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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

We can’t tackle child poverty without tackling women’s poverty. This #ChallengePovertyWeek, read SWBG’s ELC report to see what’s working and where improvements are needed in Scotland's childcare policies: swbg.org.uk/content/publications/?cat=9

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Cuts to care services disproportionately affect women, who are more likely to undertake unpaid care work, with impacts on wellbeing and finances. Read the briefing on the cost of living and our recommendations for governments and local authorities to help reduce inequalities. 2/2

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Our latest briefing explores women’s experiences of cost-of-living pressures, financial security, and the intersections between work and care. swbg.org.uk/content/publications/Cost-of-Living-Pressures-Briefing-2026.pdf 1/2

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The Scottish Women's Budget Group wrote about how Scotland's Programme for Government focuses more on symptoms of women’s inequality than on the root causes, and how investing in areas like social care is a crucial step. bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/09/09/a...

bellacaledonia.org.uk

Ambitious (for women) in Scotland?

Last week’s Programme for Government rightly identified tackling the cost-of-living crisis, violence against women and girls (VAWG) and sustaining community cohesion as crucial to reducing division…

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The SWBG briefing sets out recommendations for the UK and Scottish Gov and Local Authorities, informed by women who took part in the survey. Some recommendations are longstanding, reflecting persistent structural inequalities and recurring issues raised by women. 3/3

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Disabled women, Black and minority ethnic women, single parents and women in rural areas were particularly likely to report falling household incomes – with food costs seeing the biggest increase. 2/3

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

New findings from the SWBG’s fifth annual Women’s Survey show that 56% of respondents feel worse off financially than they did last year. Read, share and download the briefing from our website: swbg.org.uk/content/publications/Cost-of-Living-Pressures-Briefing-2026.pdf 1/3

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

The SWBG urges wider reform on Council Tax in Scotland, as "failure to progress is severely damaging the public services and amenities we all rely on, but which are particularly vital for women, disabled people and those with low incomes." www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politic...

dailyrecord.co.uk

SNP Government mansion tax plan falls “desperately short” of raising cash

The STUC believes the plan lacks ambition and does not raise a significant amount of money.

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Do you want to help make the needs and experiences of kinship carers visible and improve the way kinship care is supported? Then join us to help shape research around kinship care. Get involved by clicking the link below: tr.ee/6eM8udVWsy

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Read Poverty Alliance’s Scottish Anti-Poverty Review online: povertyalliance.org/SAPR44/SAPR44/index.html

povertyalliance.org

Demo

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Scotland needs a fair tax system that better funds public services and care work. In Poverty Alliance's Scottish Anti-Poverty Review, we outline key recommendations to achieve tax justice in Scotland, ensuring we change the disproportionate impact on women.

povertyalliance.org

Demo

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

We shared how Scotland's "council tax system is unfair, outdated, and badly in need of reform." Our research shows that it impacts those on low incomes most – which women are more likely to be. Read the complete article below: www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politic...

dailyrecord.co.uk

Swinney told to 'get finger out' and reform Council Tax after Burnham 'wobble'

EXCLUSIVE: A senior trade unionist warned Scots workers were being "failed" by politicians who refuse to meaningfully change the "regressive" council tax system.

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Find out more by reading the complete blog on our website: swbg.org.uk/.../gender-b... Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on new blogs like this, publications and more: swbg.org.uk/content/mailing-list 2/2

swbg.org.uk

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Scottish Women’s Budget Group is on a mission to make women visible in Scotland’s budgets – at local and national levels. We do this by supporting the use of gender budgeting across Scotland. Without this, women’s inequality remains in budgets. 1/2

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

This is a member’s-only event. Register today and receive a link to the event: swbg.org.uk/content/memb...

swbg.org.uk

Membership

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Help shape the 2027 Scottish Budget. The SWBG want members to have the opportunity to share their ideas and help shape the Pre-budget Scrutiny. Join us as we facilitate a discussion about how budget decisions affect women and other groups, using gender budgeting tools.

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

We'll also be leading workshops for you to learn more about being involved in the Scottish Budget process. Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on dates: swbg.org.uk/content/mailing-list 3/3

swbg.org.uk

Mailing list

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

We want people to feel more engaged in this process, to share their experiences and feel empowered, helping to create budgets that consider the different lives of women and communities across Scotland. 2/3

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

A key element of gender budgeting is providing opportunities for the public, particularly women, to participate in the budget process. In our latest blog, we outline what the Scottish Budget is and how you can become involved: www.swbg.org.uk/news/blog/un... 1/3

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

We're calling for change. We've shared this briefing with the Scottish Government, MSPs and local authorities, setting out practical recommendations to make the budget process clearer, more inclusive and more accessible, especially for women and marginalised communities. 3/3

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Women told us information is poorly communicated and participation doesn't feel clear, collaborative or meaningful. That needs to change. 2/3

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Women should be part of decisions about the Scottish Budget. But our 2026 Women's Survey (830 responses) found that only 30% of respondents knew about opportunities to engage with the Scottish Budget at a national level. swbg.org.uk/content/publications/SWBG-Budget-Process-Briefing.pdf 1/3

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

This important report by Engender, highlights that "sexism, misogyny and gender-based violence are part of the everyday reality of being a woman councillor" and how the need for systemic change is urgent.

