Welcome to All things Scotland
As we rush headlong into October and autumn chill is in the air, we at LGIU have a bumper crop of briefings and blogs for you this month. Recognising the start of Challenge Poverty Week on October 3rd, the links below illustrate LGIU-focused content on how councils can navigate the cost of living crisis and changing economic climate. First launched by the Poverty Alliance in 2013, Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity for people to get involved and unite with others in striving for a just and equal Scotland. Click here to get involved or view the events arranged on Challenge Poverty Week.
- IFS-Deaton Inequality Review: Education inequalities
- Swift Read: Tackling Fuel Poverty in Scotland
- Councils supporting disabled residents through tough times: a new toolkit
- UK Poverty 2022: the JRF’s essential guide
- Not Heating, Eating or Meeting Bills: Managing a Cost of Living Crisis on a Low Income
- Digital Poverty in the UK – Evidence Review 2022
Cllr Awards 2022
Also on our radar is the upcoming Councillor Awards set in Dundee on October 12th. Following the 2022 local government election, this ceremony provides a useful opportunity to recognise both past and present Councillors and showcases the vital work local governments are doing. To find out more about Scotland’s 5th and only national award dedicated to Councillors, click here.
Reports and updates
In Holyrood, Net Zero Committee meeting discussed the role of local government in delivering Scotland’s 2045 Net Zero target and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee discussed pre-budget scrutiny for 2023-24.
Also in Scotland, a new report gives guidance and updates existing advice for providing alcohol and addiction services, particularly the role of prevention. New evidence highlights the clear link between alcohol consumption and cancer, additionally highlights increased risk for smokers who consume alcohol and notes that deprivation is linked to high mortality. You can read a useful summary here of actions councils can take on this issue.
Coming up
Looking ahead to the rest of October, we have an array of topics ready for Scottish local government and the wider public sector. From an education resource bundle, an in-depth policy round-up from August and September, Scottish Government response to the UK budget and a detailed review of the future of hybrid working from member case studies, make sure to stay tuned to LGiU in Scotland.
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