Official Report 1155KB pdf
Social Justice
Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio question time, and the portfolio on this occasion is social justice. I invite members who wish to ask a supplementary question to press their request-to-speak buttons.
Homelessness (Care-experienced Individuals)
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the housing minister has had with ministerial colleagues regarding what action is being taken to tackle homelessness in relation to care experienced individuals. (S6O-04338)
Last year, I chaired a ministerial oversight group on homelessness meeting on youth homelessness, with a specific focus on care-experienced young people. I also met the Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise separately to discuss the steps needed to prevent care leavers from experiencing homelessness.
Since then, officials have been working across policy areas to progress the recommendations in the care leavers housing pathway and to ensure that young people’s and care leavers’ housing needs are reflected in new policy and legislation, including the Housing (Scotland) Bill and the proposed the Promise bill.
Despite the activity that the minister outlined in his response, a constituent has contacted me to express their anger at the state of homelessness among care-experienced individuals in Scotland. He said:
“I retired seven years ago from working in the field of housing and homelessness, to read after all this time that so many are still slipping through the net on leaving care is depressing: and particularly that the underlying issues—lack of affordable housing; insufficient planning in advance of leaving care; not enough support once someone has left—remain unaddressed.”
He found the statement from the Scottish Government that current action is sufficient as “particularly self-damning”. My constituent has clearly identified areas that need to be addressed, yet the Government does not seem to see homelessness among the group as a priority. When will we see direct action being taken to tackle the issue?
I take the opportunity to say that I am sorry about the issue that Sue Webber has raised. I am happy to meet her to discuss it in more detail.
We are taking forward recommendations in the care leavers housing pathway, which is important. That is reflected in a report on progress that was published by the Rock Trust on behalf of the “A way home Scotland” coalition in October 2024, which picks up some of the issues that the member mentioned.
We have made some progress with local authorities and we have taken action. There is £768 million in the budget for next year, a £2 million investment in empty homes and a £4 million investment for work with Crisis on pilot projects.
We also discussed with the City of Edinburgh Council how we could reduce the number of void properties. Edinburgh has seen a 55 per cent reduction in the number of void properties in the past number of months.
I am happy to take up the case that the member mentioned and to discuss further what we can do.
The issue that Sue Webber raised is very important. Real investment in affordable housing is key to ensuring that everybody in Scotland has a safe and warm home that suits their needs. Will the minister briefly outline the additional funding for 2025-26 for the affordable housing supply programme?
The minister also mentioned voids. Will he give us an update on the work that is on-going to bring voids and empty properties across Scotland back into use for those who need them, which we know is a real problem?
I mentioned a few actions in the previous answer. I mentioned the investment of £768 million, which is an increase of £212 million on the £556 million that was in the original budget, as published. I mentioned the acquisition funding, which is £80 million across 2024-26 for acquisitions and voids, which is targeted at the local authorities that are under the most pressure in relation to reducing use of temporary accommodation. I also mentioned the £2 million to increase the scale and pace of bringing empty homes back into use.
Permanent Homes (Families with Children in Temporary Accommodation)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what action it is taking to help local authorities to move families with children out of temporary accommodation into suitable permanent homes. (S6O-04339)
We are taking decisive action to reduce the number of households with children in temporary accommodation. Increasing affordable and social housing is the best way to reduce time in temporary accommodation. I encourage the member to vote for our budget, which delivers investment of £768 million for 2025-26, enabling delivery of more than 8,000 homes.
I come back to the specific target of reducing that number of households in five local authorities. Given the sustained pressures, we are investing £42 million this year in the areas that I have mentioned, thereby increasing the supply of affordable homes through acquisitions and bringing empty homes back into use, including through the purchase of larger homes that are suitable for families.
I welcome the work that is being undertaken. The Scottish Government has declared a housing emergency, as have many local authorities. When does the minister believe that they will be in a position to report that no children in Scotland are living in unsuitable temporary accommodation?
I think that we are making progress in some areas. Twelve local authorities have reduced the number of households in temporary accommodation in 2023-24 compared with 2022-23. On the specific issue that the member mentions, 20 local authorities have also reduced the number of children in temporary accommodation.
In line with the action of investing £768 million that I mentioned, we are targeting the local authorities that face the most pressure with a £42 million investment that will include addressing empty homes. We hope to get there as soon as possible. We are seeing signs that 20 councils are reducing the number of children in temporary accommodation.
