Publication - Progress report
New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy: Delivery Plan 2024-2026 - Year 1 Report
A report on the progress made between July 2024 and August 2025 by the Scottish Government, COSLA, Scottish Refugee Council and wider partners to deliver the actions set out in the New Scots refugee integration strategy: delivery plan 2024 - 2026.
Update on All Actions
| Activities planned for short term outcome | 1: Lead 2: By when | Update on work completed July 2024 - July 2025 | Short-term Outcome (1-2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Working with relevant partners (including Registered Social Landlords), identify the current and future housing needs of New Scots and barriers around housing for some groups, including those at risk of destitution who are not entitled to statutory housing or homelessness services. Ensure issues that are identified are included in future housing policy development. | 1. Scottish Government (More Homes), COSLA 2. Ongoing | A series of short-term recommendations that reflect the wording of the New Scots Strategy have been developed in response to the Housing Emergency and approved by COSLA Housing Special Interest Group and agreed by the Housing to 2040 Board and with the then Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan MSP. COSLA has completed a Housing Needs Assessment in relation to the housing needs of New Scots and partners (Scottish Government, Scottish Refugee Council and Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO) have agreed this will be shared with relevant housing forums to inform housing discussions. | 1.1 Partners and stakeholders understand current and projected housing needs for New Scots. 1.1 Barriers faced by at-risk groups in accessing safe and secure housing are better understood. |
| 1.1.1. Review learning from UK Government and Local Government pilots on asylum accommodation, and seek to influence future asylum accommodation provision in Scotland. | 1. COSLA 2. 2024-2025 | UK Government continue engagement with Local Government across the UK on potential models for the future asylum contracts. | 1.1.1 Improved housing options for New Scots and the wider community 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 Future contracts for asylum accommodation are more appropriate for asylum seekers in Scotland, with more sustainable housing in communities. |
| 1.1.2 Work with UK refugee organisations to develop a proposal for the future shape of asylum accommodation contracts on what a not-for-profit model might look like. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council 2. 2024-2025 | Scottish Refugee Council is conducting a literature review including recent reports by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and the Institute for Government and written submissions to the Home Affairs Select Committee’s inquiry into Asylum Accommodation. SRC is planning to convene a roundtable with attendance by UK refugee organisations and other key stakeholders, exploring proposals for a not for profit model. This will be followed by a short report with recommendations. | N/A |
| 1.1.3 Review learning from schemes such as the Ukraine Longer Term Resettlement Fund and Local Authority Housing Fund in England to inform future housing policy for all New Scots. | 1. COSLA, Scottish Government (More Homes) 2. 2024-2025 | COSLA has undertaken learning exercises with Local Authorities on Ukraine Long Term Resettlement Fund and key points from the UK Government on the implementation of their Local Authority Housing Fund in England have both been reflected in the New Scots Housing Needs Assessment. | 1.1.3 and 1.1.4 Alternative housing options within community and Registered Social Landlords settings which provide security of tenure to New Scots at risk of homelessness are understood. |
| 1.1.4 Build on partnership working between local authorities and social housing providers to improve allocation of housing to New Scots across the whole of Scotland. | 1. COSLA 2. Ongoing | No progress to date. | N/A |
| 1.1.5 In light of the current housing emergency and increasing homelessness, we will continue work towards ending homelessness for New Scots at risk of destitution, including by considering means of scaling up community-based accommodation provision and holistic support that meets the needs of those New Scots who are not entitled to statutory housing or homelessness services. | 1. Scottish Government (Better Homes), COSLA 2. 2024-2025 | Following consultation with strategy partners in 2024 /2025 COSLA and Scottish Government are currently developing a revised Ending Destitution Together Workplan reflecting emerging priorities in support for no recourse to public funds (NRPF) households. Initial discussions have reflected the value of building on the Fair Way Scotland model in establishing pathways out of destitute homelessness and reviewing national reporting of NRPF homelessness. | 1.1.5 A review of good practice and lessons learnt from innovative projects e.g. model supported by Fair Way Scotland. 1.1.5 The scale of homelessness across New Scots at risk of destitution, including a gendered awareness of those who are at-risk, is better understood. |
| 1.2 Develop and deliver a national pilot to support free bus travel for people seeking asylum, building on local and regional pilots delivered by third sector organisations over recent years, and to inform potential for future travel support. | 1. Transport Scotland 2. 2024-2025 | A number of short-term local pilots have been undertaken by third sector organisations in recent years to support bus travel access for people seeking asylum. These pilots have provided evidence of the benefits of access to bus travel to enable access to services (including healthcare and legal advice) and essentials (for example food), as well as supporting integration through access to community activities and enabling parents to travel with children on school commutes. A Working Group including COSLA and third sector partners was re-established by Transport Scotland in May 2025 to inform development of a national pilot to be delivered in financial year 2025/2026. It is planned that a non-statutory pilot to support bus travel for people seeking asylum across Scotland will launch in Autumn 2025. | Improved access to services and opportunities to take part in community activities. |
| 1.3 Promote and support access to existing concessionary travel for those with existing entitlements. | 1. Local Authorities 2. Ongoing | Transport Scotland continues to monitor uptake of concessionary travel which remains relatively high. Local authority asylum teams are reminded of the rights and entitlements of people seeking asylum eligible for concessionary travel. | Improved access to services and opportunities to take part in community activities. Barriers in the processes of applying for existing concessionary travel provision are understood and actions to address these are put in place. New Scots understand their rights and entitlements in relation to concessionary travel. |
| 1.4 Ensure that the needs of New Scots are reflected in the development of a toolkit for local authorities to tackle hate crime. | 1. COSLA, local authorities and Scottish Government (Hate Crime) 2. 2026 | To develop the toolkit to support local authorities to address hate crime and strengthen community cohesion at a local level, COSLA and Scottish Government undertook a range of engagements with stakeholders including officers from councils, Scottish Refugee Council and those with lived experience. The toolkit is due to be published later in 2025. | New Scots and receiving communities feel safer from hate crime. Local authorities have improved knowledge of hate crime and its relevance to New Scots. |
