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The aim of this research was to estimate the impact on household income distribution in Scotland of a broad range of policies. This would allow modelling of policy effects on health inequalities and health improvement.

This briefing focuses on the recent discussions around a universal income policy and the implications it might have for health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities.

The 2025 annual review was held on 7 November.

The Climate Impact Indicators (CII) Feasibility Report aims to inform Public Health Scotland’s work to produce a set of climate health impact indicators and supports PHS’ Climate Change and Sustainability programme. The report explores the feasibility of developing indicators to assess the impacts of climate change on the health of the population in Scotland. It includes a summary of how health is affected by climate change, in particular the impacts of heat, cold, flooding, and air quality. Additionally, the report outlines definitions and parameters for proposed indicators to monitor the impact of climate on health and describes the data sources that can be used to create these indicators. The report recommends that an initial set of indicators are developed focused on the direct impacts of heat and cold periods on health. It is planned that Scotland’s first set of climate health impact indicators are published on the ScotPHO profiles website as a new section in the autumn of 2025.

Resources to support the COVID-19 programme.

The CARDRISS and prescribing teams in Public Health Scotland are conducting a study in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh to assess the safety of high-dose folic acid use in pregnancy as it relates to childhood outcomes.