{"links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions.json","first":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions.json","last":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions.json?page=28","next":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions.json?page=2","prev":null},"data":[{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2243","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2243.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Refund legal expenses for those acquitted of a crime","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to refund legal expenses for those acquitted of a crime. ","background_information":"Someone who has been acquitted in any criminal legal action should be put back in the same financial position as if they had never been arrested. This covers cases with and without legal aid. \r\n\r\nLegal expenses should be reimbursed by the Scottish Government, who may wish to seek payments from third parties depending on the circumstances of the legal action. \r\n\r\nAlthough someone may have lost earnings due to the legal process and experienced the distress of being wrongly accused of a crime, the reimbursement of legal fees would be a major factor allowing them to move forward. \r\n\r\nThe process of reimbursement would also act as a brake on further injustices happening to people who have had false accusations made against them. \r\n\r\nMy own scenario was that I was arrested in 2023. I was not entitled to any legal aid due to my employment and savings and was not permitted to represent myself. I was acquitted but there is no route for me to claim back my legal expenses of over £8,000.","petitioner":"Andrew Muir","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":6,"created_at":"2026-06-27T12:51:25.316Z","updated_at":"2026-08-07T08:59:42.520Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-08-04T13:25:59.906Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-08-04T13:25:59.906Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Andrew Muir","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2242","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2242.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Repeal the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to repeal the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (“the 2003 Act”).","background_information":"On 4 March 2013 Juan Mendez, then UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, addressed the UN Human Rights Council and stated: “The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities offers the most comprehensive set of standards on the rights of persons with disabilities and it is important that states review the anti-torture framework in relation to persons with disabilities in line with the CRPD. States should impose an absolute ban on all forced and non-consensual medical interventions against persons with disabilities, including the non-consensual administration of psychosurgery, electroshock and mind-altering drugs for both long- and short-term application.” \r\nIn my opinion the 2003 Act is very similar to the Witchcraft Acts, the Inquisition and slavery. \r\nIt is easy to label someone mentally ill, a witch, a heretic or a slave and very hard to refute this allegation. ","petitioner":"Andrew Joseph Muir","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":5,"created_at":"2026-05-14T17:01:46.346Z","updated_at":"2026-08-07T09:00:04.740Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-08-04T13:24:27.247Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-08-04T13:24:27.247Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Andrew Joseph Muir","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2241","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2241.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Introduce Legal Services Payment Orders to improve access to justice in Scottish family law","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to consult on and introduce legislation creating Legal Services Payment Orders in Scottish family law, so courts can stop financial control or economic abuse from preventing fair access to legal advice, representation, and justice.","background_information":"Economic abuse can continue after separation when one party controls money, assets, disclosure, housing, or legal funding. In family proceedings, this can prevent the other party from getting advice, challenging non-disclosure, seeking protection, or negotiating a fair settlement. \r\n\r\nUK evidence shows 1 in 7 women has experienced economic abuse from a current or former partner, and specialist evidence reports economic abuse in around 95% of domestic abuse survivor cases. Laws alone are not enough if financial control prevents survivors from accessing justice.\r\n\r\nLegal aid may not provide a practical route to representation, and public funds should not be the default where family resources exist but are controlled by one party. A Legal Services Payment Order, as is used in England and Wales, would give courts a discretionary, evidence-based and proportionate tool to prevent financial control from blocking justice, while protecting children, families, courts and publicly funded legal support.","petitioner":"Dr Jurgita Koechlin","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":77,"created_at":"2026-06-26T12:27:33.997Z","updated_at":"2026-08-07T18:40:37.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-08-04T13:21:09.558Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-08-04T13:21:09.558Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Dr Jurgita Koechlin","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2240","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2240.