{"links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions.json?state=under_consideration","first":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions.json?state=under_consideration","last":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions.json?page=2&state=under_consideration","next":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions.json?page=2&state=under_consideration","prev":null},"data":[{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2225","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2225.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Urgent Independent Safeguarding Review and Temporary Suspension of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education in Scotland ","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to commission an urgent, independent safeguarding review of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education in Scottish schools, and to introduce a temporary suspension of delivery of RSHP education while this review is carried out. \r\n\r\nThis review must examine whether RSHP content is consistently age-appropriate and suitable for children’s developmental stages across all year groups. ","background_information":"Concerns have been raised by some parents and carers that there is significant inconsistency in how RSHP education is delivered across Scotland, particularly in relation to the age-appropriateness of materials and the way sensitive topics are introduced in primary education. \r\n\r\nThere is concern that some children may be exposed to content that they are not developmentally ready to process, which may lead to confusion, distress, or difficulty in understanding personal boundaries and safeguarding concepts without sufficient context or support. \r\n\r\nConcerns have also been raised regarding safeguarding capacity within the classroom environment, including whether all teaching staff are adequately trained and supported to manage sensitive discussions and potential pupil disclosures in a safe and appropriate manner. \r\n\r\nFurther concern exists regarding children with additional support needs or trauma histories. ","petitioner":"Mandy Mcgurk","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":244,"created_at":"2026-05-18T13:39:16.978Z","updated_at":"2026-07-11T23:04:47.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-02T10:35:33.680Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-02T10:35:33.680Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Mandy Mcgurk","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2224","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2224.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Review legislation in order to strengthen the Scottish Outdoor Access Code ","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review the legislation concerning the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC), in order to: \r\n\r\n• explicitly prohibit camping in a vehicle, outside of designated camping zones; and \r\n• make the provisions of the Code legally enforceable by introducing dedicated enforcement teams and fines for Code violations. ","background_information":"The petition seeks to acknowledge that the right of responsible access must not be lost. \r\n\r\nThe success in delivering an increasing number of visitors has not been matched with sufficient infrastructure investment to accommodate them or any operational review process to monitor and improve the experience for visitors and residents. Scotland’s rural attractions are therefore now woefully underserved in several key areas including infrastructure, support and consultation with locally impacted communities and non-tourist related industries. \r\n\r\nThis is now having a massive environmental impact across Scotland – wild fires, extensive litter and human waste pollution, destruction of and damage to flora and fauna, erosion of road verges by parked cars and vans, obstruction to other road users (including emergency services), fouling of watercourses by chemical waste, barbeques and campfires and damage to significant Scottish heritage sites. \r\n\r\nThe above is evidenced in the Highland Council Outdoor Access Rangers’ reports. ","petitioner":"Robin Pettigrew","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":473,"created_at":"2026-05-15T11:58:05.369Z","updated_at":"2026-07-11T23:29:27.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-02T10:32:28.612Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-02T10:32:28.612Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Robin Pettigrew","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2223","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2223.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Allow parents of children with additional support needs to use their local authority education funding to access alternative education, including private schools, forest schools and other alternative provision","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to allow parents of children with ASN to allocate their child’s local authority education allowance to offset the cost of alternative education through private schools, forest schools and alternative provision.  \r\n\r\nThis model is already in use in many Scandinavian countries.  \r\n\r\nThis change would give parents more choice and the option to top up the rest if required.  \r\n","background_information":"Our family member, we suspect, is autistic. In August he is due to start our excellent local school. They will make some accommodations to support him but likely he will be very unhappy there and won’t learn much. \r\n\r\nWe can flexi school or home school or send him to school and risk his mental health and future attainment.  \r\n\r\nMany children with additional support needs such as his need a smaller, calmer, more structured environment or an alternative approach, which is not possible in an overcrowded classroom. \r\n\r\nThe local authority has a responsibility to educate these children not to cause them distress and physical harm.  \r\n\r\nThe money could go towards providing a better setting for the child and parents could top up the cost. \r\n\r\nScandinavian countries have a variety of schools to choose from as standard-language immersion, Montessori, Steiner, Arts etc and heavily subsidise private schooling to make it accessible for all.  \r\n\r\n  ","petitioner":"Karmen Boyd","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":486,"created_at":"2026-03-11T10:16:13.910Z","updated_at":"2026-07-11T21:36:17.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-07-02T10:28:40.883Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-07-02T10:28:40.883Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Karmen Boyd","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2222","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2222.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Neutralise the Impact of Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) Cuts in Scotland","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to use its powers under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 to introduce an automatic Scottish top-up payment that fully mitigates the UK Government’s reduction of the Universal Credit LCWRA element for new claimants in Scotland from 6 April 2026.","background_information":"From 6 April 2026, the UK Government’s published LCWRA rates are £429.80 per month for protected claimants and £217.26 per month for most new claimants, a difference of £212.54 per month or £2,550.48 per year.\r\n\r\nThis creates a two-tier system in which disabled people who are newly assessed after 6 April 2026 receive substantially less support than those already protected. That reduction increases the risk of poverty, worsening health, housing insecurity, and social exclusion.\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Parliament already has powers to create new benefits in devolved areas and to top up reserved benefits, and Scotland already fully funds mitigation of the bedroom tax through Discretionary Housing Payments, with a published budget of £90.5 million in 2024/25.\r\n\r\nThis petition calls for an automatic, non-means-tested Scottish top-up payment that covers 100% of the £212.54 monthly gap for all new LCWRA awards in Scotland from 6 April 2026, without application or reassessment.\r\n","petitioner":"Sviatoslav Rozenko","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":18,"created_at":"2026-01-17T20:40:28.395Z","updated_at":"2026-07-09T21:44:37.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-06-24T10:23:58.139Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-06-24T10:23:58.139Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Sviatoslav Rozenko","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2221","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2221.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Waive the Additional Dwelling Supplement for people not buying additional homes for commercial gain","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to waive the Additional Dwelling Supplement for those buying homes to support dependent family members. ","background_information":"The Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) is a tax applied to the purchase of additional residential properties, introduced to discourage speculative buying and reduce pressure on housing supply. Its primary aim is to limit commercial investment that drives up house prices and restricts access for first-time buyers. ADS applies regardless of intent, meaning it also affects individuals purchasing homes for non-commercial reasons.\r\n\r\nThe impact of ADS has been significant. While it has helped curb some investment activity, it has also created unintended consequences for families buying property to support dependent relatives. These purchases are not for profit but to provide stable, suitable housing for vulnerable relatives. The tax can make this impossible, delaying housing solutions, forcing families into unsuitable housing, making essential purchases unaffordable, and increasing pressure on public services. A targeted waiver supports family care, independent living, and aligns the tax with its original purpose.","petitioner":"Khadijah Rafiq","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":6,"created_at":"2025-12-15T11:26:39.622Z","updated_at":"2026-07-10T09:43:47.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-06-24T10:22:46.802Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-06-24T10:22:46.802Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Khadijah Rafiq","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2220","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2220.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Support Retrofit Training for a Greener Scotland and Just Transition","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to fund and expand retrofit-skills training; work with education providers, local authorities and industry; widen access for underrepresented groups; and align training with area-based programmes.","background_information":"Scotland has committed to ambitious climate targets, requiring large-scale retrofitting of homes to ensure safe, effective installation of insulation, ventilation and low-carbon heating. These measures will also reduce fuel poverty and improve public health.\r\n\r\nHowever, Scotland lacks one of the most fundamental ingredients for success: a large enough skilled, retrofit-ready workforce. A skilled workforce is central to safeguarding the public interest and delivering Scotland’s climate commitments.\r\n\r\nA competent workforce is essential to protecting residents’ health, safety and wellbeing. Yet there is no dedicated government funding for retrofit-skills training, despite urgent and growing need.\r\n\r\nThis shortage risks poor-quality work, failure to meet national targets, harm to householders, and lost opportunities to rebuild trust in the industry and develop local community skills.\r\n","petitioner":"Gloria Lo on behalf of Scottish Ecological Design Association","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":80,"created_at":"2025-12-11T12:54:18.579Z","updated_at":"2026-07-10T09:35:27.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-06-24T10:21:33.408Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-06-24T10:21:33.408Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Gloria Lo on behalf of Scottish Ecological Design Association","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2219","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2219.