CitizensAssembly

Annex Twelve: Voting on recommendations – guidance note and the 60 draft recommendations and supporting material

Introduction

This annex firstly outlines the guidance provided to members to support decision-making in weekend 8 and then outlines the 60 draft recommendations that were produced in weekend 7 and voted on in weekend 8, alongside the supporting material developed by members in small groups in weekend 7.

Part 1

What are recommendations?

Recommendations are the actions that you think are most important to achieve the Assembly vision or other matters discussed during the Assembly. They are a response to remit questions 2 and 3 ‘how to overcome challenges’ or ‘further information needed to take informed decisions’.

Remit question 2 recommendations are most likely where members agree:
a specific action to achieve a defined outcome or output, and
the action is supported by evidence considered in the Assembly i.e. it will have the effect that is envisaged.

Recommendations should be realistic. In other words members should agree that recommendations of this type could be expected to be taken forward within the next 5 years. For very substantial issues, it might be necessary to break this down a bit and describe the initial action you want to see as part of a longer journey of change.

Remit question 3 recommendations are most likely where members agree:
further investigation of an area is required, or
specific action to achieve defined outcomes or outputs is thought to be appropriate, but is not sufficiently supported by the evidence considered by the Assembly.

This type of recommendations could also cover areas where members are not confident that a proposed action is realistic and therefore further investigation or more information is required to establish this.

What evidence have we considered and why is it important?

Hearing from experts, discussing evidence, sharing experiences and then making recommendations is central to a Citizens’ Assembly process.

The Assembly learning journey includes:

general evidence about the country, including the constitutional position and how decisions are taken for and about Scotland
more detailed evidence on the challenges of building a sustainable country and relating to the public finances and tax, including some of the key constitutional aspects of those challenges. In weekends 3 and 4 you developed initial ideas where action might be taken on these challenges.
some evidence on the impacts of and ideas to respond to the COVID pandemic
different approaches to the economy and what makes for happiness, and how values influence decision-making.
different sources of evidence and how to interpret these.

In addition, throughout the Assembly members have engaged with experts and developed new skills in deliberation. You have learned from the ‘lived experience’ of fellow citizens. You heard from a politicians’ panel about their priorities for action and about how decisions are taken in and for Scotland.

All of these are kinds of evidence and part of the Assembly learning journey. You can therefore draw from all of this in deciding upon recommendations.

What should we be thinking about when we decide on recommendations?

There is no ‘ideal’ number of recommendations but when considering the draft recommendations, you may want to take into account the points set out below – these points will certainly be important for the Government and Parliament in deciding how to respond to the recommendations.

Points to consider:

Is the outcome clear?
Will the proposed action achieve the outcome intended?
Is the recommendation realistic i.e. able to be taken forward in the next 5 years?
Does the supporting material explain the recommendation i.e. why it is important and how it is supported by evidence?

But it is also important to recognise that there has not been time to review and refine the draft recommendations and you should not be put off things just because they are not as fully written up as you think they could be. The Government and Parliament need to see what the issues are that matter to you so please don’t be put off from supporting recommendations if you think the ideas are generally sound and are supported by evidence.

How do we prepare for the weekend?

Part 2 of the pack provides the full set of 60 draft recommendations together with the supporting material prepared in weekend 7. This material has been prepared to help you prepare for the weekend. Part 2 of the pack is a lengthy document so please do not worry about getting through all of the detail; it has been provided so that you can look in more detail at the areas that you want to focus on most as you think about voting at the weekend.

To make it easier to work through the material the recommendations have been organised into groups. Each group of recommendations has a short introduction explaining what the recommendations cover and any other relevant points, such as where recommendations overlap or where there are substantive constitutional elements.

There will be no problem with supporting more than one recommendation on a similar topic, or which may in whole or in part be in areas reserved to the UK Government or Parliament. Of course there will be practical issues to be thought about in taking forward those recommendations, but most important of all is that the Scottish Government and Parliament know how much the Assembly supports each individual recommendation.

The groups are as follows:

Session 1

Group A - How decisions are taken

Group B - Incomes and poverty

Group C - Tax and economy

Group D - Young people

Session 2

Group E - Sustainability

Group F - Health and wellbeing

Group G - Further powers

Group H - No common theme

How will voting work?

At weekend 8, members will again read out the recommendations as happened at the end of weekend 7. As the agenda sets out, these presentations will take place over 2 sessions with 4 groups of recommendations covered in each session. After each session there will be a short discussion in small groups and an extended break so that you can complete your votes. Voting will take part in two stages and will open at the beginning of each session and close at the end of the extended break.

Voting will be conducted by survey monkey (the same method as weekends 6 and 7) in line with the choices you made in weekend 7, as follows:

Members will vote on each recommendation on the following scale:

Members will vote on each recommendation on the following scale

Votes for each recommendation will be tallied so as to give an average star rating and be adopted by the Assembly as follows:

Votes for each recommendation will be tallied so as to give an average star rating and be adopted by the Assembly as follows

Part 2

The 60 draft recommendations and the supporting material developed by members is presented below, organised under 8 groups of similar content, as considered by members during the voting on recommendations in weekend 8.

Group A

How decisions are taken

This group covers 14 recommendations on:

Citizens’ Assemblies, proposing different ways in which they could be organised
Calling for the establishment of other kinds of citizen participation mechanisms, including as part of the formal political institutions. Were any such institutions to be established it would be important to know that they could sensibly operate alongside other participation initiatives, including Citizens’ Assemblies
Calling for measures on accountability for politicians including on standards of behaviour.
Relating to the provision of information, including how such information is presented and accessed by the public.

Draft recommendation 1

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to allow citizens to make informed decisions in relation to Scotland leading with integrity, honesty, humility and transparency in a self-sufficient and innovative way

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: make further use of citizens’ assemblies to gather people’s views and ideas on issues of national importance, e.g. to involve citizens in reviewing existing legislation in key areas and suggesting which should be simplified or reviewed.

Why is this important:

Positive experiences of this assembly process
This assembly has generated lessons for how others could be used
We know about major decisions taken by assemblies in other parts of the world – may be better if future assemblies are focussed on fewer issues

Evidence used:

The positive experience of this assembly

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 1 tasked with drafting recommendations on enabling Scotland to lead with integrity, honesty, humility and transparency in a self-sufficient and innovative way

Draft recommendation 2

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to citizens’ engagement in decision-making

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: make decisions jointly with citizens through mini assemblies on issues that affect everyone, including all under-represented groups. These should be called at the start of each parliamentary session and be set up to examine specific issues. Their recommendations must be debated in Parliament before the assemblies are disbanded.