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Improve Gynaecology, Fertility, Early Pregnancy and Maternity Care in Scotland","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to improve gynaecological, fertility and early pregnancy and maternity services throughout Scotland by reinstating a duty of care on GPs to provide transitioning care for gynaecology, fertility and maternity care and support, and by introducing a reactive auditing process to minimise delays and ensure the safe delivery of accessible, uniform services across health boards. ","background_information":"The existing early pregnancy and maternity care system in Scotland, which removes pregnancy care from GPs and mandates self-referrals, is inadequate, resulting in delays, preventable pregnancy losses, and instances of medical negligence all damaging the lives of expectant mothers and families.\r\n\r\nIn my experience, there appears to be a significant issue with the level of communication between different services and across health board boundaries. There also seems to be a lack of appreciation or awareness within services about any potential risk factors that should require increased diligence when supporting expectant mothers.\r\n\r\nDelays in understanding and addressing any risks can have devastating consequences for expectant mothers. I would like to see these delays minimised through a triaging system and an effective and reactive auditing process. There should also be a role for GPs in co-ordinating the initial provision of services.","petitioner":"Elizabeth Crammond","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":352,"created_at":"2026-06-05T20:36:29.510Z","updated_at":"2026-08-08T15:20:47.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-08-04T13:15:56.014Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-08-04T13:15:56.014Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Elizabeth Crammond","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2239","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2239.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Convene a Parliamentary Inquiry into Pre-Establishing Scotland's Statehood Infrastructure","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to establish an independent, cross-party committee inquiry to examine the feasibility, legislative requirements, and framework for pre-establishing a shadow Treasury, a standalone Central Bank, and a codified Written Constitution.","background_information":"I believe that the UK Government systematically denies Scotland’s democratic mandates. To break this deadlock and ensure day-one security, the Scottish Parliament must use its committee powers to examine a strategy of \"pre-building the state\" to maximize public and international confidence. We urge the Parliament to convene an independent inquiry to assess how Scotland can bypass political self-interest and establish a codified, unalterable Written Constitution. This inquiry should evaluate the framework for embedding three vital pillars: \r\n•\tShadow Infrastructure: Pre-establishing a Scottish Treasury, a Central Bank, and a full revenue agency to manage all national taxation before transition; \r\n•\tElectoral Reforms: Embedding compulsory voting and introducing strict term limits on regional List MSPs to ensure direct accountability; and\r\n•\tResource Protection: Legally mandating a Norway-style Sovereign Wealth Fund to permanently ring-fence our renewable energy and oil revenues.\r\n","petitioner":"Alan Mcculloch","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":16,"created_at":"2026-06-17T13:16:54.396Z","updated_at":"2026-08-07T10:21:07.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-08-04T13:09:24.041Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-08-04T13:09:24.041Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Alan Mcculloch","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2238","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2238.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Automatically remove parental rights upon the conviction of a child sexual/domestic abuse offence","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to automatically remove the parental rights of individuals that are convicted of child sexual or domestic abuse offences, such rights only to be reconsidered by application. ","background_information":"I am calling on the Scottish Government to tighten laws over parental access where the parent has been convicted of a child sexual or domestic abuse offence. The current legislative regime leaves the decision to the civil courts which can cause delay and distress and risk of immediate harm. The placing of an offender on the sex offenders register should mean automatic removal of parental rights. The rights and protections of children should come above the rights of the offender.\r\n \r\nThe Victims and Prisoners Bill in England and Wales aims to introduce stricter controls over the access of convicted sex offenders and domestic abusers have to their children. The Scottish Government should follow suit. If a person can be placed on the sex offenders register in the criminal court, it should also be possible to simultaneously remove parental rights preventing any immediate risk of harm only to be restored by application and approval in the civil courts.\r\n","petitioner":"Lynne Steel","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":1032,"created_at":"2026-05-26T12:49:31.856Z","updated_at":"2026-08-08T13:15:17.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-29T11:07:27.639Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-29T11:07:27.639Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Lynne Steel","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2237","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2237.