There are a couple of brief supplementary questions.
Can the minister comment on what effect the United Kingdom Labour Government’s freeze of local housing allowance rates is anticipated to have on efforts to get families out of temporary accommodation and to help to end homelessness in Scotland?
I am glad that the member asked that question. The UK Government’s decision to freeze local housing allowance rates will impact on thousands of low-income private renters in Scotland, as it widens the gap between housing support and market rents. It will also make it harder for families who are experiencing homelessness or are in temporary accommodation to move into the rented sector. The last freeze, which lasted three years, resulted in an extra 20,000 households not having adequate rent support, with an average shortfall of £1,500 a year for those on universal credit.
I wrote to the secretary of state in January, urging him to reverse the decision to freeze rates. As yet, I have not heard back.
The minister knows that the number of children in temporary accommodation has got worse, not better, since we declared a housing emergency. His actions are clearly not having the immediate effect that we want.
Has the minister spoken to his education colleagues about the impact that that is having on those young people and their educational performance? I worry about the long-term effects on so many children of living for an extended period in temporary accommodation.
I mentioned previously the ministerial working group on homelessness, in which we have discussed that.
On targeted action, we have seen reductions in 20 local authorities and £42 million is being invested in the five local authorities where there is the most pressure. We have also seen a reduction in the number of voids—for example, by 55 per cent in Edinburgh.
We will continue to have discussions through the ministerial working group on those issues. That issue is the very reason why I started the homelessness group to discuss cross-portfolio interests.
WASPI Campaign (Compensation)
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the social justice secretary has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding the Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign and potential compensation for women in Scotland. (S6O-04340)
The Scottish Government has always supported the WASPI campaign and has repeatedly called on successive UK Governments to compensate the affected women in line with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report recommendations. We have written to the current and previous UK Government on three occasions since that report was released.
Most recently, following the debate and unanimous agreement in this Parliament for compensation to be paid, I joined colleagues from the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Scottish Greens in writing to the UK Government. It is disappointing, but perhaps not surprising, that neither Labour nor the Conservatives took up the offer to sign that joint letter.
The Labour UK Government, like the Tories before it, has failed the WASPI women. Before taking power, countless Labour politicians pledged a resolution, yet now they try to gaslight the very same women, claiming that most were aware of the state pension age changes and should not be given compensation. That is certainly not the view that is held by many of the WASPI women who have contacted me over the years.
Can the cabinet secretary advise whether she has had any correspondence—other than the cross-party letter that she said she has not had a response to—on any of the issues that have been raised in the chamber about the alleged informing of those women about the changes?
I pay tribute to Clare Haughey for the work that she has done, and will no doubt continue to do, on the issue, particularly by ensuring that members get regular opportunities to meet the WASPI women. I wish that we did not have to and that the UK Government had listened to the recommendations on compensation from the report, but while that is not the case, we will continue to do everything that we can.
It is disappointing that we have not had a response to the letter that I signed with Scottish Liberal Democrats and Scottish Green Party colleagues asking the Prime Minister to reverse his decision. Because of Clare Haughey’s continuing campaign, the WASPI women’s continuing campaign and the Scottish Government’s continuing support, the matter will not go away, either. I am pleased to say that many members across the parties continue to campaign alongside the WASPI women.
Financial Literacy (Children)
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the social justice secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding how it can improve financial literacy levels among children, in light of reports that it is a key driver of inequality, which affects attainment and perpetuates the cycle of generational poverty. (S6O-04341)
We are absolutely committed to meeting our statutory child poverty target and will continue to do everything that we can within our powers and budget to deliver the change that is needed.
We recognise the importance of financial education in equipping learners with important life skills. That is why financial literacy is embedded in the curriculum in Scotland through numeracy and maths, business studies and personal and social education. The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills already engages with Education Scotland on the development of the curriculum to ensure that it meets the needs of learners across the country.
The programme for government prioritises eradicating child poverty, but the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports that 26 per cent of children in Scotland still live in relative poverty. Although the Scottish child payment is crucial, we cannot merely react to poverty outcomes: we must change outcomes by breaking the cycle that traps so many families in poverty by going upstream to stop people falling into debt.
