Bill Kidd Welcomes Cashback for Communities Clarity

Bill Kidd, SNP MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, called on the Minister for Victims and Community Safety to provide and update on the Cashback for Communities Programme.

The Cashback for Communities is a unique Scottish Government programme which uses the funds recovered from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act to expand young people’s horizons and increase opportunities they have to develop their interests and skills. The fund is aimed at young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system and the communities most affected by crime.

In response to Bill Kidd’s question, Siobhian Brown, the Minister for Victims and Community Safety explained that: “During the current phase 6 of the programme, which runs to March 2026, we are providing funding of up to £20 million to 29 partner organisations, with the projects aiming to reach around 34,000 children and young people.”

The Minister mentioned that in 2023-24, there were more than 15,000 young people who were supported in improving their wellbeing, reducing their involvement in the criminal justice system and moving towards a positive destination.

She went on to say that the annual impact report shows that the programme is exceeding all its targets.

Some key outcomes included: “4,300 young people reporting reduced involvement in antisocial or criminal activity; more than 8,300 reporting improved health and wellbeing; and more than 64,000 volunteering hours to support local communities.”

Continuing from this, Bill requested an update on the phase 7 funding and the timeline for when applications would open. The Minister explained that the plans would be announced later in the year, with the funding set to be in place by March 2026, when the current phase concludes.

Commenting, Bill said that “I encourage all partners to keep an eye out for the next phase of funding and hope for continued success with the programme. The work being done to support our young people and steer them away from negative influences is invaluable, and I look forward to seeing even more positive outcomes in the future.”

Kidd Champions the ‘Right of the Child’

Bill Kidd, SNP MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, called on the Cabinet Secretary to outline further steps being taken to ensure that current and future legislative processes fully integrate the principles and aims of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024.

The UNCRC Incorporation (Scotland) Act places a duty on the Scottish Government to ensure that the rights of children and young people in Scotland are respected across all areas of public life. The Act requires public bodies to align with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ensuring that children’s voices are central to the decisions that affect their lives.

In response to Bill Kidd’s question, Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice said:

‘”We are committed to fostering a proactive culture of everyday accountability for children’s rights and to ensuring that our legislation aligns with UNCRC requirements.

‘This is why we introduced the act, which requires us to publish child rights and wellbeing impact assessments when developing new bills and Scottish statutory instruments.”

Looking ahead, the Cabinet Secretary added that the Government will publish its first Children’s Rights Scheme later this year. The scheme will detail how Scotland plans to give further effect to children's rights across all areas of public policy and action.

Following up Bill Kidd emphasized the importance of ensuring that children and young people are at the heart of decision-making to ensure the success of this legislation asking:

“Does the Cabinet Secretary agree that children and young people must be central to decision-making, and what steps are being taken to ensure they understand their rights and know how to access and advocate for them?”

In response, the Cabinet Secretary reinforced the Government's commitment to ensuring children’s voices are heard:

“We are dedicated to ensuring that the views of children and young people are a primary consideration in decisions that affect them. This is a key component of their rights.

‘On my visits as both a constituency MSP and Minister, I am always impressed by the work being done in schools to ensure that children understand their rights,” she said.

The Cabinet Secretary highlighted ongoing efforts to engage children and young people, including their participation in annual meetings with the Scottish Government Cabinet.

Furthermore, the Government is developing a comprehensive UNCRC awareness plan, with a focus on those whose rights are most at risk; co-designing resources to help children understand how to access and claim their rights if they feel they are being overlooked.

Commenting Bill said

"I welcome the commitment to strengthening children’s rights in Scotland and ensuring that young people’s voices are at the heart of decision-making. However, I will continue to advocate for all children, particularly those who are most at risk, to ensure they are fully informed of their rights and have the opportunity to exercise them."

Bill Kidd MSP Calls on Scottish Government to Keep ‘The Promise’

Bill Kidd, SNP MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, has called on the Minister for Children and Young People to provide further details on the steps being taken to ensure that children and young people are actively empowered, involved, and included in both the current and future delivery of The Promise

The Promise in Scotland is a national commitment to improve the lives of care-experienced children and young people. It aims to ensure that every child in care is supported to reach their full potential, with a focus on building trusting relationships, providing stability, and prioritizing the voices and experiences of those affected. Established following the independent review of children's care, The Promise seeks to reshape Scotland’s care system to be more compassionate, child-centred, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable children and young people. The initiative drives the transformation of policies, services, and practices, ensuring that care-experienced individuals are empowered and included in decisions that impact their lives.

In response to Bill Kidd’s question, Natalie Don-Innes, Minister for Children and Young People, emphasized that the voice of care-experienced children, young people, and adults is at the heart of the ongoing work across Scotland. She further explained, "The Scottish Government continues to build that voice through the breadth of consultation and engagement that is undertaken at a national level."

The Minister added, "I want to continue to ensure that children and young people feel empowered and included, and I want to ensure that we continue to reach as many young people as possible, including those who might not have engaged before."

In response Bill said: “I am glad the Minister is taking steps to ensure that young people are being heard, especially those who have not yet engaged and I will continue to press the Government to ensure that the voices of all children are heard.”

KIDD CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION INTO SKYE HOUSE ABUSE CLAIMS.

Bill Kidd SNP MSP for Glasgow Anniesland raised the critical issue of abuse at Skye House, Scotland’s largest children’s psychiatric hospital, following revelations aired in the "Disclosure" programme.

The documentary exposed alarming allegations from former patients at Skye House, including claims of a culture of cruelty among nursing staff. These young people, many of whom were detained under the Mental Health Act, bravely shared their stories of overuse of medication and unnecessary physical force.

Bill Kidd MSP called on the Scottish Government to ensure a full investigation and immediate action to prevent any further harm. He said:

“The experiences of the young people featured in the ‘Disclosure’ programme must be taken seriously. Their courage in coming forward deserves not only our commendation but our commitment to ensure that this abuse never happens again.”

“These young people and their families deserve reassurance, accountability, and closure. The Scottish Government must urgently engage with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, as well as the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, to conduct a thorough investigation into these claims and hold those responsible to account."

In response, the Scottish Government Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd MSP stated:

“I was absolutely shocked by the disturbing footage in the programme. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the young people and their families for having the courage to come forward.”

“Since being made aware of these allegations, my officials have been in regular contact with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to seek assurances regarding current practices and governance. We are working closely with the health board to review the situation and will hold them to account. I will personally monitor the outcome of these reviews and ensure they are addressed with the urgency they require.”

“We will also be meeting with NHS Lothian and NHS Tayside, which operate the other two adolescent psychiatric units in Scotland, to ensure that the highest standards of care are upheld across the country.”