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Create a “stage not age” health and social care and benefit system for people with exceptional complex medical needs","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to create a “stage not age” health and social care and benefit system for people with exceptional complex medical needs, including a lifelong foster care model so that such young people do not lose vital paediatric and family financial support at 18.","background_information":"Children with exceptional complex medical needs in Scotland receive intensive paediatric support including specialist teams, therapies, rapid hospital access and 24-hour clinical respite. However, when they reach adulthood these essential services are lost, not because their needs change, but because adult services aren't designed for individuals who remain medically and developmentally child-like for life. Families face crisis, unsafe care, and collapsing support. For young people in foster care the situation is worse: foster carers are told to either continue caring with no financial support or return the young person to institutional care. This denies stability, family life and equality. \r\n\r\nSuch young people lose vital paediatric support and family financial support when moved to adult institutional services that cannot meet their lifelong child-level needs.  It is my view that Scotland must ensure continuity, safety, dignity and proper lifelong support for such young people.\r\n\r\nDespite raising these concerns with the former Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and advisers, no meaningful action has been taken. A “stage not age” system is urgently needed to provide lifelong specialist care, therapies, proper respite and a lifelong foster care model. This petition is supported by many paediatric professionals.\r\n","petitioner":"Allan Petrie","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":711,"created_at":"2025-12-08T17:39:58.130Z","updated_at":"2026-08-08T15:31:17.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-29T10:59:51.986Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-29T10:59:51.986Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Allan Petrie","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2236","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2236.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Transfer administration of mandatory charitable rates relief to independent third sector processes","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to transfer the administration of mandatory charitable rates relief from local authority non-domestic rates departments to an independent, third sector-led or community focused system. This will ensure that applications from volunteer-led charities are considered with a proper understanding of how voluntary organisations operate, rather than through a narrow revenue collection and enforcement lens.","background_information":"The current system places the administration of mandatory charitable rates relief with local authority non-domestic rates departments operating in a revenue and enforcement culture. This leads to lengthy processes and enforcement action against volunteer-led charities qualifying for 80% mandatory relief under the Local Government (Financial Provisions etc.) (Scotland) Act 1962.\r\n\r\nMoving to an independent, third sector-led process would allow assessments to be carried out with a better understanding of how voluntary organisations operate, reducing the burden on volunteering communities.\r\n\r\nVolunteer Scotland’s April 2025 report shows formal volunteering in Scotland is in crisis. Administrative demands disproportionately burden volunteers who contribute during evenings and weekends, while local authorities use multiple paid officers. This creates unnecessary barriers for small volunteer-led charities.\r\n","petitioner":"Tommy Reid","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":14,"created_at":"2026-06-16T14:58:03.282Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T13:38:25.031Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-29T10:13:50.052Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-29T10:13:50.052Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Tommy Reid","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2235","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2235.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Mandate automated external defibrillator (AED) registration on The Circuit defibrillator network and compulsory maintenance checks in Scotland","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to introduce legislation requiring the mandatory registration of all publicly accessible AEDs in Scotland on The Circuit national defibrillator network database, and to establish a legal duty on AED owners or guardians to undertake regular inspection, maintenance and readiness checks so that devices remain rescue-ready and available for use during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.","background_information":"AEDs are widely deployed across Scotland in public buildings, workplaces and community locations, playing a vital role in responding to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. More than 3,000 people suffer cardiac arrest in Scotland each year, yet survival remains low. Early defibrillation is critical, with survival chances falling significantly for every minute treatment is delayed.\r\n\r\nThe Circuit database, the UK-wide national defibrillator network developed by the British Heart Foundation in partnership with the NHS and emergency services, helps ambulance services direct 999 callers to the nearest registered AED. However, there is currently no legal requirement for AEDs to be registered, inspected or routinely maintained. Devices may therefore contain expired pads, depleted batteries or faults, rendering them unusable in an emergency.\r\n\r\nIn contrast, Scottish fire safety law mandates fire extinguisher maintenance, despite 42 fire-related deaths in 2023–24. This petition calls for similar legislation for AEDs to help save lives.","petitioner":"Stephen David Jelfs","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":59,"created_at":"2026-05-22T14:45:26.430Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T10:24:47.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-29T10:11:15.247Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-29T10:11:15.247Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Stephen David Jelfs","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2234","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2234.