Named Person provision suspended

John Swinney - Holyrood

The named person scheme, due to be rolled out across the country next week, has been delayed following the UK Supreme Court judgement on the legislation.

The Scottish Government has laid an order before parliament to stop parts four and five of the Children and Young People’s Act which would have seen the commencement of every child in Scotland being given a single professional point of contact.

The Supreme Court ruled the plans would need to be amended to be compatible with European human rights laws.

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Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the issue was one of “timing not of policy”.

"We remain firmly committed to implementing the named person service to support children and their families,” he said.

“We will engage with key partners across public services, the third sector, Parliament and the wider public to take this forward. I am determined to see the service implemented as soon as practicable. There will be a named person service, its availability guaranteed by law to those who want to use it."

Swinney will make a statement to MSPs on the 5 September, after which secondary legislation may be necessary.

The Scottish Conservatives accused the government of attempting to “bury” the announcement amid the release of economic figures which Scotland’s deficit remains around £15bn.