Fairer Scotland

  • International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

    17th May 2019 by

    This is an important day which reminds us that we must keep fighting the discrimination which many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the world continue to face.

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  • Ross’s story

    10th May 2019 by

    This blog post is part of a series highlighting support available for disabled young people and their families. You can find out more in our guidance: Supporting disabled children, young people and their families. Ross is a young campaigner at the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). He and other young campaigners have been working with...

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  • Lisa’s story

    3rd May 2019 by

    Lisa’s story shows how she, as a young disabled person, exercised the rights described in the Rights Awareness section of the Supporting Disabled Children, Young People and their families guidance to make a big life decision – something that’s had a really positive impact on her life. Hi, my name is Lisa. I have a...

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  • Tom’s story

    24th April 2019 by

    Caring for a child with exceptional health care needs is an intense and often stressful job, which can feel lonely at times. Tom's mum Laura tells their story.

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  • Transgender rights and equality

    18th April 2019 by

    The debate about the rights of transgender people is becoming very polarised. As Cabinet Secretary for Equalities, I have a duty to try to change that and to encourage respectful debate. Setting out my own views and feelings on the matter – while  trying to better understand those of others – is a first step....

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  • Guest Blog: Alasdair Bennett, Bethany Christian Trust

    29th March 2019 by

    Bethany Care Shelter fixed venue New raised beds and comfy mattresses!  New fixed 32 week venue!  We are so thankful to be at Diadem, part of Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse Church in Edinburgh.  Our larger single venue also has laundry, showers and new toilet facilities. This is desperately needed with over 70 people a night given...

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  • Scotland’s Planning Bill

    20th March 2019 by

    Politicians must work together to avoid damage to Scotland’s economy The Financial Memorandum for the Planning Bill has been published.  This sets out the estimates of the financial implications of the legislation as it stands for the Scottish Government, local government, developers and communities. When the Bill was first introduced to Parliament, I was confident...

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  • Putting people first in Scotland’s social security system

    22nd February 2019 by

    Recent press stories about the DWP using deflection scripts to get callers off the phone was disappointing but not surprising. We know from our own research that almost three in five people rated their experience of the current DWP system as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. Since taking on this post, and speaking to users of...

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  • Sharing views to tackle hate crime

    22nd February 2019 by

    Our public consultation on hate crime legislation is closing this week (Sunday 24 February). We’re looking for your views on a number of issues including how best to tackle gender based prejudice and misogyny. Over the past few months, we’ve also been running a series of roadshows across the country and we’d like to thank...

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  • Guest blog: Ann Loughrey, Chair of the Independent Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel

    20th February 2019 by

    In this day and age, it is unacceptable that people in Scotland can’t heat their homes properly or pay for the energy to cook their food.  I am proud that as a nation we are tackling this issue.  It is a challenging but exciting time because today the Fuel Poverty (Target, Definition and Strategy) (Scotland)...

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