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Reduce MSP Salaries to the Median Scottish Full-time Income","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to (a) permanently cap MSP salaries at the level of median Scottish income for full-time employment, adjusted annually (£39,719, as of October 2025; the equivalent of the salary of a band 5 NHS nurse), and (b) cap any additional salaries and payments arising from MSPs extra duties (for parliamentary offices, Government positions, severance pay, etc.) proportionally to the adjustment of the MSPs annual salary (a reduction of 50%).","background_information":"It became clear during the previous Parliamentary session that MSPs are detached from the lived experience of the nation, with their legislative agendas and priorities not matching the needs of the people of Scotland.  As a former First Minister acknowledged, the overly generous pay causes a major perspective skew.\r\n\r\nThe £77,711 annual salary puts MSPs in the top 7% of UK earners, alongside those working in highly skilled professional jobs that require extensive formal qualifications and/or extensive practical experience. Yet, the MSP position requires neither qualifications nor work experience, has no binding workload, and comes with virtually no accountability, making such remuneration inappropriate.\r\n\r\nThe Scottish median full-time salary, corresponding to that of a band 5 NHS nurse, would seem more appropriate, and would make our MSPs invested in improving the living standard of the nation.\r\n\r\nCapping the MSP salaries at the Scottish median would fund 129 band 5 NHS nurses.\r\n\r\n","petitioner":"Tomas Frydrych","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":22,"created_at":"2026-06-02T16:53:15.164Z","updated_at":"2026-08-06T16:41:07.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-21T14:45:43.947Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-21T14:45:43.947Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Tomas Frydrych","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2233","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2233.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Moratorium on planning applications for all hyperscale data centres until their environmental impacts have been fully assessed","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to introduce a moratorium to prohibit planning permission from being granted for any hyperscale data centres, until it has carried out a thorough assessment of their impacts on Scotland's communities, greenhouse gas emissions, land and water resources and electricity grid; until regulations are modified to require all hyperscale AI data centres to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment; and until the Scottish Government puts in place guidance on hyperscale AI data centres and ‘green data centres’.","background_information":"Hyperscale data centres in our planning system would more than double Scotland’s current peak energy demand. Since they use energy 24/7 this will badly impact our climate targets as they cannot be powered by renewables alone and it is likely that they will require onsite gas generation if the grid cannot support them. They also require diesel or gas back-up generators which produce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These hyperscale data centres are for AI Large Language Model training and inference, and are orders of magnitude bigger than our existing data centres which provide the computing and data storage infrastructure of the modern economy. (Scotland had between 10MW-30MW of co-location data centres in 2024).\r\n\r\nWe are calling for a pause on hyperscale data centres until the government carries out a thorough assessment of their impacts and puts them on Schedule 1 of the EIA Regulations. ","petitioner":"Katherine Jones on behalf of Action to Protect Rural Scotland","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":16425,"created_at":"2026-05-22T10:17:16.420Z","updated_at":"2026-08-08T15:58:17.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-21T14:41:36.589Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-21T14:41:36.589Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Katherine Jones on behalf of Action to Protect Rural Scotland","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2232","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2232.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Ban beehives in public spaces until statutory national safety regulations are in place ","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to ban beehives in public access spaces until new safety laws are introduced. The new laws should clearly regulate beehives, including mandatory safety signage when beekeepers are working in public access spaces.","background_information":"There is currently no clear Scottish legislation regulating where beehives can be placed in relation to public spaces, nor any requirement for safety signage when beekeepers are working on hives. Other activities with far lower risk require visible warnings, yet beekeeping does not.\r\n\r\nTwo family members, including a young child, were the victims of a severe bee attack in a public access area after encountering a beekeeper working on hives with no warning signs or barriers. When the bees were disturbed, they became defensive and swarmed. Both family members suffered over 150 stings each, had to be airlifted to hospital, and continue to experience ongoing trauma and anxiety.\r\n\r\nThis incident highlights a serious gap in public safety measures. \r\n\r\nSimple, common sense regulation could prevent similar incidents and protect children, vulnerable people, and the wider public.