Why is this important:

So that politicians hear from people with lived-experience
Disabled people (including mental health) have been some of the most excluded people historically – people don’t have the same impact on legislation as non-disabled people do – a way to give them more of a voice

Evidence used:

No evidence provided

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 2 tasked with drafting recommendations on enabling Scotland to actively include the people of Scotland in decision making

Draft recommendation 3

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to citizens’ engagement in decision-making

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: set up a ‘house of citizens’ to scrutinise government proposals and give assent to parliamentary bills. Membership should be time-limited and representative of the population of Scotland, similar to the way this CA was selected. There should be an oversight body to ensure this.

Why is this important:

Involves citizens in the legislative process
It would be the most representative legislative chamber ever

Evidence used:

Success and potential outcomes of this first citizens’ assembly

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 2 tasked with drafting recommendations on enabling Scotland to actively include the people of Scotland in decision making

Draft recommendation 4

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to citizens’ engagement in decision-making

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: set up a citizens’ committee in Scottish Parliament. This would be a randomly selected body, with members being encouraged and supported to take part. It would offer advice and opinions on government proposals, review the work of parliament and hold the government to account. It would be for a fixed term with members receiving a gift of thanks.

Why is this important:

Represents citizens, would influence the way people vote

It would make people take an interest in politics in their area and encourage them to become more involved
Include citizens directly in reviewing government work

Evidence used:

No evidence provided

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 2 tasked with drafting recommendations on enabling Scotland to actively include the people of Scotland in decision making

Draft recommendation 5

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to having citizens influence changing laws and making decisions

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: make more use of Citizens’ Assemblies to involve communities and citizens in deliberating on major policies. They should be used regularly. There should be an independent body to make the decision on when and on what topics when politicians cannot come to agreement, and to ensure accountability for follow up.

Why is this important:

Everyone is entitled to a view and to be heard
We need to get heard by Government
It’s important not to debate but to deliberate. The goal is not to win but to find a common solution. This is different to the way that politics work
Government needs to ‘bring ordinary people with them’ if they want change to happen
Important to have the facts when making decisions
It’s important to hear and respect other views
It’s a healthy thing to involve citizens as representatives of the population
Politicians can be remote from the conversation – they need ways to be closer to the real conversations
It’s important that politicians are involved more – we had them turn up once. They need to be more involved on an on-going basis

Evidence used:

Listening to people allows you to learn about what their life is like and from their experiences
We have seen people with strong views change their mind through the citizen’s assembly
Old people and young people have found ways to hear and support each other – this has been pleasantly surprising
We have seen a diversity of views and experiences being able to find a way of talking to each other respectfully
I feel like I am involved rather than just stating a viewpoint. I have to think about what I am asking for or proposing
I have been able to appreciate the difficult life experiences some people are living – with limited opportunities

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 3 tasked with drafting recommendations on enabling the people and government to communicate with each other honestly and respectfully, based on openness and accountability

Draft recommendation 6

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to ensure that citizens can make informed decisions in relation to rebuilding their communities

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: establish community-based citizens’ assemblies to assess what is happening in our communities (including the effects of COVID-19), identify gaps and recommend actions, including through digital technology, that can bring people together and make our communities more inclusive.

Why is this important:

Revisit legislation about inclusion in order to ensure we meet the objective about being safe, valued and respected
Need personal contact – digital age
Need to feel part of a community – no community police, no community centres or activities
Need to rebuild communities

Evidence used:

Involvement of citizens – how do we motivate people to take an interest in our communities; to listen to citizens’ assembly outcomes
COVID-19 dimension of this –building block to better future

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 15 tasked with drafting recommendations on enabling Scotland to be an inclusive country where everyone feels safe, valued and respected, where we all have personal responsibility to treat each other with kindness, looking after the most vulnerable in our communities

Draft recommendation 7

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to to allow citizens to make informed decisions in relation to Scotland leading with integrity, honesty, humility and transparency in a self-sufficient and innovative way

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: ensure the honesty, transparency and integrity of politicians, the existing standards of behaviour should be promoted and strengthened if required, to increase accountability of those elected for their actions within government.

Why is this important:

No reasons provided

Evidence used:

No evidence provided

Draft recommendation 8

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to citizens’ engagement in decision-making

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: encourage MSPs to act on the views of their constituents, rather than sticking with party lines. They should actively consult with constituents on matters which may have an impact on their community and on matters about which a significant number of constituents have shown concern.

Why is this important:

Make people feel their views are important, and listened to, gives them a voice
Listening to communities
Make MSPs more accountable

Evidence used:

No evidence provided

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 2 tasked with drafting recommendations on enabling Scotland to actively include the people of Scotland in decision making

Draft recommendation 9

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to the lack of public trust in politicians

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: appoint a non-political independent review body to do a forensic investigation to deliver:

a more accountable parliament with acceptable standards of behaviour
responsibility for delivery on commitments
faster public access to information on what is happening
acknowledgement of all those who supported society during Covid-19

Why is this important:

You need an understanding of helping people, such as nurses, teachers, police
We need people with lived experience to be involved
We know that politicians make commitments that are not followed up on. They should have to explain why they have not done what they said they would
Politicians need to be held accountable just like everyone else, i.e. the same standards should apply
If Government does what it says it would people are happier –source of hope
Need to get people voting for something rather than without thought or through habit – would lead to more participation on voting
Need to explain rationale for big decisions – really evident through the Covid-19 crisis where there was a need to recruit and redeploy people – relying on trust that it is the right thing to be doing
When it comes to crisis you need the people to be with you

Evidence used:

The ability to become a politician is closely linked to resources and who you know
Politicians have broken the rules even during Covid-19 without sanction – feeling of them having a different set of standards
Politicians get senior responsibility as Ministers for briefs that they have no experience in
Promises are not realistic. They should be more clear and honest with commitments, such as ending homelessness or £350 million to NHS every week
You have to pay a deposit to become involved in politics
Low voting turnout

Draft recommendation 10

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of/failure to deliver on policy

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: be held accountable and consequences in place when goals are not met.

Why is this important:

This is important because government should have to give a reason why they have not delivered and speak to the people affected

Evidence used:

Lack of clarity from Scottish government

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 12 tasked with drafting recommendations on how we remove barriers to employment, education and housing to support people out of poverty

Draft recommendation 11

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to the Government sharing good quality, honest information with the public

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: make an annual presentation of major commitments and policies and progress against them. Presented simply and without jargon. Pitched at a level that is accessible but meaningful using media channels in a non-biased and honest way as a true representation of what is happening and what is ongoing.

Why is this important:

Public like to see when they are making an effort to do what they said they would
When they don’t deliver they need to tell you why they did not or could not
Confirms that Government is working towards what they said what they would deliver or not!
News moves so fast that untruths cannot easily be fact checked
Better understanding towards Government
Public gain trust when info is honest
Communication is essential
Public would have more respect for them if they were honest on why they couldn’t deliver
It would help ensure that targets signed up to were actually achievable

Evidence used:

Parliament channel
News is presented differently on different outlets
During Covid 19 – Government asked people to put themselves in harm’s way on a day to day basis
Lots of communications ‘spin doctors’ employed by government
During Covid-19 we reassessed what work and who was important to society

Draft recommendation 12

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to publishing information that is valid, accurate, reliable, verifiable and accessible to all

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: regularly publish all tax-payer funded documentation (including legislation, research, expert advice, curriculums, etc.) in a free and publicly available space with all relevant links and sources attached in formats that are easily understandable and searchable.

