Fairer Scotland
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Social Renewal Advisory Board: Building Back Better – Bill Scott , Senior Policy Advisor at Inclusion Scotland and Chair of the Poverty and Inequality Commission
7th October 2020 by fairer-scotland
The Covid 19 pandemic has heightened existing inequalities in Scottish society. Before the pandemic struck almost one in four children lived in poverty , however this rate was considerably higher for some families and groups including lone parents The economic impacts of the pandemic could see more Scots households facing financial insecurity – with many...
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Social Renewal Advisory Board: Compassion and Equality – Maureen Sier, Director of Interfaith Scotland
6th October 2020 by fairer-scotland
Four words are carved on the Mace that sits in the heart of the Scottish Parliament. These are words that embody the values of the people of Scotland. They are universal values and are deeply meaningful. ‘Justice’, ‘Wisdom’, ‘Integrity’ and ‘Compassion’ – powerful words, which require powerful action. As Scotland plans its recovery, the economy must...
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The Social Renewal Advisory Board: Housing, Homelessness and Equality – Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis
5th October 2020 by fairer-scotland
As we went into lockdown, people experiencing homelessness who were rough sleeping or staying in night shelters were quickly moved to safe emergency accommodation, in a move that has certainly saved lives and demonstrates the determination of the Scottish Government to end homelessness. The creation of the Social Renewal Advisory Board shows that there is...
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Celebrating older people: Silver Sunday
4th October 2020 by Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP
Today is Silver Sunday, a day to celebrate older people and reflect on the valuable role they play in our communities. This year, that message is even more important. All of us love and care for our older relatives, just as they do us, and we benefit from their stories, wisdom and experiences. I know the last six months...
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Older People and Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie’s letter to older people on the UN’s International Day of Older Persons
1st October 2020 by Christina McKelvie
This message is coming to you on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations and the 30th Anniversary of the UN’s International Day of Older Persons – a day where we celebrate and recognise the importance of older people the world over! As your Minister for Older People and Equalities celebrating Scotland’s older people is...
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Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell’s letter to Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts Chris Philp
27th September 2020 by Aileen Campbell
Thank you for your letter of 15 September about asylum support cessations. Your decision to restart the move on process for people with positive asylum decisions, who are permitted to work and to access other housing provision, is to be welcomed, as this will enable them to get on with establishing their lives here with...
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Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell’s letter to the Local Government and Communities Committee
24th September 2020 by Aileen Campbell
Dear James, I am writing to you to provide an update on our investment to support the people of Scotland during the Covid-19 pandemic, backed by an initial £350 million I announced through the Communities funding package on 18 March. As the Committee will be aware, councils, charities and community groups, have been supported by...
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Green infrastructure and sustainable development
18th September 2020 by Kevin Stewart MSP
The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has made many of us reflect on the importance and value of the homes we live in and the places where we live, work, shop and socialise. As we come out of this pandemic, instead of just getting back to the way things were before, we have a fresh...
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Cash to help young people into work
17th August 2020 by Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP
Young unemployed people, from Monday 17th August, can apply to get £250 to help with the costs of starting a new job. I’ve heard from young people about the challenges of finding work – a job offer is one of many hurdles but not the last. Some are then faced with preparation costs they simply can’t...
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Are you eligible for more support?
29th July 2020 by Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP
Opinion piece by Cabinet Secretary for Social Security, Shirley-Anne Somerville. From this week, thousands of families across Scotland will start to get letters telling them they are entitled to new Scottish benefits. This is a first in Scotland and shows that when it comes to social security – we’re doing things differently. We’re taking information...