| 1.5 Support New Scots to understand racism in Scotland and anti-racist approaches through using art-focused learning sessions to unpack racist micro-aggressions and explore how these can be mitigated. | 1. Mental Health Foundation 2. 2024-2026 | Through the Mental Health Foundation’s ‘Reclaiming Our Power’ project, New Scots and people from racialised communities born in the UK have come together to explore and reflect on their experiences of racism in Scotland through creative approaches. The artwork created in these workshops will be exhibited at the Gallery of Modern Art from October 2026 to January 2027. Some participants from these workshops have become volunteers with the project and are working to codesign learning sessions and an online resource about racism, microaggressions, and mental health. These will be delivered to people working in transport, healthcare, and education settings | New Scots understand how racism as a societal issue exists in Scotland. Positive impact on mental wellbeing. |
| 1.6 Update “Welcome to Scotland – A Guide to Scots Law” and promote it widely. | 1. Police Scotland 2. 2024-2025 | Work on this action is being led by New College Lanarkshire, with support from Police Scotland, Scottish Refugee Council, Scottish Government and Crimestoppers. Following a review of the existing 2016 resource by action partners, local authorities and a focus group of New Scots, work is underway to produce the updated guide, with the aim of publishing the English language version by December 2025. Translations into refugee community languages will follow in 2026. | New Scots and receiving communities have a better knowledge of the law in Scotland, are able to exercise their rights and as a result feel safer. |
| 1.7 Identify risks, raise awareness in New Scots communities, and reduce harm from fraudulent traders, exploitative employers, illegal moneylenders, and other forms of commercial exploitation of vulnerable New Scots. | 1. Trading Standards Scotland 2. 2024-2025 | Trading Standards Scotland, in partnership with CEMVO Scotland (Capacity Building and Infrastructure Development Programme) have developed a project that will look to improve the financial capability of ethnic minority communities including those who are New Scots. The workshops delivered by the project will help educate people on the dangers of borrowing from loan sharks and help reduce the risk of people being scammed. The project will work with local community projects to educate them on what they can do to support this work in their communities. | New Scots and receiving communities are informed and safer from exploitation |
| Activities planned for short term outcome | 1: Lead 2: By when | Update on work completed July 2024 - July 2025 | Short-term outcome (1-2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 Information on rights and entitlements and roles of services is made available in different languages and accessible. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council – Refugee Support Service 2. 2024-2025 | Scottish Refugee Council has developed a range of resources in different formats, including online pages, print resources, internal guidance and a signposting database for advisers to use while supporting clients through helpline and casework services. Four new resources were completed and published: - a guide for people who want to claim asylum in Scotland, as well as those who have already applied and are waiting for a decision (https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/asylum-information-guide/) - a guide to help new refugees in Scotland plan their next steps after getting permission to stay in the UK (leave to remain) (https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/information-for-new-refugees/) - updated information for Ukrainians and hosts (https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/ukraine/) - information about e-visas(https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/e-visa/) | In line with the No Wrong Door approach, New Scots and receiving communities will have improved access to reliable information about their rights, options and the services they can access. |
| 2.1.1 Review existing information resources and work with New Scots, to develop, co-produce and disseminate information for refugees and those supporting them. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council – Refugee Support Service 2. 2024-2025 | New Scots have been consulted on e-visa work, as well as a review of new information on the asylum process. | In line with the No Wrong Door approach, New Scots and receiving communities will have improved access to reliable information about their rights, options and the services they can access. |
| 2.1.2 Develop resources to provide clear guidelines available in all relevant languages about access to lawyers, roles and expectations and to set out the difference between immigration legal advice and other legal advice. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council – Refugee Support Service 2. 2024-2025 | In progress – resource to begin being produced in September 2025. | N/A |
| 2.1.3 Providing New Scots with access to information that allows them to understand the routes into employment based on their qualifications in identified sectors. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council – Refugee Support Service 2. 2024-2025 | SRC met with Bridges Programmes in early September 2024 to explore this work further. Through a previous Scottish Government fund (Workplace Equality Fund), SRC in partnership with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and NHS Education for Scotland developed a guide for New Scots looking for work in the social care sector. This has been recently updated due to changes in legislation and is due to be published in August 2025. | |
| 2.2 Convene relevant experts to consider the findings of the independent review of Community Learning and Development as they relate to New Scots, and identify potential solutions for effective ESOL delivery, including a regional approach to language assessment, and the role of different stakeholders within this. These proposals will be shared for review at a small conference of wider New Scots stakeholders. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration) 2. 2024-2025 | The report from the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development (CLD) was published on 17 July 2024 and included a recommendation that “The Scottish Government working alongside New Scots partners, Colleges and Local Authorities needs to take immediate action to tackle the current crisis in ESOL”. The report made specific mention of the waiting lists in Glasgow, where evidence of high demand for ESOL is documented. In response to this, the Scottish Government has given over £1.2M in additional funding for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes the 2024 /2025 and 2025 /2026 academic years, to support a short-term and immediate intervention in Glasgow. In the 2024 /2025 academic year this enabled over 1,000 learners in Glasgow, some of whom have been waiting up to five years, to access English language classes. The funding for the 2025 /2026 academic year seeks to enable 800 learners to access or progress in their learning. In addition to this immediate response, longer-term work to engage with key stakeholders and partners to identify potential solutions for effective ESOL delivery across Scotland is also being taken forward, with the first meeting expected in September 2025. | Strategic approach to ESOL delivery is recognised and agreed by stakeholders. Delivery partners have a clear understanding of language learning needs across each region, with improved regional collaboration based on the language profile and learning needs of New Scots. New Scots understand their language level against a recognised framework. |
| 2.3 Work with the UK Government to improve information on the move-on process for people seeking asylum and to provide more information to enable local authorities and third sector organisations to support newly recognised refugees integrate and access services. | 1. COSLA, Local Authorities 2. 2024-2025 | A Move-on Resource Pack has been created by COSLA for local authorities, including an overview document, a service user checklist/signposting document, and resources from Home Office, Migrant Help and Mears (Home Office’s contracted asylum accommodation provider in Scotland). Plan is to regularly update and reissue to Local Authorities highlighting changes. In addition, Local Authorities are receiving standardised information about those with positive discontinuations in their area from Mears which allows councils to start conversations about move-on (if people’s information is correct). COSLA continue to work with the Home Office’s working group on move-on issues which has progressed with new information being sent to service users about the move-on period and what will happen during this time. | New Scots seeking asylum, and local authorities and third sector partners, respectively have all the information they require to make the move on process as smooth as possible. |