Why is this important:

Provides a platform for citizens to research and think critically
Important way to empower citizens
Ensures information is accessible and available to everybody, regardless of their financial means or social status
Essential to have a safe and easily searchable one-stop-shop for all important documentation and information

Evidence used:

Very difficult to get access to information that should be available as tax-payers have funded it
Information is currently challenging to find (e.g. the expert advice with regards to coronavirus guidance)
Not easy to find information such as who is funded by Scottish Government money
Information can be hidden behind pay walls or freedom of information requests
Members’ feedback from weeks 3/4 – feeling more confident and better informed after hearing evidence and having access to relevant information (comment from RN)

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 4 tasked with drafting recommendations on the publication of information that is valid, concise, factual, accurate, reliable, verifiable and accessible to all

Draft recommendation 13

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to publishing information that is valid, accurate, reliable, verifiable and accessible to all through a national database

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: financially invest in national and community libraries and a complementary online library to house all Scottish Government information for the public domain which is easy to search and accessible for all.

Why is this important:

Libraries create a safe space for people who need an escape from a challenging home-life
A lot of people do not have home access to internet and so need a public space to access information
Accessible for people who may not have a permanent address
National Library Act is in place but is not fully utilised and is not promoted so people are unaware what they can access

Evidence used:

Struggling to access community libraries which have been closed due to lack of funding or because of coronavirus
Lack of investment has resulted in short opening hours – not flexible for people like students or parent
Weekend 2 (considering research skills ) a lot of this information is currently difficult to access

Draft recommendation 14

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to ensure that transparency is maintained

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: treat the public as equals and publish all relevant information which informs local and national government decisions in one central location which is easily searchable and cross-referenced. Information should be available for all (e.g. in other languages and in formats suitable for people with disabilities such as using screen readers).

Why is this important:

As more people move to Scotland it is important that information is accessible to people who may speak another language
Important for politicians to be able to back up what they are saying in order to be viewed as trustworthy
Everyone feels included if everyone has access to relevant information. They should feel informed to make decisions
Important to disclose information to the public around who has ownership of public services and who benefits from these contracts

Evidence used:

Evidence from weekend 2: members wanted information that was trusted and accessible
Personal concerns around where information has initially come from that is determining Government decisions
Week 2: how to review evidence and what is an accurate source
Weekend 5: members were concerned around the lack of information published with regards to coronavirus

Group B: Incomes and Poverty

This group covers 8 recommendations to improve incomes and tackle poverty. This includes measures to:

Improve incomes, such as through universal basic income or living wage or abolition of zero hours contracts. These recommendations may include matters which are reserved.
Improve information about and focus attention on tackling poverty. These recommendations may overlap through different information gathering requirements and duties on public authorities

Draft recommendation 15

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to universal social responsibility and inclusion

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: ethically invest in our society by ensuring everyone has a central bank account provided at birth for every citizen (for example, £1000 which cannot be spent until you reach a certain age) contributed to on a regular basis throughout a citizen’s lifetime by means of a Universal Basic Income, which provides a real living income to ensure people don’t worry about food, living costs and creates our own model of working by blending our own ideas with the best tried and tested methods from other countries.

Why is this important:

Money can contribute to funeral costs, education, services. Government money goes elsewhere. Need ethical and moral society
No power with start in life (bank account)
Scottish parliament should ensure the needs of society are met ethically, morally and legally by individuals, corporations and government
Can test the water to see what fits and not take first job available
Emphasis is on academia and not everyone wants to go down that route
Children/citizens have money like a trust fund so they can go to college/university
Value all work forces – build societies
Society needs jobs/work in equal weighting (creative arts and science) for benefit of society, mental health, benefits all work
Everyone has same amount to live on

Evidence used:

Every 6 months: changing for different hand-on work experiences – useful to do
University/education system has limited options, people come from different walks of life
Science/academia taken more seriously which is wrong/unfair on everyone in society/feel proud about themselves
Do not get to choose where you are born
£30 per week 5th/6th year students EMA
Disenfranchised/poor postcode regions, get restricted access to services that we take for granted, have to travel to service (do not have bus fare) can affect life outcomes
Other countries like Germany
Child trust fund for every child but taken away
Glasgow health outcomes index: how long you are going to live, cannot even get bank account

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 6 tasked with drafting recommendations on the support and training that can be provided to encourage and support everyone to reach their full potential, and recommendations for how we can create a better standard of living and opportunities by investing in accessible, relevant training and support

Draft recommendation 16

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of work poverty

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: make the payment of a living wage a legal requirement for all employers

Why is this important:

Reduce the instances of some people topping up benefits through casual low paid work
Need to create a better standard of living for working people and their families
Take strain off the benefits system
People will have more money to spend in the wider economy
Increased wellbeing and self esteem
It will benefit the economy through more income tax
Increase equality of wages across all groups
Reduce the amount of employers who currently exploit the workforce
Bring people out of ‘in work’ poverty

Evidence used:

Inequalities across wage levels for women, BAME groups, disabled people
Poverty and inequality levels in Scotland
Wage levels not equal across age ranges
High numbers of people on benefits because wages are low and provide no incentive to get out the benefits system

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 7 tasked with drafting recommendations on improved income through a realistic living wage to ensure a better standard of living and opportunities for all

Draft recommendation 17

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of unstable work and low incomes

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: work with Westminster to make zero hours contracts illegal.

Why is this important:

Better standard of living
Take the strain off the benefits system
Reduce the instances of some people topping up benefits through casual low paid work
Reduce the amount of employers who exploit people
Improved health and wellbeing
Increase equality of income across different population groups
Bring people out of poverty

Evidence used:

Stable work improves wellbeing and health
Zero hours contracts provide no incentive to get off benefits
Covid-19 impacted most on low paid and workers on unstable contracts
Gives a more equal chance for decent standard of living for all groups

Draft recommendation 18

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of Scotland’s poverty

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: set up a task force to overcome poverty – there should be one in each council area and with guidelines from government including fair representation of citizens affected by poverty on the task force.

Why is this important:

At a local authority level this would be a central point to contact, and be given support
Poverty can be invisible and hard to define
This will raise the quality of life and reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health
And can help keep families
Because there are so many individual services out there so this will bring a more focussed approach to poverty
It would enable government and people in the community to reach people in all kinds of poverty

Evidence used:

Number of food banks which have appeared in recent years – charitable groups supporting those in need
Looking at poverty from experience of poverty will bring massive value
Coming together to think outside the box

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 12 tasked with drafting recommendations on how we remove barriers to employment, education and housing to support people out of poverty

Draft recommendation 19

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to Ensure that citizens can make informed decisions in relation to defining poverty

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: ask citizens 3 questions:

Do you have a roof over your head?
Can you heat your house?
Will you be able to put hot food on the table?
If the answer is no, you are in poverty.

