Lack of childcare is a major barrier to women's participation in work, education and training. Pre-school provision brings significant benefits to children which lasts them through all of their school years. The Scottish Parliament will have powers for pre school provision, and for children's services provided through Social Work Departments. Nursery education and flexible, affordable good quality childcare, available to all parents who want it, will be an enormous benefit to families. Health Scotland suffers a serious problem of poor health, and Scottish women have some of the highest rates of coronary heart disease and breast cancer in the world.
Many women also suffer mental health problems such as depression.
Community Care imposes burdens that put the health of women carers at risk. The Scottish Parliament will have powers for the NHS in Scotland, for community care, and for family planning. A national strategy involving all of the agencies working together will improve women's health in Scotland. Housing Many women lone parents and elderly pensioners live in the poorest quality houses in Scotland. More women rely on Council housing and privately rented accommodation.