Fairer Scotland

  • Investing in young children and their future

    4th June 2019 by

    School Age Payment Launched It is projected that by 2030, one in three children could be living in poverty in Scotland as a result of UK Government welfare cuts. This is not acceptable in the 21st century. The cruel cuts that are being enforced through Universal Credit and wider UK government welfare changes will reduce...

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  • Brody’s story

    29th May 2019 by

    Families with disabled children often say that they’re not able to take full advantage of what Scotland has to offer because of worries they have about how accessible the places they want to go are for people with disabilities.  Read Brody and Laura’s story below to find out more.  My seven-year-old son Brody is an...

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  • Putting people and places at the heart of future planning

    23rd May 2019 by

    Scotland needs a planning system that will help to deliver inclusive and sustainable economic growth. While there appears to be consensus that the Planning Bill is a great opportunity to improve the current system, the debate has brought to light many different, and often conflicting, views on how planning can and should work in the...

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  • 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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