Why is this important:

Identifying the barrier for people – some people might not know they are in poverty

Evidence used:

Could bring invisible poverty to the forefront and deal with it before people fall through the net
People might be prevented from going into debt
People are going into debt – debt management increasingly needed

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 12 tasked with drafting recommendations on how we remove barriers to employment, education and housing to support people out of poverty

Draft recommendation 20

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to ensure that citizens can make informed decisions in relation to preventing poverty

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: identify issues that lead people falling into poverty and intercept people before they reach poverty, e.g. address job losses, push for the abolishment of zero hour contracts, etc.

Why is this important:

Stop people falling through the net by acting on it early
Impact of poverty on mental health – more pressure on health service, if that cycle was controlled it would prevent this pressure
Stop the personal downward spiral of multiple challenges
Prevents people getting into further debt – helping people retain control

Evidence used:

Impact of pandemic – people being isolated – unable to pay mortgage, getting into debt
Number of job losses and unemployment since start of pandemic – now impact of end of furlough

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 12 tasked with drafting recommendations on how we remove barriers to employment, education and housing to support people out of poverty

Draft recommendation 21

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of working poverty

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: push for the abolishment of the zero hour contract, make companies more flexible and accountable and have all companies pay staff at least the living wage

Why is this important:

Zero hours contracts have put money in pockets in businesses not families
Government having to fill gaps in income anyway
Importance of work life balance

Evidence used:

Companies are being asked to be more flexible re working hours
Childcare increasingly expensive so may not be worth working
Not worth working full time due to costs of childcare

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 12 tasked with drafting recommendations on how we remove barriers to employment, education and housing to support people out of poverty

Draft recommendation 22

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to ensure that citizens can make informed decisions in relation to support for poverty

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: require the 32 local councils to establish local task forces and appoint a poverty representative as a bridge between local and national level

Why is this important:

Important so we are getting fed back the right information
Important so they don’t lose track – monthly or quarterly meetings – if no one doing this, it could drift

Evidence used:

There are multiple things happening local level that local people and government might not have knowledge of, so the 32 task forces can exchange info about what is available
It would feed back accurate and up to date information
Providing info at local and national level

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 12 tasked with drafting recommendations on how we remove barriers to employment, education and housing to support people out of poverty

Group C: Tax and Economy

This group covers 10 recommendations on aspects of tax and economic development including measures to:

Improve tax collection and incentivise positive behaviours – which may require further powers or co-operation with the UK Government
Increase transparency and public understanding of tax and how taxation is used to support expenditure
Tax changes
Support innovation and investment in sustainable industries, increase research and skills and provide new ‘green’ jobs as part of COVID recovery

Draft recommendation 23

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of the tax gap

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: provide legislation and power to a proactive, independent, specialist body that is responsible for finding evaders and avoiders of tax, with power to recover tax due.

Why is this important:

We need to maximise the money in the public purse
We want our authorities to have the money they should to spend on amenities for communities
We do not want to live in a country that supports this kind of behaviour (not paying taxes) and being able to continue trading
There will be less revenue coming from companies after the pandemic as companies go bust
Things are unfair – poor people on benefits go to jail for fraud, big companies and wealthy people get away with things

Evidence used:

£6.9bn of tax lost in Scotland
Difficult to find Scottish figures
21 cases under criminal review in Scotland just now (HMRC)
We tax on profit and not turnover and it’s easy for companies to ‘sneak stuff away’
Half of the problem is actually small and medium sized businesses

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 9 tasked with drafting recommendations as to how tax can be simplified, made more proportionate so that everyone is taxed accordingly and tax avoidance is minimised

Draft recommendation 24

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of adverse business practices

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: develop tax incentives for all businesses to encourage good employment practices such as:

good environmental choices;
higher salaries/wages so that people have more money to spend in the Scottish economy;
apprenticeships and opportunities for young school leavers and graduates in trades and skills as well as academic pursuits;
large businesses being motivated to invest in research to contribute to creating jobs;
invest in and develop workforce skills (engineering and new industries like green energy, entrepreneurial skills, etc).

Why is this important:

Need to build back within Scotland after pandemic and Brexit
Scotland has great natural resources giving us great opportunities
Need to create opportunities for the next generation – they need to be encouraged to see practical skills as worthwhile and not necessarily pushed into university
We need more infrastructure, businesses, skills and money in Scotland

Evidence used:

Not enough skills in workforce to develop our green industries
Scottish companies are not always the beneficiaries – all our wind turbines are owned by French companies
The availability of apprenticeships has declined

Draft recommendation 25

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to Make tax more transparent and understandable

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: provide an information hub for everyone about tax and why it is important. Individuals should be signposted to this hub when they receive their National Insurance number.

Why is this important:

Important to help young people understand tax and national insurance before they start to pay them
Will make system more open and transparent
Help to inform people about where NI goes and that it longer goes purely to state pensions

Evidence used:

Information taught in schools but not always retained
Graphics from Audit Scotland were very clear on how tax was raised and spent – important that more people are aware of this
Government website is not very clear on this, which increases the need for a hub

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 10 tasked with drafting recommendations as to how tax can be made more transparent and understandable

Draft recommendation 26

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of understanding tax

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: publish a register of organisations which shows compliance with tax and employment measures using the green/amber/red system.

Why is this important:

Allows citizens to make informed choices as consumers
Builds trust in government, politicians AND the organisations/businesses involved
Is transparent when government is giving tax breaks to attract companies
Incentivise companies to act ethically and enhance their reputations

Evidence used:

Government does not do this at the moment
Information not already available to citizens
Have to rely in what is in the media

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 10 tasked with drafting recommendations as to how tax can be made more transparent and understandable

Draft recommendation 27

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of understanding tax

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: appoint a credible, engaging and independent figure who can communicate government tax and spending information every quarter in a way that involves and educates the public. This could be done by creating a public information post using graphics and delivered either in person or using characters and voice overs through animation

Why is this important:

Using graphics and characters could help make it less political and more engaging for all ages
Martin Lewis has opened my eyes to how these issues can be communicated effectively
It is important that this is non-political
Important to see how we can compare with other countries
Information based on ‘how it is’

Evidence used:

The weekend in taxation showed the importance of communicating what happens with tax – little knowledge beforehand
We rely on media coverage of these issues rather than independent voices, which can skew understanding
Martin Lewis has shown the power of doing this independently

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 10 tasked with drafting recommendations as to how tax can be made more transparent and understandable

Draft recommendation 28

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of understanding tax

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: provide a public statement available on all platforms from the Finance Minister every quarter about how taxes of all types have been spent and what remains in all budgets.

