Scottish Government

Housing minister Paul McLennan discusses the importance of the Short Term Let Licensing scheme in Scotland, looking at its benefits to tourism and local economies, and addressing potential safety and housing availability risks. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending a weekend celebrating my

Scotland’s Council Tax Reduction scheme supported 454,350 households in March this year (compared to 462,670 in March 2022) as the total weekly income forgone by local authorities reached £7.364 million (compared to £6.829m in March 2022).

There were 23,512 all-sector new build homes completed in Scotland in the year to end March 2023, according to quarterly statistics on housebuilding and affordable housing supply published yesterday by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.

Housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland has welcomed the launch of a Scottish Government consultation on proposals for the Human Rights Bill. The Scottish Government says it intends to provide a clear and robust legal framework for human rights in Scotland, and specifically in relation to

A commitment to a ‘cash-first’ approach to tackling food insecurity is at the heart of a new plan to reduce the need for people to turn to food banks. The plan, which is the first of its kind in the UK and is underpinned by human rights, sets out nine actions which will be taken over the

Improving the lives of people with dementia is at the heart of a new 10-year strategy launched by the Scottish Government. The strategy, Everyone’s Story, outlines a vision for dementia policy over the next decade and identifies a number of priorities which would improve the lives of people li

The Scottish Child Payment is now being received by the families of more than 300,000 children and young people, according to official statistics. New figures show that 303,000 children were receiving the payment at the end of March.

An estimated 110,000 households in Scotland are on housing lists awaiting accommodation, according to figures published today in the Scottish Household Survey.

Plans to enable councils to raise the amount of council tax paid on empty and second homes will be included in a new Scottish Government consultation to help increase housing availability. First Minister Humza Yousaf will announce proposals at the Scottish Trades Union Congress today which could giv

Disabled people are being urged to find out if they are eligible for Scottish Government disability benefits as part of a new campaign to increase benefit take-up. The nationwide campaign aims to raise awareness about financial support available to help with the extra costs that disabled children an

Housing will be given its own ministerial office after new first minister Humza Yousaf completed the appointment of his ministerial team. Consisting of 10 cabinet secretaries, including the first minister, the Scottish cabinet will be supported by 18 junior ministers, with Paul McLennan aw

The UK Government is being urged by the Scottish Government to invest in public services and deploy its full range of powers to tackle the cost of living crisis, supporting people and businesses. Deputy First Minister John Swinney has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt ahead of h

Local communities across Scotland will be supported to take climate action in their areas through a new nationwide network of Climate Action Hubs. This follows the success of two pathfinder hubs in the North East and the Highlands, which helped to widen participation in climate action and have suppo

The Scottish Government has stepped in to decide if Artisan Real Estate’s plans for a major development in the Merchant City area of Glasgow can be approved. Glasgow City Council ruled in favour of the proposal concerning 65-97 Ingram Street on a casting vote last month.

Help with heating costs is on its way to around 400,000 people on low incomes through a new Scottish Government benefit, with the first payments processed this week.