Clan Childlaw calls for Named Person proposals to be scrapped

The charity said in a response to Holyrood’s Education and Skills Committee, which is currently scrutinising the proposals, that the legislation will only make the system more complicated.

It warned: “This is a complex area of law that needs to be made easy to understand so it can be readily applied on a daily basis by professionals and easily understood by children and young people.

“Adding further legislation to the existing complex legal framework does not simplify it.”

Alison Reid, principal solicitor of Clan Childlaw, said: “We support the principles of the Girfec approach, including the need to share information lawfully at an early stage to prevent bigger problems developing.

“However, legislation should be necessary, effective, clear and accessible. The bill meets none of those criteria and fails to overcome the difficulties identified by the Supreme Court, in relation to lack of precision and accessibility, and lack of safeguards and consent.”

A Scottish government spokesman said: “We are confident the Children and Young People (Information Sharing) (Scotland) Bill fully addresses the issues raised by the UK Supreme Court.

“It will bring consistency, clarity and coherence to the sharing of information about children’s and young people’s wellbeing across Scotland.

“The bill will be subject to scrutiny and approval by the Scottish Parliament and we will continue to listen to views of stakeholders and the Parliament through this process.”