Posts tagged Policy briefing

One year on from the referendum on Scottish independence, Kate Wane reflects on where we are at in terms of third sector policy Read more

Introduction SCVO welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to land reform and increased community ownership of land. It is encouraging to see the Policy Objectives[i] of the Bill referencing empowering people and increased public benefit as key goals of the Bill. The... Read more

Introduction Sadly, SCVO and other third sector organisations find themselves having to brief MPs on further, devastating changes to tax and benefits which will serve to push more people into poverty. Rather than achieving the goal of making work pay, the reforms outlined by the... Read more

Welfare cuts Cuts and changes to tax credits will have a huge impact on families. There are over 290,000 households in Scotland with children who currently receive tax credits, much of which goes to working families on low wages. Benefits for people of working-age will be frozen... Read more

Context and principles The third sector has a clear view about the principles and purpose of social security policy and delivery – these include dignity, holistic support and income adequacy. Yet, the reality is very far from the vision. Charities are already dealing with recent... Read more

Income tax and Gift Aid Gift Aid is a relief on income tax that benefits charities and community amateur sports clubs (CASCs). Last year Gift Aid provided over £1 billion to the third sector in the UK. Given the sums involved SCVO calls for a specific commitment for Gift Aid to... Read more

Introduction The Community Empowerment Bill has been in development for a number of years and has been subject to a considerable level of consultation and consideration. During this time the Scottish Government, the Local Government and Regeneration Committee and the Rural... Read more

Introduction Tax reform is a complex issue and not one that we are experts in. However, given that a large number of our member organisations support those on low incomes and/or benefits, that others campaign for changes in land distribution and ownership, and that yet others are... Read more

Introduction SCVO, as the umbrella body for charities and voluntary organisations in Scotland, takes a strong interest in policies and legislation concerning Scotland’s future, primarily as these often have an impact - positive and/or negative - on the people and communities our... Read more

Employer Debt in Non-Associated Multi-Employer Schemes Question 3.1 – if we were to make any changes, should we exclude associated multi-employer schemes / limit the provisions to multi-employer schemes? Changes should be made purely in relation to non-associated multi-employer... Read more