The Scottish Parliament

👋 Welcome to The Scottish Parliament's LinkedIn. We encourage healthy debate, but it is important to remain respectful to other commenters. Comments which insult others, use harmful or offensive language, distribute known unsubstantiated news, or repeat messages (spam) will be deleted. Take a look at our online discussion rules: https://ow.ly/UIMI50R20yY

What are your views on future social security spending in Scotland? The Social Justice and Social Security Committee is currently scrutinising the forecast spend on social security as part of its 2026–27 Budget Inquiry. Collette Stevenson, Convener of the Committee, said: “The Scottish Government has invested in social security with the aim of tackling specific challenges in our society. As we look towards the next Scottish Budget, we would like to hear your views on the effectiveness of this approach.” The Committee is inviting views from the public, organisations, and stakeholders on key questions, including: • The extent to which you welcome or are concerned about the growth in social security spending • The effectiveness of social security spending in supporting people who need it • The extent to which the Scottish Government’s ability to manage the devolved social security budget affected by UK Government policy choices The call for views is open until Sunday, 17 August 2025. Whether you're a professional in the third sector, an academic or expert in public finances, or someone with lived experience of the system, your views will help shape the Committee’s inquiry. Learn more and submit your views here: https://ow.ly/JsTx50WC1yP

Join us at the Festival of Politics at the Scottish Parliament for “Vote Chatbot at the Ballot!”, where we’ll debate the rise of AI in political life. From campaign bots to deepfakes, what’s at stake when machines shape our political choices? 📅 Wednesday, 20 August 2025 🎫 Tickets available now https://ow.ly/4xuq50WBhG5

🧠 In a parliamentary context, this is what scrutiny means 👇 🤔 This emoji sums it up! Check out our Glossary page to learn more parliamentary terms > https://ow.ly/CsHp50WuLb4

Have you experienced Scotland’s care system - or do you support those who have? The Scottish Parliament wants your views on proposed changes that aim to make real improvements for care-experienced children and young people. A new Bill is being scrutinised by the Education, Children and Young People Committee. It forms part of the Scottish Government’s work to keep “The Promise”; a commitment to reform the care system following the Independent Care Review. The proposed changes include: 🟣 Expanding the right to apply for aftercare 🟣 Widening access to advocacy services 🟣 Creating a national register of foster carers 🟣 Preventing excessive profit from children’s care 🟣 Making changes to the Children’s Hearing System Douglas Ross, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee said: “The Committee will look closely at this Bill, listen to the views of everyone affected by it, and assess whether it will bring about the changes needed to ensure that all care experienced children and young people can enjoy the childhood they deserve.” You can respond in a range of formats, including Easy Read and BSL at https://ow.ly/4AYA50WzVGM

📖 For anyone who sees the word Committee and isn't quite sure what it means at the Scottish Parliament - here you go! 🧠 You can also look up any other parliamentary terms in our Glossary > https://ow.ly/tAjg50WuL0S

📖 It's Parliament Dictionary time again. 🧠 There are a few definitions of the word Session, but this one is ours! Any other parliamentary terms you'd like to check the meaning of? Take a look at our Glossary page > https://ow.ly/GxLO50WytcZ

Join us at the Festival of Politics at the Scottish Parliament for a vibrant line-up of events, exhibitions, and conversations. The following are FREE to attend ⬇️ 🚋 Does transport work for disabled people in Scotland? Thirty years after the Disability Discrimination Act, we're asking: what's changed, and what still needs fixing? [BSL provided] 💭 Give me some credit! With rising costs and deepening poverty, financial exclusion is affecting communities across Scotland. Hear from experts and campaigners on what we can do to drive change. 🍿 PLUS! Enjoy free entertainment, exhibitions, and even meet a robot at the Festival Café Bar. Find out more: https://ow.ly/eNjF50Wxi8c

Exciting new panellist announced! 📣 Gary Maclean, Scotland's national chef, Masterchef winner and educator, will join a conversation looking at our relationship with food at #FoP2025. Get tickets here: https://ow.ly/EZ0Q50Wywwe

As thousands of performers from across the globe descend on Edinburgh for the start of the Festival, the Scottish Parliament’s Culture Committee is seeking views on culture spending. If you lead, research, or advise on funding and cultural strategy, the Committee wants to hear from you to help support its scrutiny ahead of the 2026/27 Scottish budget. Find out more and give your views via the link in the comments: LINK: https://ow.ly/kXpe50Wytfi