Fairer Scotland

  • 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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  • Fire and smoke alarm standards

    12th February 2019 by

    Back in June 2017, following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, we took immediate steps to establish a Ministerial Working Group (MWG) on Building and Fire Safety. The Group was established to offer public reassurance and ensure all lessons learned from Grenfell were applied here in Scotland, and to help ensure people are safe in...

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  • Good progress made on Funeral Costs Plan

    8th February 2019 by

    Coping with the death of a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most stressful things we will ever have to deal with.  That’s even more difficult if you are also worrying about how to pay for the funeral. Most of us will arrange a funeral no more than a handful of times.  So it...

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  • Guest blog: Phil Wray, Head of Projects at Glasgow City Mission

    5th February 2019 by

    Working together to tackle rough sleeping Most of us have had the heart-rending experience of walking through a city on a cold winter morning past a figure in a sleeping bag tucked into a doorway. None of us wants a Scotland where this happens. In 2010, Glasgow City Mission established the Glasgow Winter Night Shelter,...

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  • Breaking down barriers to end homelessness – by Kevin Stewart MSP

    1st February 2019 by

    Everyone should have a secure warm place to call home – it’s one of the most important factors in any person’s quality of life. Our Ending Homelessness Together Action Plan sets the direction for real and lasting change. As part of this, we have just launched a consultation on the current local connection and intentionality...

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