briefing paper

Housing policies for Scotland: challenges and changes

Major changes in tenure over the last 25 years mean that two out of three people in Scotland are home-owners and half of social housing is provided by independent non-profit organisations. Despite these changes, longstanding challenges still remain to be met, and new challenges are emerging. This study looks back over the past decade of Scottish housing policy and forward to the next, as well as, provides an overview of housing outcomes in Scotland and how housing policy contributes to these.

Tackling health inequalities in Scotland: working with communities - a partnership of Scottish intermediary bodies

The current economic climate presents major challenges for Scotland and, in particular, for the health improvement drive where the need for action has rarely been greater. Consequently, there has never been a more important time for politicians and policy makers to look at ways in which they can best harness the energies that exist in Scotland’s communities. This document examines some of the initiatives undertaken by various community-led and voluntary sector groups.

Confronting the skills paradox

Paper examining the so-called 'skills paradox' in the UK whereby funding and investment in skills formation operates on a 'trickle down' principle, in which those already enjoying privileged status within the education and training system benefit most from the highest levels of investment from both the state and employers. It suggests ways to address this paradox and create an education and training system which works for everyone and maximises the benefits to individuals, organisations and the economy.

Child abuse and neglect

Every child has the right to grow up in a caring and safe environment. Fortunately most children and young people do. However, some children are not loved by their families. Others live in families that are having a really difficult time and cannot cope with their problems. Some children are deliberately neglected or hurt by the adults around them.