For immediate release 

MSP for Rutherglen Constituency, Clare Haughey, has welcomed the news that the Scottish Government will protect the charitable and voluntary sector, by continuing to provide free Disclosure Scotland PVG scheme membership to volunteers.

The PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme is designed to provide assurance to employers, voluntary organisations, and the public that a person can work safely with children and protected adults.

The Scottish Government’s decision to continue to provide free scheme membership follows a public consultation, and recognises the vital role that volunteers play across Scotland with roles in care, health, sports, community, and children’s activities.

Ms Haughey says that the news will be welcomed by local volunteers and organisations, including charities which face being hammered by the UK Labour Government’s decision to hike Employer National Insurance Contributions.  The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has previously warned that this decision will cost Scotland’s voluntary sector £75 million.

Commenting, she added;

“This is a very positive step from the Scottish Government – volunteers across Rutherglen and Cambuslang provide many in our communities with invaluable care, support and recreation.

“I understand at the last South Lanarkshire Council meeting, Councillors expressed their support for the voluntary sector, and called for this free membership to continue.

“It’s disappointing that only SNP Councillors at that meeting sounded the alarm on the £75 million tax hike, which is a tax on jobs, which the UK Government are imposing on the sector, while Labour continue to bury their heads in the sand.

“In a few short weeks, Councillors face a decision on proposals to remove funding from 7 local voluntary organisations this year, and completely remove all funding from the sector next year.

“I hope that the Labour-led Council follow the Scottish Government’s lead, and choose to do all it can to protect and support our local organisations and charities.”

ENDS