| 2.4 Create and use existing forums where people from different fields can share ideas and learn about the best ways to protect and integrate New Scots. Use the success of past projects and the research, monitoring, and evaluation as a foundation. | 1. COSLA, Local Authorities 2. Ongoing | COSLA’s learning programme for local authorities has currently taken place in a local authority only space. To date there have been two events. Both events saw over 100 council officers attending who work across Ukraine, UASC, asylum support, Hong Kong British National Overseas (HKBNO) and resettlement. The first event covered ESOL provision and how integration from the day of arrival has changed in teams over the years. The second event covered mental wellbeing, community cohesion and innovative housing solutions. | Local authorities, statutory services, third sector and other partners have access to best practice, tools for integration and forums for sharing experience . |
| 2.5 Engagement of New Scots communities on culturally relevant material on mental health through training and mentoring. | 1. Mental Health Foundation 2. 2024-2026 | Mental Health Foundation are supporting volunteers from refugee and asylum seeker communities in four cities to form self-sustaining peer groups that have the skills, information, and confidence necessary to share knowledge on the connection between their communities’ mental health and the delivery of public services. Community members are being supported to access and interact with the specific personnel in health and social care structures across Scotland, that produce advice and guidance on mental health to ensure the perspective of New Scots is included in outputs on this topic. | New relevant and appropriate mental health resources are available for use by New Scots and those supporting them. |
| 2.6 Develop and improve access to interpretation and translation services in Scotland, recognising existing skills of New Scots. | 1. Fair Way Scotland 2. 2024-2025 | This action is being led by Fair Way Scotland partner Simon Community Scotland. During the development phase in 2024 /2025, Simon Community Scotland worked with further and higher education establishments, with expertise in delivering support services, and a group of community interpreters, to finalise a learning programme.This programme seeks to build on community interpreter knowledge and skills in relation to trauma and ethics, the technical understanding of relevant legislation (asylum and immigration, trafficking and exploitation, No Recourse to Public Funds, health, social care and housing), relevant vocabulary (including slang) and criminal justice (including gender-based violence), health/wellbeing and social and cultural specifics. A support and supervision model has been developed. This will provide graduates with ongoing supervision and access to CPD to ensure their knowledge and skills remain current, and ethical standards are maintained. The training for community interpreters is expected to begin in Autumn 2025. | The establishment of a course in partnership with academics, to build on and complement existing interpretation and translation training provision. |
| 2.7 Review and critically assess the capacity of legal aid funded asylum and immigration advice in Scotland to assess the scale of needs across Scotland. | 1. Scottish Legal Aid Board 2. 2024-2025 | The Scottish Government convened a meeting of stakeholders to discuss how legal help is accessed by New Scots and how legal aid funding supports that assistance. This included Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB), JustRight Scotland, British Red Cross, COSLA and Scottish Refugee Council. The meeting considered what is currently known about the way legal aid funding works for advice provided to refugees and people seeking asylum, as well as their experiences of engaging with legal services more broadly. It was agreed that as a next step, Scottish Government would develop specific terms of reference for the group to help steer future work in this area. SLAB and other stakeholders also committed to investigating what further data or research could be made available. | Legal asylum and immigration advice capacity in Scotland is well evidenced to plan appropriate provision for New Scots. |
| 2.8 Supporting refugee-led and refugee-supporting organisations to be sustained, effective organisations delivering integration activities across Scotland. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council – Refugee Support Service 2. 2024-2025 | Since the launch of the Delivery Plan, SRC completed the roll out of the Building Stronger Community Organisations toolkit, co-developed with Scottish Community Development Centre, which aims to strengthen refugee-led and refugee-supporting communities. The toolkit (available at: www.scdc.org.uk/bsco) was promoted, including at a Learning Exchange event, and SRC have since been delivering its modules to community groups across Scotland. | New Scots will have improved social connections within their community through access to integration activities. |
| 2.9 Maintain and promote a directory of organisations and groups supporting refugees across Scotland and a forum to share information across practitioners working with refugees. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council – Refugee Support Service 2. 2024-2025 | Scottish Refugee Council coordinates the New Scots Connect Forum (https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/communities/new-scots-connect/) and the New Scots Connect Map (https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/new-scots-connect-map/). The forum brings refugee-led organisations, community groups, local authorities and people working in frontline services together to learn from each other, share knowledge and expertise, and access training and funding opportunities. The map compiles a list of organisations based across Scotland who offer support and opportunities to refugees. By the end of June 25, the forum had a total of 412 members and the map had 194 organisations listed. | New Scots will know where to find support. Refugee-supporting organisations will be informed about developments. |
| 2.10 Build on the New Scots website as a platform for information about the New Scots Strategy and a showcase of integration projects and practices for organisations developing new initiatives supporting New Scots employability, education, health and social and cultural connections. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council – Refugee Support Service 2. 2024-2025 | SRC has maintained the New Scots website (https://newscots.scot/), posting content including best practice integration case studies, news, announcements and updates around the New Scots strategy, and signposts to relevant resources. SRC have promoted the site to practitioners across the sector including refugee-led and refugee-supporting community groups. Between July 2024 and June 2025 the New Scots website had 3.5K active users and 3.3K new users. | Practitioners supporting New Scots will access information on successful initiatives that may be replicated. |
