearly 94,000 two to five-year-old children are accessing funded Early Learning and Childcare delivered by Scotland’s Councils and their partners, which represents a 3% increase on the position a year ago.

“A greater proportion of children are accessing the full 1,140 hours entitlement, compared with April this year. The increased availability of funded ELC is allowing children more time to play and learn, and more opportunities for parents and carers to work, study or volunteer, as well significant financial savings for families at a time when this is so desperately needed.”