Policy reports

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

Welfare SCVO and the wider third sector will welcome the fact that the Committee has raised concerns about the welfare powers promised as a result of the Smith Commission. It is not secret that many within the sector wanted to see more welfare powers being devolved to Scotland... Read more

Introduction First, SCVO once again calls for immediate devolution of powers over supporting people into jobs agreed by the Smith Commission to Holyrood and the commencement of a wider debate about how employment and employability support should be shaped in Scotland. As outlined... Read more

Introduction SCVO welcomes the opportunity to submit this briefing on the Carers (Scotland) Bill. At a time when carers and their families face a “double whammy” of service and welfare cuts, there are too many people facing crisis situations. Recognising the wider context We... Read more

Scene Setting Health inequalities are both created and exacerbated when policies, legislation, services and our economy impact on our lives in very real and sometimes devastating ways; consider the impact of welfare reform on poverty and isolation[i], and the increased... Read more