Fairer Scotland

  • A look back over the year…

    8th January 2019 by

    Last year, the Scottish Government put in place some world-leading actions to break down the barriers that cause poverty and inequality. When I joined the Cabinet last June I was able to build on the significant legacy left by my predecessor Angela Constance.  Following the passing of the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act in late 2017,...

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  • Access to Free Sanitary Products

    4th January 2019 by

    I’m proud to be part of a Government that has ensured students at schools, colleges and universities have access to free sanitary products. The Scottish government was the first in the world to make products available to students as part of a £5.2m scheme to tackle period poverty. Nobody should suffer the indignity of struggling...

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  • A Visit to Glasgow’s Winter Night Shelter

    31st December 2018 by

    I want Scotland to be a place where no-one faces the dangerous prospect of sleeping rough and where everyone has a place they can call home.  Over the last year we have put in place a number of measures – both practical and financial – to make sure we do everything we can to protect...

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  • Fuel Poverty Bill

    17th December 2018 by

    We want everyone to live in homes that are warm and energy efficient. But there are still far too many households living in cold, damp houses that they can’t afford to heat. That is why we have introduced our world leading Fuel Poverty (Target, Definition and Strategy) (Scotland) Bill.  This legislation is dedicated to tackling...

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  • 16 Days of Activism: How we are working to end violence against women and girls

    10th December 2018 by

    Head shot photo

    Scottish Government Equalities Minister, Christina McKelvie, shares her highlights from the United Nation's 16 Days of Activism campaign.

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  • Scottish Housing Regulator Board

    20th November 2018 by

    The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) plays a vital role when it comes to protecting the interests of people who use social housing services, whether this is people who are at risk of becoming homeless or members of the Gypsy/Traveller community. I am seeking to appoint two new members to complement the existing Board. I would...

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  • Highlands & Islands Social Innovation Fund – Call for Applications

    7th November 2018 by

    Inclusive Growth is at the heart of the Social Innovation Fund and Social Economy Growth Fund. The Funds increase the capacity of social economy organisations to deliver services that improve the quality of life for our citizens. They also test new products, technologies and models to overcome challenges for our individuals and communities with the...

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  • Collaboration over conflict – the only way for a modern Scottish planning system

    30th October 2018 by

    As stage 2 of the Planning Bill continues, the Local Government and Communities Committee will soon be looking at rights of appeal in planning.  This is about whether any person should have a right to have the decision reviewed, in the same way that the applicant can. This might sound simple, but it is not....

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  • Stage 2 scrutiny of the Planning Bill continues

    19th October 2018 by

    Development management in the spotlight as Stage 2 scrutiny of the Planning Bill continues. The October recess has given us all some time to reflect on the progress of the Planning Bill at stage 2. The Scottish Government has long recognised the value of planning, and so it’s welcome that Parliament is now showing significant...

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  • Working together to create a truly local social security service

    18th October 2018 by

    The important principle of our social security system being based on dignity and respect is enshrined in legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament earlier this year. It’s vital our new public service demonstrates this in all it does. Which is why, from the start, we have built our system with people that have lived experience...

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