Seòmar agus comataidhean

6 February 2018. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

This information is available on the Sexual Health Scotland website at http://www.sexualhealthscotland.co.uk/pregnancy/abortion via a link under the section entitled 'Where can abortions take place?'.

All NHS Boards will ensure that women are referred to another provider for their termination if the gestation of their pregnancy exceeds these limits, up to the maximum gestation of 24 weeks. Terminations of pregnancy carried out under Ground E - in other words where, in accordance with the Abortion Act 1967, 'there is substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped' - may be carried out at later gestations.

The Scottish Government's consultation on Social Security in Scotland in 2016 and the user research we have conducted with our experience panels has indicated that the ability to be accompanied is not being applied consistently by the Department for Work and Pensions. We understand that where an individual is accompanied, it is often the case that the person there to provide support is not allowed to participate. Support at an assessment can be vital to the individual's ability to communicate the impact of their condition.

The Scottish Government has enshrined the right to accompaniment in the Social Security Bill, removing any doubt as to the role of the person providing support. This aligns with our commitment to deliver a social security system which is founded upon the principles of dignity and respect.

The Scottish Government has been clear that companions will be able to attend assessments under the new social security system in Scotland, and we will ensure that any person accompanying someone to their assessment will be able to contribute to it.

We continue to hear from individuals that their ability to be accompanied at assessments is not being applied consistently by the Department of Work and Pensions. The new social security system in Scotland will differ in that the Scottish Government has enshrined the right to accompaniment in the Social Security (Scotland) Bill. This aligns with our commitment to build a system founded on the principles of fairness, dignity and respect and sends a clear message, leaving no room for ambiguity as to a person's rights.

Making sure that everyone receives the financial support they are entitled to is one of the first steps towards putting dignity and respect at the heart of social security in Scotland.

We have made clear that the private sector will not deliver assessments in Scotland. We are committed to making sure we get decisions right the first time by using existing evidence to support decision making - reducing the number of face to face assessments and reassessments currently being carried out unnecessarily. We will continue to work with our Experience Panels and stakeholders to help us design a new approach to decision making in Scotland.

Once we are delivering benefits in Scotland, we will ensure that our communications are clear, accessible and transparent so that individuals are fully informed about what will happen at each stage of their claim. Further, the Social Security (Scotland) Bill was amended on 1 February to place a duty on Scottish Ministers to have regard to the importance of ensuring that people receive information in a way that best meet each individual's needs. We will work to ensure people feel confident and comfortable about accessing the system and that services are tailored to individual needs, as part of our rights-based approach.

Traffic signs and permitted variants that can be used on public roads are contained in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (the TSRGD). This legislation ensures a continuity and consistency of signing throughout the country.

Local roads authorities have considerable latitude over the design and content of gateway signs, which are located at the entrance to settlements including references to matters of local interest and historical events. However, authorisation in accordance with the TSRGD does not extend to the use of signage indicating “Fairtrade”, as these are not considered to be traffic signs.

While the Fairtrade campaign is well recognised and the initiative is to be commended, Fairtrade is a recognised global brand, which is promoting a commercial interest. As such they are not considered suitable for inclusion in traffic signs and fall to be considered as advertisements. In addition, most towns, villages and other settlements in Scotland will meet the Fairtrade criteria so this is not considered to be a distinctive local message for the purposes of road signage, nor is it a relevant consideration when promoting safe and efficient traffic management.

The Council (as planning authority) could consider a planning application for ‘Fairtrade’ however these signs should not be incorporated in any traffic sign (such as a town gateway sign) which is controlled by the TSRGD.

I have instructed Transport Scotland to carry out a review of traffic sign and general signage policy, which will include a review of the use of Fairtrade accreditation on signs.

The information requested is not held centrally.

The Scottish Government has committed to building a social security system based on dignity and respect. To support the creation of this system, we have recruited 2400 people with experience of the current system to join our experience panels.

The user research we have conducted with our experience panels has found evidence that the ability to be accompanied is not being applied consistently at all times. In some cases where accompaniment has been allowed, it has been reported that the person there to provide support is often not allowed to participate in the assessment process. Witnesses giving evidence to the Work and Pensions Select Committee at Westminster as part of their on-going Inquiry into Personal Independence Payment and Employment Support Allowance Assessments have also provided evidence that allowing companies to contribute to the assessment was not consistently permitted.

This information is not held centrally.