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Review the Mandatory Minimum Five-Year Prison Sentence for Firearms Offences ","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review whether the mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence for possession of prohibited firearms under the Firearms Act 1968 continues to deliver proportionate justice and effective public safety outcomes in all circumstances. \r\n\r\nMy petition asks for a review of whether the current legislation remains the most effective and proportionate approach in all circumstances, rather than calling for the removal of serious penalties altogether. \r\n\r\nWhile I understand aspects of firearms legislation are reserved to the UK Parliament, I believe the Scottish Parliament still has an important role in considering the impact of sentencing policy on Scotland’s justice system and in making representations where concerns about proportionality and fairness arise. ","background_information":"The mandatory minimum sentence for possession of certain prohibited firearms was introduced in 2003, in response to concerns about gang-related firearms. While this approach is important for public safety, concerns have been raised about the limited flexibility available to courts in unusual circumstances \r\n\r\nI believe there are cases where the current mandatory minimum may prevent courts from fully considering factors such as intent, risk posed to the public, personal circumstances, or the wider context of the offence.  \r\n\r\nScottish courts must normally impose a minimum five-year custodial sentence unless “exceptional circumstances” are found, this means departures from the statutory minimum are rare. \r\n\r\nThis has led to situations where individuals who have not used a firearm, have no link to organised crime, or have acquired firearms in unusual circumstances—such as inheritance—may receive the same mandatory custodial sentence as someone involved in serious gang-related crime. ","petitioner":"Sharon Wilson","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":14,"created_at":"2026-03-08T17:51:31.809Z","updated_at":"2026-06-30T07:00:27.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-06-24T08:28:59.809Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-06-24T08:28:59.809Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Sharon Wilson","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2218","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2218.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Introduce mandatory women’s health training for all GPs and NHS healthcare professionals","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to introduce mandatory, standardised women’s health training for GPs and NHS healthcare professionals across Scotland.\r\n\r\nTraining must focus on conditions that disproportionately affect women, including menstrual, reproductive and hormonal conditions, chronic pain, and the psychological impact of long-term symptoms.\r\n\r\nIt should be evidence-based, regularly updated and regulated to ensure consistent, compassionate and informed care across all healthcare settings.\r\n","background_information":"Our Change.org petition has 25,605 signatures and calls for Nicola's Law to End Medical Misogyny in Women's Healthcare. \r\n\r\nEndometriosis and other chronic gynaecological conditions affect thousands of women in Scotland, yet diagnosis is often delayed for years. \r\n\r\nMany women report feeling dismissed, disbelieved or told their symptoms are “normal”. Persistent unmanaged pain can severely impact education, employment, relationships and mental health. Research shows higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts among those living with chronic pain conditions. In January 2024, Nicola died by suicide after years of severe endometriosis and unrelieved pain. Her death highlights the urgent need to address gender bias in healthcare, improve professional training, and ensure women’s physical and psychological symptoms are recognised early and treated with compassion and expertise.\r\n\r\nThe actions proposed in the petition would support the Scottish Women's Health Plan Women's Health Plan which recognises that women experience health inequalities.\r\n","petitioner":"June Smillie on behalf of Nicola's","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":354,"created_at":"2026-02-17T10:31:35.348Z","updated_at":"2026-07-11T23:09:47.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-06-24T08:27:27.917Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-06-24T08:27:27.917Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"June Smillie on behalf of Nicola's","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2217","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2217.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Bring the Food Standards Agency hygiene rating scale to Scotland, and make it mandatory to display ","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to adopt the Food Standards Agency hygiene scale, similar to the ones they have down in England. I am someone who suffers with anxiety over food hygiene, and I don’t think a simple pass or fail is enough information to base off. It should also be mandatory that the hygiene scale is displayed on the food establishment’s main window. ","background_information":"The type of scale I believe that we should be using is similar to the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland where businesses are inspected and then given a hygiene rating between 5 (very good) and 0 (urgent improvement required).  \r\n\r\nhttps://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/how-food-hygiene-ratings-work","petitioner":"Johnny Lee Kimberley","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":20,"created_at":"2026-01-02T15:21:34.597Z","updated_at":"2026-07-09T21:45:17.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-06-24T08:26:32.215Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-06-24T08:26:32.215Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Johnny Lee Kimberley","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2216","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2216.