Why is this important:

Making people aware of the variety of taxes they pay
Government needs to be held accountable
We need to be clearer about how government has spent public money
This should include information on matters reserved to the UK Government – whole tax picture
We need to be able to trust government

Evidence used:

Audit Scotland presentation on how budget was divided up between services – showed how little we knew about how our money was spent
We have a daily briefing on Covid-19 – why can we not have regular briefings on finances/tax?

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 10 tasked with drafting recommendations as to how tax can be made more transparent and understandable

Draft recommendation 29

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of growing Scottish industry sustainably

the Scottish Government and Parliament should:

Identify and invest in industries conducive to making Scotland a global leader and a hub for scientific and technological innovation
Build on Scotland’s scientific, industrial and technological strengths and its extensive natural resources
Have a strong innovative leadership and culture that takes the necessary action to motivate and allow others to realise their aspirations and abilities.

Why is this important:

Scotland’s investment is more efficient and beneficial
Will contribute to employment and the economy
To gain an international reputation as world leaders in new technology

Evidence used:

Build on our expertise and reputation in areas such as engineering and medicine
Compensate for the loss of old industries, e.g. fossil fuels and lack of access to the oil industry
Scotland has plentiful natural resources that can be harnessed

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 8 tasked with drafting recommendations on enabling Scotland to be leaders in innovation, with an obligation to invest in people to create jobs, confidence, development and growth

Draft recommendation 30

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of encouraging individuals and companies to engage in the process of innovation

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: invest and incentivise through research grants and tax breaks, etc.

Why is this important:

Encourage inward investment
Allow companies to fulfil their potential by minimising risk
To give Scotland a reputation for innovation
To attract Scottish talent back home

Evidence used:

Talented individuals are leaving Scotland and companies could leave Scotland
Ireland has been successful here

Draft recommendation 31

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of ensuring that the very best and most talented people and businesses in the new technological industries are located in Scotland

the Scottish Government and Parliament should:

Establish more centres of excellence in new technologies in every area of Scotland. For example, the Rowett Institute in Aberdeen and Roslin Innovation Centre
Inspire children from an early age to have an interest in, and to consider a career in, science and technology. This would be achieved through education and other initiatives such as an educational theme park like the Epcot Centre.

Why is this important:

Build on already established good practices
Creates and encourages strong links with innovative industries
Creates and encourages strong positive links between young people and innovation

Evidence used:

We already have successful centres of excellence, e.g. Python classes and other high school facilities. Also centre of excellence in gaming in Dundee

Draft recommendation 32

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to enabling Scotland to lead with integrity, honesty, humility and transparency in a self-sufficient and innovative way

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: develop a plan for investment in business in Scotland to secure jobs in the wake of COVID-19. To concentrate on Scottish small and medium size businesses needing support rather than multinationals. Investment should favour those businesses willing to behave ethically.

Why is this important:

No reasons provided

Evidence used:

Direct experience of citizens on the impact of COVID-19

Group D: Young People

This group covers 5 recommendations relating to young people. These cover measures to:

Support mental health and well-being and resilience, including through access to extra-curricular activities
Improve access to affordable housing
Provide skills development and training
Increase the minimum wage – this may require action in reserved areas

Draft recommendation 33

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to young people’s mental health issues

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: fund compulsory, permanent mental health support liaison officers in every school, increase and ring-fence funding for CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and better support for the transition into adult mental health services.

Why is this important:

Young people are our future
High suicide rates among young
Nation’s future

Evidence used:

Supporting mental health leads to positive destinations
Common trend in young people’s mental health needing support
Increased suicide rates among young people in 2019 – present

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 5 tasked with drafting recommendations on enabling Scotland to provide support, education and growth opportunities and security for all young people to realise their potential, both physically and mentally, regardless of their background with a view to securing their future and that of our country

Draft recommendation 34

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to affordable and quality housing

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: work with councils and other stakeholders, including tenant associations (such as Living Rent), to implement rent caps across the country, give all young people entitlement to affordable social housing, simplify the information available to young people about welfare support for housing, strictly enforce rules for landlords including housing associations, to maintain good quality repair of housing, and make buying property more accessible.

Why is this important:

To stop homelessness for young people

Evidence used:

Sustainable country (E.S.)
Living rent
Links to living wage (E.S.)
Access to opportunities for young people
Supports the mental wellbeing of young people

Draft recommendation 35

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to young people’s unemployment and underemployment

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: create more apprenticeships and increase apprentice wages, guarantee further opportunities at the end of college training courses and apprenticeships, including through employer incentives, and create an apprenticeship database for employers to find qualified young people.

Why is this important:

Validation for young people
Supports mental wellbeing
Personal development

Evidence used:

Taxation incentives for employers
Impact of Covid-19 on young people’s employment opportunities

Draft recommendation 36

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of poverty

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: raise the minimum wage for young people aged 16–24 to a national living wage.

Why is this important:

Because it shows them they are valued
Because young people tend not to save, so having money will boost the economy through spending

Evidence used:

Relieving poverty can positively impact mental health and wellbeing, and reduce stress
Young people can contribute to household income

Draft recommendation 37

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to young people’s health and wellbeing

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: invest in and provide opportunities for all young people to access extra-curricular activities, including sports and the arts, with support and guidance for young people to pursue opportunities that are right for them.

Why is this important:

Gives value to people who are perhaps not achieving at school
Extra challenge
Gives credibility and weighting to these extra-curricular activities

Evidence used:

Young people leaving school with few achievements and can lead to them not being able to pursue opportunities after school

Group E: Sustainability

This group covers 5 range of recommendations on different aspects of sustainability, including measures:

on waste and recycling and renewable energies

on energy efficiency in housing
to support a ‘green recovery from COVID
to raise awareness and support behaviour through information provision.

Draft recommendation 38

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: reduce waste and unnecessary use of non-biodegradable products and be the first to ban these and become a world leader in this area. This must be accompanied by a consistent approach to recycling throughout the country which minimises pollution and the use of landfill.

Why is this important:

Inconsistencies in recycling processes do not make sense
Airdrie youth centre built on landfill which blew up waste of money and very unsafe

Evidence used:

The observations and opinions of assembly members and witnesses contribution to Scotland vision
Individual experience, e.g. a school built on landfill in Coatbridge causing health issues

Draft recommendation 39

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of how people can contribute to a sustainable future

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: educate the public that we all need to play a role in saving the planet and contributing to a sustainable future. They should raise awareness through an approved government website of the changes people can make (including schemes they can benefit from, support available and behavioural changes).

Why is this important:

Points system to show how eco-friendly you are
Greater awareness of existing products, schemes, grants are available
Everyone needs to take on responsibility for saving the planet

Evidence used:

That people are not aware of the actions they can take or of the supports available
No centralised place to get information that you can trust

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 11 tasked with drafting recommendations as to how companies can be incentivised to adopt green values

Draft recommendation 40

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of protecting the energy that can be produced in Scotland

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: invest in, and incentivise wider investment in, the infrastructure that will enable us to harness our renewable energy resources to their full potential, including improved distribution and storage capacity.

