FOCUS ON

A new Household Recycling Code of Practice
The Scottish Government is seeking views on a proposed new Household Recycling Code of Practice for Scotland. The Code will provide a national framework for household recycling services, setting out the standards expected of local authorities in delivering household waste and recycling collections. It has been developed through extensive co-design with local authorities, industry, third sector organisations and other stakeholders.
Take part in the consultation here

Public ownership demanded for buses, energy and housing retrofits
The landmark new report: ‘Let’s go public: Practical routes to transform our buses, energy, and homes’, by the Centre for Local Economies (CLES) and commissioned by the Just Transition Partnership outlines a robust set of recommendations, including for the Scottish Government to establish a dedicated Public Ownership and Delivery Unit, fund a Public Bus Transition Programme and mandate public or not-for-profit delivery for heat networks.

State of Caring in Scotland 2026
Half of unpaid carers cancelled or postponed a medical appointment in the last 12 months. Of those carers, almost two thirds (64%) had cancelled or postponed a GP appointment and more than a quarter (27%) an investigation such as a blood test, x-ray, scan or ultrasound. For those who are struggling financially, the number of carers who have cancelled or postponed medical appointments rises alarmingly to 72%. These findings come from ‘State of Caring in Scotland 2026: Holding up the System, Reaching Breaking Point’, which exposes the hidden cost of caring to the health of unpaid carers, who are frequently cancelling and postponing medical appointments, tests, investigations, screenings and even surgery. Read the report here

Can You Trust That Bargain? How to Spot Fake Online Shops
Online shopping offers convenience and choice, but fake online shops can look very convincing. Scammers often copy well-known brands, advertise tempting bargains and use misleading websites to encourage people to hand over their money or personal information. Lead Scotland’s new blog provides practical advice to help people recognise the warning signs and make safer choices before buying online. The blog also signposts readers to further online safety advice and accessible digital inclusion resources from LEAD Scotland. What to do if something about an online shop doesn’t seem right. Read the blog here

New coalition to help keep the Promise
Organisations across Scotland can capitalise on the opportunities afforded by public service reform to improve the lives of care experienced people, Minister for the Promise Siobhian Brown has said. Addressing Parliament as Scotland marks Care Experienced Week, Ms Brown announced the formation of a new delivery coalition to accelerate progress towards keeping the Promise by 2030. In light of the action needed across the public sector to support care-experienced people, the coalition will seek to understand and connect important work already underway while providing a forum of expertise in the provision of children and family services. Read more here

Tackling Misogyny Campaign – You can help stop it
The Scottish Government’s campaign to tackle misogyny is back and aims to help boys and young men make the connection between what they see online and the real-world impact it has on girls, including the ones they know. The rise of online misogyny means that boys and young men are often seeing harmful, sexist content even when they have not searched for it. By choosing not to engage with sexist content online by not liking, sharing or commenting on it, boys and young men can help stop the spread. They are also speaking to parents, carers and other influential adults, highlighting the scale and impact of the issue. Read more here