News Archive

Funding To Tackle Poverty And Inequality

A package of measures worth £37.2 million has been announced to tackle poverty and inequality, in this financial year.   The funding, confirmed in a Statement to Parliament by the Finance Secretary this week, will support the delivery of two key investments for 2020-2021: a further £100 COVID Hardship Payment for qualifying low income families whose children receive free meals in schools and early learning and childcare settings additional funding of £20 million for councils to tackle financial insecurity at a local level, making almost £47 million available for this priority Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Aileen Campbell said: "We know the financial burden the pandemic is placing on people across Scotland and this additional investment will help to make a real difference.  

Covid-19 Crisis Has Seen 450,000 Additional Families Fall Behind On Their Housing Payments

Over 750,000 families are currently in arrears with their housing payments, and over half (450,000) of these families are likely to have fallen behind as a direct result of the Covid-19 crisis, according to new Resolution Foundation research published this week.   Getting ahead on falling behind - supported by the Health Foundation – examines the impact of the crisis on how families have managed their housing costs over the past ten months.  

Three-in-ten New Universal Credit Claimants Have Seen Their Debts Grow During The Crisis

Over three-in-ten people who have started claiming Universal Credit (UC) during the pandemic have either acquired new debts, or seen their existing debts grow, as the crisis enters its eleventh month, according to new Resolution Foundation research published.   The debts that divide us - which includes analysis of a detailed online YouGov survey, supported by the Health Foundation – explores how people who have newly claimed UC during the pandemic have coped financially, as well as their prospects for the coming months.  

Support For International Students

International students facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 can now access financial support from their college or university.   Ministers have extended the eligibility for overseas students at colleges and universities to access £22 million in Higher Education and £3 million in Further Education.  

Impact Analysis On Covid-19 Decision-making On School Opening

This report by the Legatum Institute on 18th February 2021 shows the huge difficulties and dilemmas facing politicians in all parts of the UK in deciding when to allow schools to open again.   ------------------ A new report by the Legatum Institute provides a holistic analysis of the costs and benefits associated with re-opening schools in England at various points between now and the autumn.  

Record Year For Uk's £8.9bn Cyber Security Sector

A new government report shows that the UK's growing cyber industry attracted record investment last year, despite the global pandemic.   New report shows almost 50,000 people are now employed in UK cyber security Number of active cyber security firms in the UK increased 21 per cent on last year.  

Parliamentary Debate Secured For Later Today To Commemorate The Highlands & Islands Doctors And Nurses Who Inspired The Creation Of The Nhs.

A PARLIAMENTARY debate has been secured for later today (Thursday, February 18) by a North MSP to commemorate the Highlands & Islands doctors and nurses who inspired the creation of the NHS.   At 5.45pm today, David Stewart will tell colleagues in the chamber at Holyrood it is likely the case that not many people are crystal clear on "our greatest achievement as a region - the Highlands & Islands Medical Service".  

Draft Guidance Brought Forward On Short-term Lets

Legislation for a short-term lets licensing scheme has been withdrawn from the Scottish Parliament to allow for draft guidance to be developed.   A stakeholder working group has been established to help develop the guidance and meets today for the first time.  

Coronavirus COVID-19 daily data for Scotland - 18 February 2021

685 new cases of COVID-19 reported.   21,280 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results - 3.8% of these were positive.  

Preparation continues for phased return of Highland pupils

Letters to parents, senior-phase pupils and supportive information to school staff will be issued this week to explain the phased return to schools for some pupils on 22 February, in line with today's announcements and new guidance issued by the Scottish Government.   A large amount of work and progress has already been achieved to prepare our schools for the return of P1-P3 children and Senior Phase students who will return for essential practical activities for certification, and we will continue to provide in school remote provision for our key worker and most vulnerable learners.