Why is this important:

Energy wasted by having the capacity to produce mush more than we can use and store
Since 2009 the government has spent £649 million to have windfarms shut down because they don’t have the capacity to support them, and most are in the north of Scotland (where in 1 year £136 million was given to one company) and there is a belief that companies are putting them in places that are not viable just to be paid for nothing
Need to invest in the infrastructure to make the most of the energy we are generating from windfarms, etc. – need to be building the storage capacity so we are not wasting and losing this resource

Evidence used:

But energy is a reserved issue https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/news.stv.tv/scotland/almost-650m-spent-in-a-decade-to-switch-off-wind-turbines%3ftop&amp

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 11 tasked with drafting recommendations as to how companies can be incentivised to adopt green values

Draft recommendation 41

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges facing high streets and the sustainability of Scottish businesses

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: investigate how best to support and give tax breaks to small local businesses who are impacted most by Covid-19, to urgently help them begin to participate in a green recovery and encourage new local business to open with green values.

Why is this important:

Try and save the high street movement
Lots of focus in the discussion on the ethical problem of incentivising big business and that members felt big businesses should just be expected to adapt to meet government environmental targets and priorities as a cost of doing business in Scotland – but that local ones deserved support to change
All businesses are struggling but if we want local businesses to focus on the green agenda we need to support them to do it – it is not going to be top of their priorities right now and regulation/expectation without incentive will just be too much of an ask right now

Evidence used:

Covid-19 discussions
Personal experience of businesses struggling

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 11 tasked with drafting recommendations as to how companies can be incentivised to adopt green values

Draft recommendation 42

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of providing sustainable, affordable housing

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: make it easier and cheaper for people to invest in the energy efficiency of their houses (particularly the upgrading of older houses) by subsidising the costs of eco-friendly building materials for everyone (e.g. VAT reductions, government grants or schemes, or capped pricing) so that it encourages the use of these types of materials.

Why is this important:

Environmentally friendly materials (consumer and building materials – new build and energy efficiency) should be cheaper and more attractive to purchase
Making it easier for houses to be more energy efficient and produce their own energy
Important that there is a website, clear information to help people know what materials are eco-friendly and better for the environment
Local providers

Evidence used:

VAT being a reserved matter

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 11 tasked with drafting recommendations as to how companies can be incentivised to adopt green values

Group F: Health and Wellbeing

This group covers 7 recommendations covering a wide range of aspects of health and well-being including:

Research on services to improve well-being
Measures relating to the NHS, including improvement in employment and wages for NHS staff, diversifying board membership, raise public awareness of services and costs and contracting/outsourcing arrangements
Develop community health services
Wider public services review to promote health and well-being

Draft recommendation 43

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of current ineffective health promotion and education to support people to live healthier

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: invest in research on why this is, to what extent people know about support available and what would help people to utilise local facilities, groups, services that exist. A range of support and services should be available to all that need or want them for example cooking skills, exercise classes, healthy lifestyle forums.

Why is this important:

Research would mean an evidenced based approach to put more effective supports in place
Information is available but most people do not look for it unless it’s something that affects them
We need to know why people do not use supports available
We also do not know how all these things in different areas, e.g. healthy eating classes, are funded
Need to be more proactive rather than reactive which will save on funding
Not sure what exists in all areas of Scotland and if people are aware of what they do have
There should be more consistency of information on what’s available to people, and a standardised approach across Scotland

Evidence used:

Preventative medicine will save the NHS money

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 13a tasked with drafting recommendations as to how we have a properly resources and managed health and social care services and how we build health and social care services around individuals and communities to achieve good health and wellbeing for all

Draft recommendation 44

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of NHS’s over-dependency on Agency staff

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: ensure that all NHS staff receive higher wages and enhanced employment packages to facilitate the retention of staff and strengthen recruitment.

Why is this important:

Important because Agencies are allowed greater flexibility and higher wages which is more attractive than NHS conditions
To avoid NHS staff leaving for better paid positions and Agency work or moving abroad after being trained by UK
Healthcare is the main way to determine if a country is well developed: NHS should be better staffed/working conditions to ensure staff stay and don’t leave
Should not have so much Agency staff in the NHS as they are so expensive. If they had enough staff in the first place there would be no need for them

Evidence used:

Agency staff are being paid much higher wages which is costing the NHS a lot of money – if the NHS was made more attractive, this cost would go down
Agency staff are only paid more money but are not given same benefits and support package
Numerous NHS budget cuts have resulted in overdependency of Agency workers
A country is judged on its well-being and development by the quality of the health service it provides
Nurses, for example, have had no significant pay rise in years

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 13b tasked with drafting recommendations as to how we have a properly resources and managed health and social care services and how we build health and social care services around individuals and communities to achieve good health and wellbeing for all

Draft recommendation 45

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to ensure that citizens can make informed decisions about the underfunding of health despite 50% of tax going towards it

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: make people more aware of how much the NHS costs them at an individual level and use examples to highlight these costs (such as invoices) to build a sense of value and respect for the service.

Why is this important:

People need to recognise that they are paying for the NHS services through their taxes and they need to treat it with respect and value what they a re paying for!
There is a constant creep towards private healthcare and looking for ways to get people to pay for things themselves, e.g. cosmetic procedures in dentistry
Patients have ample opportunity to change or cancel appointments and dentists charge for this already
Patient behaviours can be costly to the NHS and there needs to be ways to stop this

Evidence used:

Having good health supports better well-being which contributes to a XXXXX^[42] country
We are all paying in for this service most people have paid in over their lifetime and this money is distributed fairly, for all
The cost of the NHS will continue to climb if citizens do not change their behaviours

Draft recommendation 46

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of dominance of management/business consultants in the NHS

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: ensure that there is a higher proportion of medically trained staff and the inclusion of community members at management/board level.

Why is this important:

Costs would be cut by reducing management
It is more democratic
It is important for the interests of the community to be represented by individuals who are invested in that community

Evidence used:

Makes sense for someone working in a health/social space to have relevant training rather than on mgt consultancy only
Community inclusion is important for well-being and ensures services are community led and more relevant for the needs of those living there

Draft recommendation 47

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of hospitals doing everything and being inaccessible for many

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: create social and minor health care hubs in the community in order to build proactive community resilience but also to reduce the strain on hospitals. These hubs could be available for, for example, Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking, Healthy eating, Physiotherapy, Mental Health groups.

