MSPs question budget’s support for equality

Members of the Scottish Parliament’s equalities and human rights committee are seeking views about how the Scottish Government’s budget supports equalities and human rights.

The committee will consider the Scottish Government’s budget as a whole, and wants to hear how the public pound can be used to promote equalities, across all portfolio areas.

Committee convener, Christina McKelvie MSP, said: “The Scottish Government’s budget is over £30 billion a year. That money presents a significant opportunity to advance the cause of equalities.

“We want to know if our stakeholders feel that the Scottish Government is spending its money in a way which matches its stated ambitions to support and advance equalities and human rights? And where stakeholders feel the government might change, or reprioritise, the way it spends its money.

“We are looking for submissions across a wide range of areas. We know that spending in many budget areas, from education, to local government, to our rural communities, can all have an impact on equalities, so all views will be listened to.”

The committee is launching a general call for evidence, and is looking to hear from equality groups and the general public. The committee is seeking views on:

The call for evidence is open until October 20.