| 2.11 Engage with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to explore the possibility of replicating resettlement models for accessing benefits to newly granted refugees. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration) 2. 2024-2025 | A small working group involving the Department for Work and Pensions, COSLA and Scottish Refugee Council has met to explore models used for resettlement and potential lessons for when newly recognised refugees need to make applications. It has been established that Universal Credit claim rules cannot be changed without changes to legislation. Through engagement, the working group has highlighted issues such as the application of the habitual residency test which are curretly being reviewed. This should help streamline the process for a number of individuals. Other barriers, including setting up bank accounts and support needs, are also being discussed. | Newly granted refugees are more effectively supported during the move-on period. |
| 2.12 Encourage local faith groups to register their information on New Scots Connect and provide information about faith-based services (both general support and worship spaces) in multiple languages that are accessible for New Scots. | 1. Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees 2. 2024-2025 | To date, Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees have promoted the New Scots Connect Map through the Church of Scotland’s social media channels. Preparations are underway to launch a campaign around September 2025. This will include an email and social media campaign targeted at the organisation’s supporters, alongside direct engagement with approximately 20 faith groups who have been identified as good candidates for the Connect Map. | Increased numbers of faith communities registered on New Scots Connect. Improved access for New Scots to faith-based services. |
| Activities planned for short term outcome | 1: Lead 2: By when | Update on work completed July 2024 - July 2025 | Short term outcomes (1-2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 A National Helpline provides quick, free and confidential advice, information, short term casework and referrals to New Scots across Scotland and to practitioners supporting them. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council – Refugee Support Service 2. 2024-2025 | Scottish Refugee Council’s Helpline is a first port of call for all refugees, asylum seekers and practitioners supporting refugees across Scotland. Actions on the Helpline include assessment of needs, provision of information, advice, signposting and referrals to relevant services. Issues supported on the Helpline are wide ranging and includes immigration & asylum, housing & homelessness, asylum support, social work regulation, social security, health and education. The advice is provided by qualified and bilingual advisers and interpreters can be made available. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the Helpline responded to almost 13,300 calls, meeting a higher demand than expected. | New Scots will receive tailored advice to resolve problems; and will be enabled to make informed decisions. |
| 3.2 Provide casework and integration planning support including group sessions in a range of locations for refugees granted leave through the asylum process to address needs and reach goals on integration indicators. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council – Refugee Support Service 2. 2024-2025 | From July 2024 to June 2025, Scottish Refugee Council offered casework support to more than 2,000 households, supporting people with their integration journey and advising on their legal entitlements on immigration, housing/accommodation, access to income, health, ESOL, volunteering/employment and social connections. Length of the support offered varies on households’ needs. | New Scots living in Scotland will have greater agency, the knowledge and skills to take control of their own future and have support to advocate for their rights and options. |
| 3.3 Provide complex casework support for people who have no recourse to public funds who are experiencing destitution. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council – Refugee Support Service 2. 2024-2025 | From July 2024 to June 2025, SRC actively worked with more than 500 people with complex asylum cases. These clients are people who are Appeal Rights Exhausted (ARE) and therefore experiencing destitution as financial support from the Home Office has been withdrawn. They need to be supported by qualified advisers to re-engage with the asylum process and apply for Home Office support if they meet the criteria. The process of submitting fresh claims is long and complex and SRC work with legal partners to improve the outcomes for people. There are often delays in processing applications and SRC monitor this closely so that clients do not experience unnecessary delays. This work contributes to Fair Way Scotland (https://homelessnetwork.scot/fairway-scotland/). | People with no recourse to public funds in Scotland have access to advice and advocacy support to end destitution. Learning and recommendations are fed back to the Scottish Government and COSLA for implementation and/or for escalation to UK Government. |
| 3.4 Work with Scottish professional bodies to understand and promote recognition pathways for industries and identified sectors. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration) 2. 2024-2025 | This action was developed in response to the issue of New Scots not being able to fully utilise their professional skills in Scotland because of recognition and validation processes of qualifications as well as lack of support to secure skilled employment. Scottish Government has provided funding to the Refugee Doctors’ Project run by Bridges Programmes. The project supports doctors arriving in the UK to reach GMC registration and to be ready to work within the NHS. Over 2024 /2025 the Project supported 16 refugee doctors to become GMC registered. Following the commitment in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2025 /2026 to establish a national Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system, formally acknowledging an individual’s skills and knowledge gained through work experience, training, or other learning outside of formal education, work to take this forward is now underway. This involves work by Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQFP) to set up a steering group to agree a coherent, cost-effective approach to delivering a national approach. This group will meet for the first time in September 2025. | New Scots have access to better information to use their prior learning and qualification in Scotland. |
| 3.5 Develop proposals for a Scottish Right to Work pilot for people seeking asylum, to be submitted for consideration to the UK Government. | 1. Scottish Government (Population and Migration) 2. 2024-2025 | In December 2023, the Scottish Government’s independent Expert Advisory Group on Migration and Population (EAG) published a report setting out analysis, policy options and recommendations on extending the right to work for people seeking asylum: https://www.gov.scot/publications/extending-right-work-asylum-seekers-scotland-evaluation-analysis-policy-options/ The Scottish Government convened a Working Group including representatives from local authorities and third sector partners. Further, separate engagement was also undertaken with employers and a lived experience session with people seeking asylum was undertaken. This engagement informed a pilot proposal, developed over the course of four Working Group meetings in 2024. The pilot proposal was published on 27 November 2024 and sent to the UK Government for consideration: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-asylum-right-work-proposal/ The Home Office replied on 7 January to say that they were unable to commit to exploring feasibility of this proposal further at this time. | People in the asylum process have an increased probability of accessing employment. |
