Ross criticises SNP over Named Person Scheme
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THE Scottish Government has today scrapped its plan to appoint a named person to safeguard the welfare of every child in the country.
In the wake of the announcement Moray's MP – a long-term opponent of the Named Person Scheme which was branded a "snooper's charter" by some – repeated his earlier criticisms.
Douglas Ross said: "The SNP has let children and vulnerable people down badly by previously pressing ahead with this regardless of the consequences.
"This scheme has been a waste of time and proved to be unworkable as the law would require that parents and children would need to give their permission before their information can be shared.
"SNP Deputy First Minister John Swinney has now been forced to announce their information sharing code of practice is being scrapped after a panel set up by the Scottish Government ruled that the scheme was unable to operate within the boundaries of the law."
The scheme would have seen a named person – usually a teacher or health visitor – act as a contact for every child from birth until the age of 18.
Mr Ross continued: "Moray's MSP Richard Lochhead backed this policy from the beginning, ignoring local concerns and the opinions of many experts.
"I hope now, even he can see how damaging this policy has been for Moray families.
"But there remains serious questions about how much of taxpayers money has been wasted on this flawed scheme.
"Scottish Conservatives were right to vote against these plans at every opportunity."
The scheme, which was piloted in Moray, was originally due to come into force across the country in August 2016.
