About the Inquiry
The Scottish Government reviewed and updated its National Outcomes in 2018. The National Outcomes set out the Scottish Government’s broad policy aims for Scotland, and were previously revised in 2007, with one further outcome being added in 2011.Under section 2 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, the Scottish Government is required to consult the Scottish Parliament on the proposed revisions to the National Outcomes. As part of this consultation, details of the wider consultation process and how it has been taken into account to inform any changes must also be provided. The proposed revised National Outcomes were laid in the Scottish Parliament on 29 March 2018.
There are three files embedded within the National Outcomes for Scotland document. These can be accessed via the links below:
The Local Government and Communities Committee was designated as the Lead Committee and has invited the EJFW Committee to scrutinise the National Outcomes which most closely apply to its remit.
The Committee examined the following indicators.
“We have a globally competitive, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable economy”
Relevant National Indicators
Retained:
Productivity, International exporting, Economic growth, Greenhouse gas emissions, Carbon footprint, Natural Capital, Spend on research and development, and Income inequalities
New:
Access to superfast broadband and Entrepreneurial activity
Removed:
Digital infrastructure, Traffic congestion, Widen use of internet, Knowledge exchange
“We tackle poverty by sharing opportunities, wealth and power more equally.”
Relevant National Indicators
Retained:
Relative poverty after housing costs and Income inequalities
New:
Wealth inequalities, Cost of living, Unmanageable debt, Persistent poverty, Satisfaction with housing and Food Poverty
Removed:
Access to suitable housing options
“We have thriving and innovative businesses, with quality jobs and fair work for everyone.”
Relevant National Indicators
Retained:
The number of businesses, Pay gap, Employees on the living wage and Economic participation
New:
High growth businesses, Innovative businesses, Contractually secure work, Employee voice and Gender balance in organisations
Removed:
Underemployment
Report
The Committee wrote to the Local Government and Communities Committee on 4 May 2018, with its response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on National Outcomes.
The Scottish Government responded on 12 June 2018.