| 3.6 Improve and enhance awareness of and access to employability support for New Scots. | 1. Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development (SLAED) People Group 2. Ongoing | As described in the case study in this report, local authorities’ economic development officers have undertaken a range of initiatives that improved access to employability support for New Scots across Scotland. Multiple councils reported increased engagement of refugees and people seeking asylum with employability pipelines and an increase in skills gained, ranging from basic IT and English language to sector-specific training (construction, beauty, financial literacy). This work has also supported local integration, fostering social connections, enhancing peer support, and building the confidence of individuals seeking employment. There have also been initiatives leading to wider system change: New Scots are now recruited into frontline adviser roles in Renfrewshire and employer-facing toolkits were produced by the City of Edinburgh Council, giving an example of the structural embedding of inclusive practice. | New Scots have improved awareness of and access to employability support across Scotland. |
3.7 Continue to provide a specialist guardianship service to all unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, victims of trafficking and children vulnerable to trafficking in Scotland, to:
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1. Guardianship Scotland 2. 2024-2025 | In Spring 2025, Aberlour Children’s Charity and SRC were awarded the contract to continue the Guardianship Scotland service, following a successful bid. Guardianship Scotland is delivering against its Key Performance Indicators. The service is under pressure due to a one-year pause of asylum cases due to the Illegal Migration Act and is now catching up with the scheduling of asylum interviews. Since the recommencement of processing asylum claims, there has been a significant increase in asylum refusals. By March 2025, the service supports 110 young people with refusals of initial asylum claims which will require significant support from the service and means that young people will not exit the service timeously. In addition, SRC has appointed a new Children’s Policy Officer. | All unaccompanied asylum seeking children, victims of trafficking and children vulnerable to trafficking who arrive in Scotland receive specialist support to protect their best interests and uphold their rights. |
| 3.8 Establish channels of support for New Scots considering or actively pursuing entrepreneurship, through our enterprise agencies and entrepreneurial ecosystem. | 1. Scottish Government (Entrepreneurship) 2. Ongoing | In the development of the Strategy, New Scots asked how they could get support for starting their own business and how we can improve access to tailored support services for New Scots/refugees. Over the course of the year, links have been established internally across Scottish Government to discuss how New Scots can be considered in projects funded to support entrepreneurship. Scottish Government has developed a fund designed to widen participation in entrepreneurship called Pathways. While primary focus is on supporting women, there has been a range of projects funded that support groups with recognised barriers. This has included minority ethnic communities, those in rural areas, support for women with experience of the criminal justice system and New Scots. | New Scots in early stages of entrepreneurship are supported to develop their business ambitions. |
| 3.9 Support New Scots to be reunited with their families including going through the UK family reunion visa application process. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration), third sector partners 2. 2024-2025 | In August 2024, the Scottish Government established a project with British Red Cross (BRC) to expand the support provided to people arriving in Scotland on Refugee Family Reunion visas. Between August 2024 and March 2025, BRC delivered post-arrival integration support to over 650 people in Glasgow. Additionally, BRC and COSLA held three learning seminars for local authorities to build their knowledge, skills and capabilities around Family Reunion. In 2025 /2026, work will include more advice sessions for local authorities across Scotland to continue to build their knowledge, skills and capabilities in this area. BRC will continue to provide post-arrival integration support in Glasgow, while also taking initial steps towards developing casework support in other areas of Scotland. | Families are reunified and supported to integrate. |
| Activities planned for short term outcome | 1: Lead 2: By when | Update on work completed July 2024 - July 2025 | Short term outcomes (1-2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 Invest in community initiatives which build on existing good practices and address key priorities identified through the community consultation and/or which support those groups whose needs have already been highlighted, including women, children and young people, older people, disabled people, and members of the LGBTQI+ community. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration) 2. 2024-2026 | In 2025 /2026, the Scottish Government is providing over £800,000 in funding to a range of third sector organisations supporting priorities highlighted in the community consultation. This includes employability, mental health and wellbeing, women’s groups, men’s groups, support for children and young people, as well as activities to tackle social isolation and facilitate integration. This funding also includes targeted support for both the Afghan and Ukrainian communities in Scotland. | New Scots have improved social connections within society and across communities. New Scots have improved confidence in using English. New Scots cultures are respected, celebrated and thrive. |
| 4.2 Work with employers in identified sectors to develop pathways to employment working with a range of partners to engage and recruit from New Scots communities who have the right to work. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration; Employability) 2. 2024-2026 | Recognising that there can be additional barriers which mean New Scots require additional support to enter the workplace (e.g. English language support), in July 2025, in partnership with the Scottish Government, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) introduced a new enhancement to the current Ethnic Intersectionality Incentive (EII), extending eligibility to all New Scots, regardless of their ethnicity. This initiative enables training providers to apply for additional funding when recruiting New Scots into Modern Apprenticeships to offset the costs of ensuring that New Scots Apprentices can be supported to overcome these additional barriers. As part of the work to engage with employers, the Scottish Government is seeking views from business organisations on identifying pathways for employment for New Scots. This is being advertised via the Economy Bulletin. A discussion will follow in September 2025. | Employers in Scotland adopt more inclusive recruitment and work practice. |
4.3 Organise and deliver nationwide the Refugee Festival Scotland as nationwide festival to:
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1. Scottish Refugee Council 2. 2024-2025 | SRC successfully delivered Refugee Festival Scotland 2025, with a programme of 167 events taking place across Scotland, from Orkney to Dumfries. This included live music, performances, exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, cooking classes, walking tours, sports and outdoors activities, community celebrations and more. An evaluation of the festival will now be conducted. | New Scots cultures are respected, showcased, celebrated and thrive. |
| 4.4 Publish and promote guidance on how arts and cultural bodies can support the professional practice of artists with lived experience of displacement. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council 2. 2024 | Guidance produced by SRC was launched at arts/culture sector symposium at CCA (Centre for Contemporary Arts) in Glasgow and promoted via SRC’s arts & culture network, Cross Borders. | New Scots artists receive increased support. |
| 4.5 Promote the benefits that New Scots bring to our communities and Scotland. | 1. All partners 2. Ongoing | Scottish Refugee Council supports refugees with media skills to engage in media/storytelling work. From July 2024 to June 2025, Scottish Refugee Council published 17 news stories on the New Scots website to show people’s experience in Scotland. Scottish Refugee Council runs an annual Media Awards in partnership with the National Union of Journalists Scotland, which rewards responsible reporting on refugee and asylum issues and showcases powerful storytelling which highlights the everyday realities of life for people seeking safety. | Increased visibility of the positive contribution New Scots make to Scotland’s communities. |