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","petitioner":"Susan Kirkness","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":266,"created_at":"2026-05-16T14:36:16.865Z","updated_at":"2026-08-06T12:45:23.190Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-21T14:35:11.164Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-21T14:35:11.164Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Susan Kirkness","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2231","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2231.json"},"attributes":{"title":"CAMHS Staff Need Resources, Children Need Assessments","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to provide targeted funding for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) neurodevelopmental services, in order for additional staff to be recruited and trained, for transparent waiting-time data to be published, and for maximum waiting-time standards for ADHD and autism assessments to be introduced so that no child is left waiting years for support.","background_information":"A family member was referred to CAMHS Midlothian for an ADHD assessment on 22 March 2022 and triaged on 7 June 2022. More than four years later, he is still waiting for an assessment, with very limited communication from the service.\r\n\r\nFollowing a complaint in 2025, I was informed by a senior CAMHS clinician that increasing demand, staffing shortages and insufficient resources were contributing to long waits for neurodevelopmental assessments. Despite being told the wait would likely be measured in weeks rather than months, he remains on the waiting list over a year later.\r\n\r\nThis is not solely about my family member. Their experience demonstrates a wider national problem affecting thousands of Scottish children and families. Long waits delay access to support and leave families without answers. Increased investment in CAMHS neurodevelopmental services is needed to reduce waiting times and improve access to assessments across Scotland.\r\n","petitioner":"Mhari Douglas","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":3145,"created_at":"2026-06-09T10:39:46.514Z","updated_at":"2026-08-08T06:55:27.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-16T10:01:41.194Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-16T10:01:41.194Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Mhari Douglas","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2230","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2230.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Guarantee a neurodevelopment assessment within 6 months for children displaying risk behaviours","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to establish a national six-month maximum waiting time for neurodevelopmental assessments for children displaying significant behaviours or emotions which raise concerns, including those in relation to safety, ensuring families can access timely assessment, support, and intervention.","background_information":"Across Scotland, significant concerns have been raised about children displaying neurodevelopmental behaviours, emotional dysregulation, and other behaviours that place themselves or others at risk. These children often face lengthy delays or repeated referral rejections before receiving an assessment and support.\r\n\r\nFamilies can be left managing serious situations while being told their child does not meet the threshold for intervention. As a result, many children only receive support once they have reached crisis point.\r\n\r\nThese delays place additional pressure on families, schools, GPs, emergency services, and local authorities, and can force parents to seek costly private assessments.\r\n\r\nA guaranteed neurodevelopmental assessment within six months for children where significant behavioural, emotional, or safety-related concerns have been raised would ensure earlier identification of needs, faster access to support, and better outcomes for children and families across Scotland.\r\n","petitioner":"Stephanie McDowell and Dale McDowell","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":2174,"created_at":"2026-06-03T11:01:51.554Z","updated_at":"2026-08-08T15:58:17.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-16T09:59:54.115Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-16T09:59:54.115Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Stephanie McDowell and Dale McDowell","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2229","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2229.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Make Childcare Choice a Right in Scotland","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to make funded early learning and childcare on a cross-local authority basis a legal right across Scotland, so no family is denied access to the childcare setting that works for them because of an arbitrary council boundary. National action is needed to prevent local authority cost-cutting from restricting parental choice and disrupting children’s care and development.","background_information":"NDNA Scotland, parent campaigners and providers seek national action to make cross-border funded childcare a right. We believe not doing so undermines Funding Follows the Child, parental choice and provider neutrality.\r\n\r\nTwo local authorities, Edinburgh and West Lothian, have made decisions meaning children entitled to nationally funded childcare places who live outside the council area can only access places in council run nurseries, and cannot access private, voluntary, and independent nurseries. Removing parental choice has significantly impacted families. They have had to move children from trusted nurseries, separate siblings, change work patterns, and face extra costs. This means losing familiar relationships, routines and support at a crucial stage in children’s development. Around 100 families in West Lothian are affected, having chosen a nursery that met their child’s needs and family circumstances. These decisions show how council boundaries are limiting a national entitlement and risk a domino effect in other areas. ","petitioner":"Hannah Murison on behalf of National Day Nurseries Association","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":631,"created_at":"2026-05-28T14:03:54.170Z","updated_at":"2026-08-08T10:49:37.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-16T09:58:16.961Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-16T09:58:16.961Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Hannah Murison on behalf of National Day Nurseries Association","rejection":null,"topics":[]}}]}