Children in Scotland dismiss ‘nanny state’ claims

Date: 10th September 2013
Category: General measures of implementation

Children in Scotland has expressed concern that new government legislation falls short of achieving its aspirations but has rejected claims the provisions for a named person would lead to a 'nanny state', and infringe on basic human rights.

Giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament Education and Culture Committee on 10th September 2013, Chief Executive Jackie Brock told the Committee there were many areas of the Children and Young People Bill which the charity "broadly welcome", but that the Bill as it currently stands was "very disappointing"."

Jackie also highlighted concern over the misunderstandings around the named person and stated that this is a result of a misunderstanding of what the named person will actually involve.

• Read the whole press release here.

The Cross Party Group on Children and Young People will focus on the named person provisions in the Children and Young People Bill at its next meeting on 24th September 2013. Cross-Party Groups (CPGs) are held by the Scottish Parliament and provide an opportunity for Members of all parties, outside organisations and members of the public to meet and discuss a shared interest in a particular cause or subject.

The Education and Culture Committee will continue to hear oral evidence on the Children and Young People Bill until 8thOctober 2013. Together will be giving evidence on 1st October, during which this session will consider the issues in the Children and Young People Bill relating to civil liberties and rights .