| 4.6 Explore and develop multilingual integration training. | 1. UNESCO Chair on Refugee Integration through Education, Language, and Arts at the University of Glasgow 2. 2025 | Training in development with Friends of Scottish Settlers (FOSS) with language taster sessions and awareness; desk review of literature underway. | Scotland’s New Scots Languages and Scotland’s Languages are respected and multilingual education is understood for New Scots. |
| 4.6.1 Identify and make available information on multilingual education resources and providers of these especially provision for languages widely spoken in refugee communities and by people seeking asylum. | N/A | Information from desk review and update of Shared Lives Sharing Languages report and UNESCO Guide Languages Matter being assembled for guide to work. | N/A |
| 4.6.2 Host two events focused on languages widely spoken in refugee communities (online and in person). | N/A | An Expert Summit is planned for October 2025. A New Scots Languages Taster Day will take place at the Royal Society of Edinburgh on International Mother Language Day in February 2026, where the research report will also be launched. | N/A |
| 4.7 Provide training, awareness raising and access to small grants funding to faith communities looking to welcome New Scots. | 1. Faith in Community Scotland 2. 2024-2026 | Faith in Community Scotland continues to work in partnership with Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees supporting local faith groups and others to build a network of love, welcome and hospitality for people in the asylum system seeking to build a safe life in Scotland. This work has provided training to community volunteers in Glasgow, Renfrewshire and West Lothian who are supporting people living in Home Office commissioned hotels while their asylum applications are being processed. Small grant funding totalling approximately £8,700 was awarded to 19 faith groups across Scotland supporting people in the asylum system. This has assisted with local projects offering hospitality, enabling participation and easing integration. Further information is available at: https://www.faithincommunity.scot/faithfulwelcomesmallgrants | Increased engagement of faith communities in supporting New Scots communities. |
| Activities planned for short term outcome | 1: Lead 2: By when | Update on work completed July 2024 - July 2025 | Short term outcome (1-2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 Continued monitoring of the impacts of UK Government immigration legislation rules and policy in Scotland to inform approaches taken to manage risks. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration), COSLA 2. Ongoing | Scottish Government and COSLA closely monitor UK Government asylum and immigration policy, including through the Asylum & Refugee Partnership Board’s risk register, which specifically looks at monitoring the impacts on local authorities of the changing legislation In particular, COSLA and Scottish Government continue to scope the impacts of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill and the UK Government’s Immigration White Paper (published in May 2025), including to understand how proposals within these could impact across local government services and to consider potential mitigations. COSLA and Scottish Refugee Council both submitted evidence to the Scottish Parliament on the Legislative Consent Memorandum for the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. The Bill was debated in the Scottish Parliament on 25 June 2025. The Scottish Government and COSLA continue to lobby the UK government for changes to policy to enable people to come to Scotland and to be fairly treated while they are here. | Service providers are aware of changes and adapt to ensure continued provision of support. Impact and costs of legislation and implementation are monitored in relation to homelessness presentations / support/costs etc. |
| 5.2 Take account of the rights and needs of New Scots in Scottish policy development and implementation through meaningful New Scots involvement, with an immediate focus on, but not limited to: | N/A | See 5.2.1 – 5.2.6. | Partners will be responsible for ensuring relevant strategies adopt a clear and inclusive approach to the involvement of New Scots in engagement and decision making. |
| 5.2.1 Continuing to raise awareness and support people who are at risk of, or experiencing destitution, in line with the Ending Destitution Together vision and principles and Ending Homelessness Together action plan. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration) and COSLA 2. 2024-2025 | Following consultation with strategy partners in 2024 /2025 COSLA and Scottish Government are currently developing a revised EDT Workplan reflecting emerging priorities in support for NRPF households. Initial discussions have reflected the value of building on the Fair Way Scotland model in establishing pathways out of destitute homelessness and reviewing national reporting of NRPF homelessness. | N/A |
| 5.2.2 Connecting New Scots Strategy to Mental Health Strategy, Suicide Prevention Strategy, and Scotland’s Self-Harm Strategy and Action Plan. | 1. COSLA, Scottish Government (Mental Health and Wellbeing; Distress Intervention & Suicide Prevention) 2. 2024-2025 | There has been a significant amount of work with Scottish Governement colleagues and COSLA leads regarding the various mental health and wellbeing strategies to increase understanding of the risks that UASC face to their mental health. This has included presentations at various strategic and practitioner forums. There has also been improved link up across local authorities between mental health leads and UASC teams. Mental health and wellbeing is a routine item for the COSLA UASC Working Group and we’ve facilitated a cross-LA project to offer activities across the summer (e.g., a UASC Highland Games in Inverness). New work is being developed around autism screening for UASCs (partly in response to a gap explicitly identified in the Neurodevelopmental Service Specification Review). Issues that Ukrainians have particularly faced are being discussed in the Ukraine forums and several local authorities are considering how they may support the Ukrainian community, this has also included linking with trauma champions in each council. COSLA is also working with SAMH and the Suicide Prevention Scotland National Delivery Lead in relation to suicide prevention materials being designed to be relevant to New Scots communities. SAMH are also working with those with lived experience and NGOs. In 2024 -2025, Scottish Government’s Mental Health Directorate provided £70,000 of funding to Simon Community Scotland to host and facilitate action research with partners to understand the barriers people with NRPF face in accessing mental health services. Partners are conducting micro-projects exploring several challenges faced by people with NRPF. Simon Community Scotland will produce their recommendations to improve access to mental health services for people with NRPF in late 2025, which will feed into future work. | N/A |
| 5.2.3 Engaging New Scots on the delivery of Scotland’s Hate Crime Strategy. | 1. Scottish Government (Hate Crime) 2. By April 2026 | In addition to engagement to support the development of the local authority toolkit, the Scottish Government will undertake an engagement in partnership with Scottish Refugee Council in September 2025. The Scottish Government also attended a session with the Maryhill Integration Network Voices Network in Autumn 2024. | N/A |