Why is this important:

Less travel and inconvenience which is better for the environment and is better for peace of mind
Preserve hospital time for acute/serious conditions
Focus is on prevention rather than cure

Evidence used:

Well-being is built up by local connections and nearby support
Well-being is a better goal than traditional GDP. Investing short-term will save money and lives long-term
There are lots of unused/available spaces in villages and towns
Classes in health centres to allow people to attend so they can prevent conditions worsening. They can learn what to do so they do not end up having to go to hospital to find this out. Prevention (diet/exercise/knowledge) in the community

Draft recommendation 48

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of creeping privatisation of the NHS

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: be transparent about contracts or services that are being passed over to private companies.

Why is this important:

Keep the majority of the budget and contracts within the NHS
A free NHS is fundamental to our way of life
Do not want a 2 tier/American health model that penalises the poor
Private services are more expensive and are not required to be as transparent or held to account as much as public services

Evidence used:

There are too many services that are being passed out to private companies without fair bidding or transparent tendering

Draft recommendation 49

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of looking after every person in society

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: undertake a root and branch review of public services in order to prioritise good mental health care and holistic wellbeing for every individual through education, awareness, person-centred care and appropriate resourcing.

Why is this important:

Mental health underpins people’s wellbeing – coping, health, etc. – about holistic needs
Mental health has become even more of a challenge since COVID-19
So that everyone feels respected
Addressing isolation and loneliness
Underpins much of society and the problems we are experiencing – if we all have good mental wellbeing we would all move along with a much more positive mindset
Linked to suicide, poverty, etc.
Treat others how you want to be treated – everyone respecting one another

Evidence used:

Input around a wellbeing society – housing, finance, environment, transport
Lived experience
COVID-19 impacts
Wellbeing economy
Data showing impacts of COVID-19 on people’s mental health – more calls to GPs, services for depression and loneliness
Health spending focuses on physical health – 50% expenditure but not enough focus on mental wellbeing; mental health orgs closing, etc. – connection with austerity
Lack of security for young people on jobs, housing – impact of COVID-19 – has tapped into a hopelessness/helplessness; increased demand for services, uptick suicides

Group G: Further Powers

This group covers 6 recommendations on a range of areas where further devolution or working with the UK Government would be required. These cover:

Changes to tax powers
Reducing the working week
Enabling Scotland to develop trade agreements
Powers over immigration

Draft recommendation 50

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: have more devolved powers over how the tax system can be made fairer for all citizens and how tax revenue can be used. For example, to become more self-sufficient and have control of industries like fishing and renewable energy, in terms of investment & financial benefits.

Why is this important:

Because without more powers we are too dependent on UK govt. To be more self-sufficient we need more control

Evidence used:

Lorna Slater’s evidence from the Green party
Nicola McEwen’s evidence
David Bell provided an insight on what we need in terms of powers to make a fairer system and create new taxes
Evidence on the influence of constitutional issues on spending choices

Draft recommendation 51

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to a healthy work-life balance

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: investigate the feasibility of a four day working week.

Why is this important:

Increased happiness; better work/life balance; less sick days; increased productivity

Evidence used:

Create more hours of work to give these to young people, all the positive impacts of four-day working week (e.g. happiness, productivity)

Draft recommendation 52

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of Scotland raising more of its own income

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: explore how it can gain greater powers to gather, keep and use more tax income from companies based in Scotland, and from products such as Whisky, Fishing Industries, Oil, Tourism and Energy, etc.

Why is this important:

Because lots of tax income generated in Scotland leaves and goes to the Westminster/London
It feels like we could potentially make much more money for Scotland from our tourism offer, and many other aspects of Scottish based Industry
Makes Scotland more sustainable

Evidence used:

Scotland does not have full fiscal powers
We received input from experts on these matters

Note: This recommendation was drafted by Group 14 tasked with drafting recommendations on enabling Scotland to have more powers to make its own decisions and manage its own affairs, that engages cooperatively with the other regions of the UK and internationally

Draft recommendation 53

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of Scotland being restricted in its ability to make trade agreements and develop international relations

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: seek to gain greater powers which would allow us to negotiate and agree our own international and trade relations.

Why is this important:

Scotland should have more of a say in how Scotland relates to International neighbours and be able to make its own arrangements
Better to boost our economy and build the country, especially to build back after Covid-19
Because Brexit (which Scotland voted against) has diminished our ability to be involved and architects of our own fate
It is important for us to have our own ‘agency’ and be able to put ourselves out there and set out our own stall

Evidence used:

We were provided with evidence during one of our weekends of how Scotland does not have devolved powers over foreign affairs

Draft recommendation 54

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to ensure that citizens can make informed decisions in relation to Scotland’s diverse community and workforce

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: work and negotiate with the UK government and others to seek to gain maximum control, and be able to manage its own immigration laws and arrangements to the benefit of Scotland and its people.

Why is this important:

Scotland should be open to attract skills/talent and diversity
We need people/diversity to come to Scotland to work and grow the country and pay taxes
A caring and welcoming Scotland is something we are proud of – we are a diverse community that welcomes and accepts people of all creeds and beliefs and none

Evidence used:

We have a relatively small population and lots of space
This is a reserved matter, so government would need to work with others to achieve this
We talked about what makes Scotland great on our first weekend and part of that was about how diverse and welcoming we are

Group H: No common theme

This group is a mixed group with no common theme, with 6 recommendations covering:

Internet and technology access, which may require further powers or co-operation with the UK Government
Pensions reform – which may require further powers or co-operation with the UK Government
Social renewal
Criminal justice reform

Draft recommendation 55

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to providing equal internet access to all

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: invest in infrastructure (and utilise existing infrastructure) to widen mobile networks and remove black spots, ensuring all communities have access to the internet through free community hot-spots and publicly available hardware. Internet should be considered as a basic need, free to all.

Why is this important:

Everything is currently online because of Covid-19 – technology continues to advance and everything is online now, from education to shopping
People need to be able to connect with other to reduce isolation. They might only have access to families via skype or FaceTime, connectivity issues may result in inability to speak with friends or family
Important to utilise existing structures (e.g. existing pylons or telegraph poles) to add mobile network posts

Evidence used:

Lots of connectivity issues – everybody is getting kicked out of zoom!
Closure of local community spots has resulted in the loss of internet hot-spots that were freely available
5G rolled out during lockdown as it is seen as an important commodity

Draft recommendation 56

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges in relation to building a truly integrated society which works in the best interest of everyone, ensuring its needs are met ethically, morally and legally by individuals, corporations and government, and these should be supported, protected, nurtured and financed fairly by all,

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: legislate upon clear and simple standards and ways of working (for example, IT and public information systems) to improve collaboration, accessibility and communication locally and nationally, which achieves cost efficiencies, and streamlines services and working practices across both private and public organisations to ensure they are understood by all and run for the benefit of citizens.