Education is critical in tackling the scourge of financial exploitation by empowering Scotland’s children with financial literacy from primary school age, so will the Government commit to supporting game-changing financial literacy initiatives, such as those that RedSTART Educate runs in my constituency, to break at its roots the cycle of generational child poverty?
In line with the curriculum improvement cycle, we are updating the curriculum framework to better reflect the place of financial knowledge, skills and attributes that prepare learners for life after school. Ash Regan points to a very important life skill that is, and will continue to be, part of that curriculum development.
Education Scotland has provided financial education resources, such as “Money Talks: Family Finances”, that cover topic insights, including on bank statements, job opportunities in the finance sector and dealing with unexpected expenditure shocks.
Again, I note that Ash Regan is right to point to the importance of prevention as well as helping people in times of crisis. There is an important role for the education sector to play in that, whether through the pupil equity funding that the Scottish Government distributes to headteachers or through the work on financial literacy.
In relation to the financial literacy of young people, does the Scottish Government now regret removing the funding from Young Enterprise Scotland in October, given how much work it does with primary and secondary pupils to improve financial literacy?
Kate Forbes has answered many questions on that and has reassured members—including, I hope, Liz Smith—that there are many opportunities for young people to be assisted, encouraged and inspired by the role that enterprise can play in schools.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that current and future legislative processes further embed the principles and aims of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. (S6O-04342)
We are committed to fostering a proactive culture of everyday accountability for children’s rights and to ensuring that our legislation aligns with UNCRC requirements. That is why we introduced the act, which requires us to publish child rights and wellbeing impact assessments when developing new bills and Scottish statutory instruments. The act also introduces a duty to publish statements of compatibility for most legislation.
That demonstrates our commitment to children’s rights, and we look forward to sharing our first children’s rights scheme later this year. The scheme will outline how we plan to give better and further effect to children’s rights.
I welcome the direction that has been taken. Does the cabinet secretary agree that, in order to ensure success, be it through legislation, policy or action, children and young people must be at the heart of decision making? What steps is the Scottish Government taking to ensure that children understand their rights and how to access and advocate for them?
I thank Bill Kidd for that important question, which is all about bringing rights to life for our children and young people. On my visits as a constituency MSP and as a minister, I am always impressed by the work that goes on in our schools, for example, to ensure that children understand their rights.
The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the views of children and young people are a primary consideration in the decisions that affect them, and that is an important part of their rights. Children and young people represent the views of their peers in the annual meetings with the Scottish Government Cabinet and the executive team, for example. Policy teams across the Government also support meaningful engagement with children and young people on matters that affect them. My ministers and I endeavour to do that as efficiently and effectively as possible.
We are developing a comprehensive UNCRC awareness plan, including a targeted focus on those whose rights are most at risk, and we are co-designing a resource to help children to understand how to access and claim their rights if they feel that they are not being respected.
A number of members want to ask supplementary questions on this matter and others, but I will get to them only if answers are a bit briefer.
Although it was very welcome, the redress scheme might contravene the UNCRC act. I am sure that the cabinet secretary will agree that any child abuse, including historical abuse, is an abhorrence. The suffering of people in the education environment—for example, the Fornethy women—remains outside the scope of the scheme. The First Minister stated that the redress scheme is for those for whom the state had taken the role of the parent, but the education bill refers to “in loco parentis”. Given the precedence of error in relation to UNCRC consideration, with a similar scheme having to be amended after being introduced—
I need a question, Mr Whittle.
—what consideration has the Scottish Government given to expanding the redress scheme to include those who were abused in education, such as the Fornethy women?
I will need briefer questions as well as briefer responses.
The redress scheme and its terms of reference have been discussed in the chamber many times. The Government’s position on that has not changed, but I will be happy to reflect that in writing to Mr Whittle, or the minister who is directly responsible for the matter will write to him.
Two-child Benefit Cap (Release of Data)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its negotiations with the Department for Work and Pensions regarding the release of relevant data pertaining to the two-child benefit cap. (S6O-04343)
We will invest £3 million in the next financial year to develop systems at pace, but we need the DWP to work with us in order to deliver the work as quickly and as safely as possible. Therefore, I have written three times to the DWP and provided it with a detailed breakdown of our data requirements. Although I have received a welcome response to my first letter, I am still waiting for replies to my follow-up letters.