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Extend Young Persons' Free Bus Travel to include all under-26s ","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to extend eligibility for the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme to include everyone aged 22 to 25 inclusive, using powers under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019. \r\n\r\nThe current age limit of 21 creates an unfair cliff-edge for young people entering work, apprenticeships or higher education. Extending the scheme would reduce socio-economic disadvantage, boost workforce participation and aid net-zero targets. ","background_information":"The current age threshold at 21 creates a significant \"cliff-edge\" for young people transitioning into the workforce, apprenticeships, or higher education. While the scheme has been transformative for those under 22, the 22-25 age group remains heavily affected by high transport costs during a critical career establishment period. \r\n\r\nThe Government’s Fairer Scotland Duty requires reducing socio-economic disadvantage. The Under 26 Concessionary Fares Review (2022) identified transport costs as a major barrier to employment. Transport Scotland’s Year 1 Evaluation showed affordability rose from only 26% to 38% even after free travel for under-22s, highlighting ongoing barriers for 22-25 year-olds. \r\n\r\nWith £414.5 million already allocated to concessionary travel in 2025-26, the estimated £100 million for this extension is a strategic investment in Scotland’s workforce and net-zero goals. As major parties pledged this in their 2026 manifestos, Parliament must now turn these promises into action. ","petitioner":"James Bond","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":32,"created_at":"2026-01-17T21:06:40.584Z","updated_at":"2026-07-09T21:52:37.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-06-18T10:42:34.333Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-06-18T10:42:34.333Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"James Bond","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2215","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2215.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Introduce a Statutory National Anti-Bullying Policy and Strengthen Consequences for Bullying in Scottish Schools","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to create and enforce a national anti-bullying policy that all schools and local authorities must follow, with mandatory reporting procedures and stronger consequences to ensure the safety and protection of children affected by bullying.","background_information":"Although the Scottish Government has produced guidance—most notably Respect for All—this guidance is not statutory and does not create a uniform, enforceable standard across all schools and local authorities.\r\n\r\nThe impact of bullying on young people can be significant and long-lasting. Many children experience anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep difficulties, and declining academic performance.\r\n\r\nChildren with additional support needs (ASN) are particularly vulnerable.\r\n\r\nThis highlights the need for a national framework that empowers schools and ensures accountability.\r\n","petitioner":"Kirsty Solman","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":155,"created_at":"2025-12-03T14:20:49.255Z","updated_at":"2026-07-11T22:40:47.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-06-18T10:30:05.200Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-06-18T10:30:05.200Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Kirsty Solman","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2214","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2214.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Officially annually recognise 23rd of August as Wallace Day in honour of Sir William Wallace  ","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to officially declare and promote the 23rd of August as \"Wallace Day\" in honour of Scotland’s national hero Sir William Wallace who was judicially executed in London on the 23rd of August 1305 as a result of defending Scotland’s sovereignty. ","background_information":"Sir William Wallace is Scotland’s national hero. \r\n\r\nIn 1296 he led the cause to secure Scotland’s sovereignty from England's overlordship and restore Scotland’s place in Europe. \r\n\r\nIn 1297 he secured a national and monumental victory with his co-Commander Andrew de Moray at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. \r\n\r\nIn 1298 he was declared High Guardian of Scotland and protector of the realm. \r\n\r\nBetween 1299 and 1301 he spent time in mainland Europe fighting for Scotland’s sovereignty.  \r\n\r\nIn 1305 he was betrayed and captured resulting in his judicial execution at Smithfield on 23rd August. \r\n\r\nHis impact on Scotland’s history thereafter has been huge, from Bannockburn to Prestonpans. In the 1800s a huge wave of monuments to Wallace were erected and in 1995 Hollywood dedicated a full film to his story. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, stats indicate tourist numbers could increase as a result of the declaration of a national Sir William Wallace day. ","petitioner":"David Reid","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":870,"created_at":"2025-11-16T07:57:40.849Z","updated_at":"2026-07-11T23:08:27.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-06-18T10:15:16.817Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-06-18T10:15:16.817Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"David Reid","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2213","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2213.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Introduce the Small Animal road signs in Scotland","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to introduce Small Animal road warning signage.  \r\n\r\nIt is two years since the Small Animal road signs were introduced in England under the Sunak government but they are yet to be introduced in Scotland. \r\n\r\nWe would like to see the Small Animal sign displayed in highly populated hedgehog areas. We would like to see these signs recognised in Scotland as they are in England and be made available to councils in areas where there are high populations of hedgehogs and road deaths. \r\n\r\nThis would help to save a species who are already on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list as a near threatened species. It is thought that 335,000 hedgehogs are killed on UK roads every year. ","background_information":"We are a hedgehog rescue service, and part of our mission is to raise awareness and help educate people on the hazards hedgehogs face. We want to help this vulnerable to extinction species as much as possible.  \r\n\r\nHedgehogs are in the top 5 most commonly recorded roadkill species by the Citizen Science Project. 1 out of 3 will die on our roads. \r\n\r\nWe feel the wild animal signage (featuring the deer) should only cover larger animals and if you saw that sign you would not be looking out for small animals such as hedgehogs. \r\n\r\nWe held a poll and the overwhelming majority of people said that if they saw that sign they would think there was a danger of deer running out in front of them not hedgehogs! \r\n\r\nWe have had many orphaned hoglets into the rescue who have been found at the side of the road next to their deceased mothers. ","petitioner":"Sharon Longhurst on behalf of Burntisland Hedgehog Haven","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":780,"created_at":"2025-12-08T22:07:24.882Z","updated_at":"2026-07-11T18:07:57.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-06-17T13:41:04.396Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-06-17T13:41:04.396Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Sharon Longhurst on behalf of Burntisland Hedgehog Haven","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2212","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2212.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Conduct a national review of local authority safeguarding and equality compliance frameworks","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to commission a national review into the misapplication of Unacceptable Actions Policies (UCAP) across local authorities and their impact on safeguarding and equality compliance. Such a review should consider whether there is a need to:\r\na) develop statutory guidance clarifying the interface between the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 (ASPA 2007) and local authority complaints or behavioural policies;\r\nb) strengthen enforcement powers for the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) and/or create an independent Safeguarding and Equality Oversight Body to ensure compliance with both ASPA 2007 and Equality Act 2010; and\r\nc) mandate uniform training and reporting standards across all councils to ensure equality and safeguarding are treated as statutory, not discretionary, obligations.\r\n\r\n","background_information":"Evidence gathered between 2024 and 2025 from cases including that of Moray Council demonstrates a recurring national pattern where local authorities:\r\n• Divert safeguarding disclosures into administrative or behavioural policy mechanisms (e.g., UCAP), contrary to ASPA 2007 section 4 duty to inquire.\r\n• Misapply or ignore statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010 (sections 20-22, section 149) concerning reasonable adjustments and the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).\r\n• Fail to implement consistent safeguarding escalation pathways across Scotland, creating postcode disparities in adult protection.\r\n• Lack clear external accountability when Equality or Safeguarding breaches occur, as neither the SPSO nor the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) have enforcement powers.\r\n\r\nThese issues are not isolated to one council but reflect structural gaps in national policy, particularly the lack of ministerial oversight or mandatory training standards for equality and safeguarding compliance across all 32 Scottish local authorities.","petitioner":"Steven Fawcett","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":9,"created_at":"2025-10-31T14:31:50.937Z","updated_at":"2026-06-25T15:18:23.734Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-06-17T13:23:09.213Z","under_consideration_at":"2026-06-17T13:23:09.213Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Steven Fawcett","rejection":null,"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","pe_number":"PE2202","links":{"self":"https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2202.json"},"attributes":{"title":"Stop the Guga Hunt","summary":"Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend Section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to remove the power to grant licences for taking Gannets on Sula Sgeir. ","background_information":"I have devoted my life to Scotland’s seabirds; photographing for National Geographic as avian influenza devastated colonies, winning Wildlife Photographer of the Year (Natural Artistry) and Bird Photographer of the Year (Portfolio). I have spent years volunteering on seabird islands across Scotland, including with the Scottish Seabird Centre, working hands-on to protect these birds I love so dearly. The annual Guga Hunt is no longer tradition — it is blood sport. This abhorrent cruelty dates back centuries, when island communities relied on seabirds for food, but today it is not a necessity. Despite catastrophic losses from avian influenza and unimaginable daily threats, the hunt continues. \r\n\r\nAfter surviving a winter at sea, Gannets return to our shores to raise one precious chick with a lifelong partner. After months of devotion, that chick is snatched, clubbed, and strangled in its prime.  \r\n\r\nI beg the Scottish Government: end this cruelty, protect Gannets, and let them recover. ","petitioner":"Rachel Bigsby","status":"under_consideration","signature_count":105059,"created_at":"2025-09-22T11:05:37.772Z","updated_at":"2026-07-11T23:08:57.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2025-11-03T11:52:55.500Z","under_consideration_at":"2025-11-03T11:52:55.500Z","closed_at":null,"archived_at":null,"submitted_on_paper":false,"submitted_on":null,"creator_name":"Rachel Bigsby","rejection":null,"topics":[]}}]}