Why is this important:

Do not have services we need locally
One principle of working instead of having different systems
No doubt & clear understanding that everyone has, e.g., green bin on same day, etc.
All systems, IT, waste systems, academia, health care, social care, all public services, all councils have same criteria for waste disposal, same platform, because no easy way of finding out information, e.g. bin day
Need one principle of working, instead of having different systems/management – make less mistakes and understand each other better, less competition
Dangerous because emergency information, misconstrued info can lead to someone losing their life
Easy system and way of working no matter your level of intelligence
Should ensure the needs of society are met ethically, morally and legally by individuals, corporations and government where work and education are an enshrined right and not a privilege, and these should be supported, protected, nurtured and financed
Systems do not talk to each other, mismanagement and waste. Systems, e.g. social/law work in different systems/work against each other

Evidence used:

Information is not shared across health service, public services, local councils – we need one system for all
Duty of care and duty of candour which is about honesty and integrity
Access to services, improving people’s live chances, empowering and franchising people, giving them a voice
Accountability not just by politicians but by private companies
Citizen assembly: giving them a voice
Whole life outcomes for people, especially for the people in the most impoverished areas, differences between neighbourhoods/classes. Same kids from different areas go to same schools
GP that does not know person and filling in forms – need to work on same system
SWIFT system, systems working against each other instead of with each other
Cannot send patients notes, e.g. above pixel count
Future-focused

Draft recommendation 57

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of unemployment

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: work with Westminster to lower the age of the state pension, ensuring that retiring at state pension age is not enforced by employers.

Why is this important:

Frees up jobs for other workers
Supports older people to be able to help with child care, helping people back into training and employment
Relieves older workers with health issues from working, especially in manual and caring jobs

Evidence used:

Lack of employment opportunities
Protects older people from infection transmission in the work place
Even less jobs after Covid-19

Draft recommendation 58

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to overcome the challenges of building a stronger, fairer and more equal Scotland

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: implement the recommendations of the existing Social Renewal Advisory Board and measure it against the National Performance Framework.

Why is this important:

Demonstrates government is listening to bodies they have established and also to groups such as citizens’ assembly

Evidence used:

Dr. Elke Heins presentation on values
Actions in hand in T15 briefing document
Weekend 5 – evidence on unequal impact of pandemic
Weekend 4 inputs on taxation – incentivise businesses to be socially and environmentally responsible
Strong community and collaborative responses to Covid-19 pandemic

Draft recommendation 59

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to ensure that citizens can make informed decisions in relation to criminal justice reform

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: undertake a full review of the criminal justice system to improve outcomes for communities, offenders and victims. This would include the reintroduction of community policing, involving citizens in improving local communications and services.

Why is this important:

Police need to be seen as supportive – improved relationships with communities
Community policing has disappeared
Centralisation and merger of police forces has not worked
Reform criminal justice system so people feel safer
Merger of police forces has not worked well for community policing
Need to have detailed look at all elements of criminal justice reform
People coming out of criminal justice system are not able to fend for themselves
Awareness within community of vulnerability of people coming out of criminal justice system so they receive the support they need
More policing at a community level – identifying issues and responding to crime; visible presence makes people feel safer; rapid response; deterrent effect
More police can help support older people – feeling safe

Evidence used:

Lived experience
Research on crime and fear of crime – Scottish Government’s own research
Linked to rebuilding communities and mental wellbeing
Funding cuts for policing and integration of separate forces

Draft recommendation 60

The Citizens’ Assembly recommends that in order to enable citizens to make informed decisions in relation to how they self-empower

the Scottish Government and Parliament should: guarantee free education for life as a right and not a privilege, that vocational studies/life-skills are compulsory beginning at primary school and that apprenticeships are open to all ages including a voluntary national service scheme supporting education, health or other key national services.

Why is this important:

After 3-4 years of apprenticeships come out as better – rounded individuals. Communication will be better improved, understand what colleagues responsibilities are. Multi-skill/cross-skill/up-skill
You matter, you are enough and your contribution is welcome no matter what you choose; you enrich society and yourself
Voluntary-integrated service can help you retrain at any stage in life and be useful
How to cook, shop/spend money, budget, build, etc.
Apprentice/education – still need to be taught
Being able to swap skills/vocation and try things out
Hard to decide when you leave school what you want to do
National services could be window-cleaning, engineering, etc.
Mature generation can set example for younger generation

Evidence used:

SQA every few years, ask generations life-skill questions as well as academic, since life skills less/system’s fault not asking them to sew, build, create, metal work, do not have that as compulsory now
High school cancelling vocational work
Life-skills in primary school, Christmas production for example, working out stage management, build a stage, cafe for elderly citizens, children did buying/selling/making, woodwork skills (for age group)
Supported by personal responsibility, care for others, government
Life skills really important for all people, things that seem trivial which are really important for living/practically day-to-day
Glasgow life indicator: NHS
Whole life cycle outcomes from deprived backgrounds are vastly improved when they have opportunities to things that they do not normally have access to – provide better when government provides services and open to all

Doing Politics Differently The Report of the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland

Annex Twelve: Voting on recommendations – guidance note and the 60 draft recommendations and supporting material

Introduction

Part 1

Part 2

Group A

Draft recommendation 1

Draft recommendation 2

Draft recommendation 3

Draft recommendation 4

Draft recommendation 5

Draft recommendation 6

Draft recommendation 7

Draft recommendation 8

Draft recommendation 9

Draft recommendation 10

Draft recommendation 11

Draft recommendation 12

Draft recommendation 13

Draft recommendation 14

Group B: Incomes and Poverty

Draft recommendation 15

Draft recommendation 16

Draft recommendation 17

Draft recommendation 18

Draft recommendation 19

Draft recommendation 20

Draft recommendation 21

Draft recommendation 22

Group C: Tax and Economy

Draft recommendation 23

Draft recommendation 24

Draft recommendation 25

Draft recommendation 26

Draft recommendation 27

Draft recommendation 28

Draft recommendation 29

Draft recommendation 30

Draft recommendation 31

Draft recommendation 32

Group D: Young People

Draft recommendation 33

Draft recommendation 34

Draft recommendation 35

Draft recommendation 36

Draft recommendation 37

Group E: Sustainability

Draft recommendation 38

Draft recommendation 39

Draft recommendation 40

Draft recommendation 41

Draft recommendation 42

Group F: Health and Wellbeing

Draft recommendation 43

Draft recommendation 44

Draft recommendation 45

Draft recommendation 46

Draft recommendation 47

Draft recommendation 48

Draft recommendation 49

Group G: Further Powers

Draft recommendation 50

Draft recommendation 51

Draft recommendation 52

Draft recommendation 53

Draft recommendation 54

Group H: No common theme

Draft recommendation 55

Draft recommendation 56

Draft recommendation 57

Draft recommendation 58

Draft recommendation 59

Draft recommendation 60

Next page Annex Thirteen: Weekend 7 voting results on the voting and reporting method for the recommendations

Doing Politics Differently
The Report of the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland

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Annex Thirteen: Weekend 7 voting results on the voting and reporting method for the recommendations