| 5.2.4 Engaging New Scots on the delivery of Scotland’s Equally Safe strategy and wider Violence Against Women and Girls work to ensure the needs of New Scots are addressed. | 1. COSLA and Scottish Government (Equally Safe) 2. 2024-2025 | The Equally Safe strategy recognises that minority ethnic women may experience distinct forms of abuse and increased barriers to accessing support and services. A network of experts has been established to inform work addressing violence against Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women and girls. The group will ensure their voices and specific needs are reflected in policy and practice. A Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Needs Assessment Tool is being developed to improve understanding of the needs of those affected by VAWG across Scotland. It will support strategic partnerships by raising awareness and encouraging collaboration. The tool is currently in testing, with relevant stakeholders invited to participate. COSLA Migration and Population team have input at Violence Against Women and Girls Needs (VAWG) Assessment Toolkit Working Group. COSLA attended the Addressing Violence Against Minority Ethnic Women and Girls Network to scope potential work around VAWG and women with NRPF. Further discussions are required between COSLA and Scottish Government to confirm scope of Delivery Plan and selection of proposed deliverables. | N/A |
| 5.2.5 Connect with the No One Left Behind strategy to ensure the needs of New Scots are addressed. | 1. COSLA, Scottish Government (Employability) 2. 2025 | Through No One Left Behind, Scottish Government provides grant funding to all 32 local authorities to deliver local person-centred employability support to those who face significant barriers to entering employment. The grant sets out a number of Scottish Government priorities, but support is based on local need and identified priority groups. Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development ( SLAED) now attend the Core Group regularly and a presentation was given in June 2025 on local authority employability activity. | N/A |
| 5.2.6 Engaging New Scots on work to refresh Scotland’s Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy. | 1. Scottish Government (Victims and Witnesses Team) 2.2024-2025 | Scotland’s revised Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy launched on 30 July 2025 and can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-trafficking-exploitation-strategy-2025/. The strategy was developed in collaboration with partners across Scotland and beyond, including engagement with a number of lived experience groups. As progress begins on the creation of a Delivery Plan underpinning the Strategy, the Scottish Government’s commitment to working collaboratively with New Scots remains. | N/A |
| 5.3 Create pathways for New Scots to participate in community consultations used to shape strategies, policies and services for all those living in Scotland. | 1. Mental Health Foundation 2. 2024-2026 | Mental Health Foundation are in the process of locating two pieces of local or regional public policy review or development work for volunteers to contribute to, representing the needs of New Scots so that these can be built in. These will be in the following areas: health, education, policing or transport. Community volunteers are being supported to co-deliver awareness raising sessions to public sector workforces in health, education, policing and transport on how best to engage New Scots and support their ongoing contribution to policy design and delivery. | Evidence that emerging strategies, policies and delivery plans reflect the voices of New Scots alongside other communities. |
| 5.4 Identify, mentor and compensate New Scots with lived experience of different protection routes and life in different parts of Scotland to direct the delivery plan. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council 2. 2024 | The New Scots Core Group Advisers brings together individuals with direct experience of seeking protection and rebuilding their lives in Scotland through various resettlement routes. With members from different communities, cultures, nationalities, regions, and professional backgrounds, they aim to reflect the diversity of refugee and asylum-seeking voices across Scotland. The advisers took part in a stuctured induction and have particpated in training sessions on assertiveness by Social Enterprise Academy and on evaluation and monitoring by Evauation Support Scotland. Training sessions are fully funded, with all associated costs such as travel, digital access, lunch, and childcare covered. People are also compensated for taking part in activities like focus groups and Leadership Board events, to recognise their expertise meaningfully. Two of the advisers actively contributed to a high-level meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, where they represented New Scots and shared how they are shaping policies and services. SRC is planning to recruit new advisers by the end of September to strengthen representation and create space for current advisers to mentor new members and build peer support within the group. | Delivery Plan actions are relevant to the rights and needs of all New Scots and better decisions are made. Diverse refugee representation in the governance for the Delivery Plan. |
| 5.5 The Leadership Board and Core Group engage with New Scots and New Scots communities to: communicate the purpose and goals of the Strategy, seek views on the impact of the Delivery Plan, and hear perspectives on future actions. | 1. Leadership Board, Core Group 2. Ongoing | Since the New Scots Strategy launch event in August 2024, people with lived experience have been at the centre of the oversight and review. The Leadership Board attended and spoke at the launch event, where the purposes and goals were communicated to a large audience of stakeholders at University of Glasgow. New Scots are involved directly in the Core Group, as Core Group Advisers and have played a central role in the Core Group meetings, including through workshop activity, as well providing insight and updates on relevant actions within the delivery plan. The New Scots Core Group Advisers and SRC staff have attended Regional Integration Network meetings, delivering presentations on the Strategy and Delivery Plan, developing understanding of local perspectives, and identifying areas for future action. Further engagement with the New Scots Leadership Board took place in August (see ‘New Scots Leaders Visit Perth’). | Refugee communities and receiving communities are better informed of the New Scots Strategy and actions being undertaken and can offer feedback on the progress of the Strategy and the Delivery Plan. |
| 5.6 Produce guidance, support and signposting to organisations leading on New Scots actions to fully ensure refugee engagement and involvement. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council 2. 2024 | Guidance is in progress and will be published by the end of 2025. There have been delays due to identifying suitable options for recognising the contribution of people with lived experience. This has now been completed and SRC will finalise the guidance for organisations who lead on the implementation of actions. | New Scots are meaningfully and effectively involved in the delivery of the New Scots Strategy actions. |
| 5.7 Share expert knowledge on statelessness with policy makers and other relevant stakeholders and identify areas for further action (Policy Review and Workshop). | 1. Scottish Refugee Council, European Network on Statelessness 2. 2024-2025 | Following a policy review of Statelessness in Scotland, conducted by Dr Esa Aldegheri at the University of Glasgow, officials from the European Network on Statelessness led a workshop (with support from Scottish Refugee Council and JustRight Scotland) for public sector policy officials on 3 October 2024. The workshop provided an overview of the issue, why it is relevant for a variety of policy areas, provided an opportunity to share experiences and case examples, and discuss practical approaches that different organisations might be able to take. Consideration is being given to identifying areas for further action. | Increase understanding of statelessness in Scotland amongst key stakeholders. |