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Read, download and share the report from our website: www.swbg.org.uk/content/publ...

swbg.org.uk

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Our report calls for stronger governance, better support for low-income families and improved ELC workforce conditions. As the Scottish Gov plans further expansion, these issues must be addressed to tackle child poverty, close the attainment gap and help parents into work. 3/4

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Policy analysis/evidence from ELC workers/parents highlights concerns around budget transparency, data use, scrutiny, workforce pressures, access barriers and financial constraints. Pointing to a mismatch between policy ambitions, funding/delivery/outcomes. 2/4

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Scotland’s expansion of funded Early Learning and Childcare has improved access for many families But our latest report, Policy Ambition to Implementation, finds significant challenges continue to limit its transformative potential, particularly for families on low incomes 1/4

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Read @povertyalliance.org Scottish Anti-Poverty Review online: povertyalliance.org/SAPR44/SAPR44/index.html 3/3

povertyalliance.org

Demo

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

underfunded public services. In Poverty Alliance's Scottish Anti-Poverty Review, we outline key recommendations to achieve tax justice in Scotland, ensuring that we change the disproportionate impact on women. 2/3

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Scotland needs a fair tax system that better funds public services and care work. Women, disabled people, those on low incomes and people from black and ethnic minority communities are disproportionately impacted by unpaid and undervalued care work. 1/3

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Research shows that women carry out the majority of unpaid care work and are more likely to rely on public services – making tax a deeply gendered issue. Read our joint letter to the FM: bit.ly/TJSFMLetter 2/2

bit.ly

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

As members of #TaxJusticeScotland, we’re calling on the First Minister to better tax wealth. Replace Council Tax and accelerate the private jet tax. Fairer tax is key to a fairer/greener/more prosperous Scotland. 1/2

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Reposted by Scottish Women's Budget Group

oxfamscotland.bsky.social @oxfamscotland.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

As part of #TaxJusticeScotland we're calling on the First Minister to take practical steps to make the tax system fairer: • replace Council Tax with a fairer system • accelerate the introduction of a strong private jet tax Those with the most wealth should pay their fair share bit.ly/TJSFMLetter

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

We agree, childcare isn't just a woman's issue. However, we also know that the majority of care work is carried out by women, leaving them disproportionately affected by care policies. This is why SWBG focuses on the experiences of women who are impacted by traditional gendered structures.

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/05/26/the-snp-want-to-increase-childcare-hours-first-they-need-to-improve-the-existing-policies 2/2

bellacaledonia.org.uk

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

SWBG share how the expansion of childcare is vital for advancing women’s equality, but why the current delivery ELC isn’t working for everyone and what needs to be addressed. Read the complete article by clicking the link below. 1/2

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

We need our elected MSPs to act, which starts by reading the briefing. Download, read and share the briefing: swbg.org.uk/content/publ... 4/4

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

▸Fixing issues with the current funded hours ▸Expand the funded offer to both early years, alongside school-age children ▸Provide targeted support for low-income families and those most marginalised from current services 3/4

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

So how do we improve policies? Our latest briefing highlights SWBG’s key recommendations, this includes: 2/4

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Better care policies will reduce women’s inequality. In our 2026 women’s survey, over 850 women told us that they agreed. Why? Because affordable childcare supports more women to work, helping them gain financial stability, improve wellbeing and reduce inequality. 1/4

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

...the impact of No Recourse to Public Funds. Read the full resource above and SWBG’s report on inequality and poverty in Aberdeen here: SWBG Aberdeen Report. Read the complete resource here: shorturl.at/aCErn 2/2

shorturl.at

Aberdeen Voices 2026

Challenging Stigma and Poverty Through Lived Experience

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Abderdeen Voices, developed by Station House Media Unit (SHMU), challenges the stigma of poverty through conversations with people with lived experience. The Scottish Women’s Budget Group worked with SHMU to highlight women’s experiences of poverty in Aberdeen, including 1/2

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Following the Scottish Election, the SWBG, will continue campaigning for women’s economic equality, pushing for reform in care, gender budgeting and more. swbg.org.uk/content/get-involved

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

We’ve just heard back from some of the political parties competing for your vote on 7 May. Visit our website to find out what they said on care, gender bias in healthcare, the cost of living and more. swbg.org.uk/news/blog/questions-for-parties-ahead-of-the-scottish-parliament-election/

swbg.org.uk

SWBG blog | Questions for Political Parties Ahead of the Scottish Parliament Election + Their Answers

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

2 of the major political parties have responded to questions developed by you on issues around care to the cost of living. We’ll be sharing any other responses that we receive. We hope these responses will help inform you during the election. swbg.org.uk/blog

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

In our latest blog, we share final reflections from participants. An important read for policy makers and those interested in learning more about Scotland's budget process. swbg.org.uk/news/blog/fi... 2/2

swbg.org.uk

SWBG blog | Final reflections from the Women's Economic Empowerment group

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

The SWBG has been working with women across Scotland, increasing their knowledge of the ‘economy’, economic policy and public finance processes in Scotland. 1/2

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Our annual women's survey has now closed. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be analysing the data – a complete report will be released soon. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates on this and more: www.swbg.org.uk/content/mail...

swbg.org.uk

Mailing list

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Scottish Women's Budget Group @swbg.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Voting guides are also available in Arabic, Gaelic, Polish, Romanian and Ukrainian: electoralcommission.org.uk/resources/de... 2/2

electoralcommission.org.uk

Download your May 2026 voting guide

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