In the meantime, our officials are continuing constructive discussions with the DWP, as has been the case throughout the social security devolution programme. I anticipate continuing to work collaboratively to deliver the payment to families as quickly as we can.
It is a bit concerning that the cabinet secretary has not had replies to her letters. Is her overall feeling that Westminster and the DWP are positive about the Scottish Government’s proposals or that they will drag their heels? Is there a deadline by which she will have to say that what is planned will not be possible for 26 April?
I reassure John Mason that we are not anywhere near that stage at the moment. We have had reassurances directly from the Prime Minister to the First Minister and from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to me that they will work constructively with us. The easiest and quickest way to make progress would be for the DWP to remove the two-child cap at source, so that the Scottish Government does not have to mitigate Westminster policies.
However, as I said, officials are having constructive discussions. Despite our differences on welfare and social security systems, the discussions have been constructive, even under the previous Conservative Government. At this point, I have no concerns that that attitude has changed, but I am sure that I will update the chamber if there is a change.
Single-sex Spaces (Public Sector Buildings)
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the application of equalities legislation, what its position is on the provision of single-sex spaces in public sector buildings, including hospitals. (S6O-04344)
The Equality Act 2010 allows for separate and single-sex spaces when they are
“a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.”
It is the responsibility of service providers to interpret and comply with the act. The Equality and Human Rights Commission is responsible for enforcement. The commission has produced specific guidance for organisations, such as statutory codes of practice and a guide for separate and single-sex service providers. The guidance also states that organisations might need to consider the impact of other legislation, such as legal requirements for health and safety in workplaces.
Time and again, the Scottish Government has shirked its responsibilities for ensuring the safety of women and girls. Even the First Minister is tone deaf to the issue. No woman should feel under pressure to undress in front of a male colleague. That is why women across Scotland are fed up with the Scottish National Party putting gender ideology before their safety. Will the minister make an urgent, unequivocal statement supporting the rights of women who work in public sector buildings and who expect suitable single-sex facilities—yes or no?
I have answered several questions on that issue. I fully support the law. The Equality Act 2010 is generally reserved, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission is the body that is responsible for enforcing the 2010 act.
There have been requests for a couple of supplementary questions—both will need to be brief.
Almost one in three working women in Scotland are employed in the public sector—many in health and social care. The Government has a duty to ensure that all policies of publicly funded bodies uphold legal and regulatory protections. Will the Government make a clear statement that the provision of same-sex spaces for women is a legal obligation and that gender self-identification is not the law in Scotland?
I restate that the Equality Act 2010 allows for separate and single-sex spaces when they are
“a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.”
Will the minister guarantee that NHS Scotland policies ensure that staff are treated fairly and consistently, in line with the Equality Act 2010, when it comes to separate, single-sex facilities?
As the Scottish Government has already stated, we expect all organisations to comply with the Equality Act 2010.
Child Poverty
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its national mission for tackling child poverty. (S6O-04345)
The Government remains absolutely committed to the statutory targets on child poverty, and we will continue to work, within our powers and budgets, to meet them.
I know that the cabinet secretary agrees with me that no child in a country as prosperous as Scotland should live in poverty. Recent analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation indicated that Scotland will be the only place in the United Kingdom where child poverty will fall over the next five years. Does the cabinet secretary agree that that can be attributed to Scotland-specific policies, including those relating to welfare, and that the report must act as a clarion call for the UK Labour Government to work in tandem with the Scottish National Party Government on its efforts to end child poverty, including by abolishing the hugely damaging and pernicious two-child limit?
I agree that the JRF was clear that,
“if the rest of the UK were to see the same reduction”
as was predicted for Scotland,
“800,000 fewer children would be in poverty.”
Policies unique to Scotland, such as the Scottish child payment and the baby box, are important parts of our work to eradicate child poverty, and that now includes abolishing the two-child limit.
We would wish the UK Government to abolish the two-child limit and to make progress towards an essentials guarantee. However, if the UK Government does not listen to the Scottish Government or to the debates in this Parliament, I suggest that it should listen to the chief executive of the JRF, who said last month that the UK social security system
“is not only failing to do its job but, worse, actively pushing some people into deeper poverty, through cruel limits and caps.”
The UK Government has the ability to act, but it does not have the will.
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Scottish Income Tax Rate Resolution 2025-26