| 5.8 Build leadership and advocatory capacity within the New Scots community. | N/A | See 5.8.1 and 5.8.2. | Leaders from New Scots communities grow their confidence and skills to take up leadership roles within their communities. New Scots participate and remain on civic fora and community engagement fora. Positive impact on mental wellbeing. |
| 5.8.1 Deliver a programme to emerging and accomplished New Scots leaders to develop leadership skills and promote opportunities to build and act on their skills. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council – Refugee Support Service 2. 2024-2025 | Scottish Refugee Council in partnership with Scottish Enterprise Academy, have continued the delivery of the Leadership Programme. From July 24 to June 25, the 4th cohort completed a full programme and Scottish Refugee Council started the recruitment for the next cohort. Feedback from learners is very positive – “The programme has significantly enhanced my awareness of my leadership skills. I have learned various strategies for leading diverse groups and managing conflicts, which has empowered me to take the initiative in my community.” | N/A |
| 5.8.2 Support New Scots to participate in civic fora and other community engagement processes. | 1. Mental Health Foundation 2. 2024-26 | Mental Health Foundation are supporting a growing number of New Scots volunteers to attend and contribute to public service civic engagement fora. This is happening across six areas in Scotland: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth, Aberdeen and Dumfries. Community members have produced a number of resources outlining the range of lived experience impacting on the mental health of New Scots. This year Mental Health Foundation will co-produce a resource offering explanation and guidance on public engagement processes in Scotland and how best New Scots can navigate them. | N/A |
| 5.9 Guide the Young People’s Voices Group, a group of unaccompanied children and young people, in conducting a Scotland-wide survey on how unaccompanied children’s rights as looked after children are being realised and to engage with key stakeholders. | 1. Scottish Refugee Council & Aberlour 2. 2024 | The Young People’s Voices group launched a new report advocating for unaccompanied asylum-seeking youth in Scotland in August 2024. Conducted by young people with lived experience, the report highlights the unique challenges faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people and presents recommendations for improvement. This youth-led initiative shines a light on the critical areas needing attention and urges policymakers and stakeholders to take action. The Scottish Government continue to fund the Guardianship Scotland service, which runs the Young Person’s Voice Group. Scottish government officials met the group in June 2025 and discussed the report, and it is anticipated that there will be a follow-up discussion later in 2025 or early in 2026. | Young people contribute their experiences and views to policy and strategic planning. |
| 5.10 Connect New Scots strategy and Delivery Plan to The Promise to ensure unaccompanied young people are represented and their unique needs are recognised. | 1. COSLA, Scottish Government (Keeping the Promise; Children’s Rights, Protection and Justice) 2. Ongoing | COSLA secured reference to UASC in the revised The Promise Delivery Plan in relation to appropriate legal advice and advocacy. Currently discussions on Care Leavers payments as part of the Promise are underway and the impact and implications for UASC are part of this discussion. The Scottish Government continues to work to ensure that the needs of unaccompanied young people are considered and recognised as it takes forward work to deliver The Promise. | Unaccompanied asylum seeking children fully benefit from the rights and support that all Looked After Children in Scotland are entitled to. |
| 5.11 Partners will consider research needs, taking account of existing research and evidence, to help identify any further gaps. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration), COSLA, Scottish Refugee Council 2. 2024-2025 | Initial research work has included the undertaking of a policy review of Statelessness in Scotland (see Action 5.7), as well as participation by COSLA in various external research projects as approached. Most notably, local authorities have been involved in work on Ukraine by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe; the Scottish Parliament’s internal research centre). New Scots partners are continuing to keep further research needs under review. | Data and evidence on the New Scots population and the needs of New Scots continues to be strengthened. |
| Activities planned for short term outcome | 1: Lead 2: By when | Update on work completed July 2024 - July 2025 | Short term outcome (1-2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1 Scottish Government to engage with New Scots partners, through governance structures, to explore any future response to a humanitarian crisis. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration) 2. N/A | This overarching commitment is detailed in action 6.1.1. | Scottish response to emerging international crises affecting New Scots will proceed using a clear set of principles and agreed processes. |
| 6.1.1 Develop clear structure and operational plan within Scottish Government so that it works with New Scots Leadership Board in case of crisis and has a clear understanding of expertise and provision to enable rapid access to services in a crisis. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration), COSLA, Scottish Refugee Council 2. 2024-2025 | This action reflects the need for an initial assessment of Scotland’s options to respond to an emerging international humanitarian crisis to be undertaken by the New Scots Partnership. This will ensure partners feed operational and practical experience into the decision-making process, and Scottish Ministers are fully informed on issues to be aware of when making decisions on Scotland’s response. Discussions are ongoing with partners in response to the draft Governance and Future Crisis Response paper which was circulated to partners in July 2025. | N/A |
| 6.2 Undertake a Scotland-wide stocktake of expertise and experience so that rapid access to services and information required in a crisis is guaranteed. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration), COSLA, Scottish Refugee Council 2. 2024-2025 | The need for this action was recognised following the response to the Ukraine humanitarian crisis by national and local organisations, individuals and communities. A directory of organisations has been compiled following engagement with Scottish Government internal colleagues and New Scots partners SRC and COSLA. | Improved evidence base to inform crisis response. |
| 6.3 Review of learning and best practice around humanitarian protection schemes including response to the Afghanistan and Ukraine crises. | 1. Scottish Government (Asylum and Refugee Integration), COSLA, local authorities 2. 2024-2025 | Scottish Ministers have asked the Scottish Government’s Chief Social Policy Adviser, Professor Linda Bauld, to lead a review of Scotland’s Ukraine response. Work began in early 2025, with the publishing of findings later in 2026. This is supported by officials from Scottish Government, COSLA, and Scottish Refugee Council. | Improved evidence base to inform crisis response. Learning from successful refugee resettlement programmes is combined, made available to all local authorities and more widely, and forms the basis of refugee resettlement planning. |
| 6.4 Support Scottish local authorities’ representation in the UK Government review of cost to local authorities of participation in humanitarian protection schemes. | 1. COSLA 2. 2024 | Since 2024 local authority officers have been involved in two deep dive exercises on the cost of supporting humanitarian protection programmes to councils, one for UASC and one covering all other schemes (Ukraine, asylum, HKBNO, resettlement). this has involved working with Home Office economic analysts. Outcomes of this work is yet to be presented formally to LAs. | Local authorities funded appropriately across Humanitarian Protection schemes to provide appropriate support to all New Scots arriving in their area. |