Answered by Michael Russell (15/01/2018): On 10 January the First Minister announced the publication of ‘Scotland’s Place in Europe: People, Jobs, and Investment’. This paper presents the latest analysis by the Scottish Government of the implications for Scotland’s economy if the UK exits the European Union following our earlier publication in December 2016.
The paper sets out the future trade options the European Union has said will be available to the UK should it leave the EU. The evidence clearly demonstrates that Brexit will significantly weaken our economy and result in slower economic growth and lower incomes than otherwise, and that a UK outside the European Single Market and Customs Union will have the most damaging consequences for Scotland.
The paper also sets out the future opportunities for Scotland inside the Single Market as it expands and develops, and makes the case for the whole of the UK remaining a full member of the Single Market and Customs Union.
The Scottish Government therefore believes the UK Government should abandon its “red lines” on freedom of movement and the Court of Justice of the European Union before talks on the future relationship between the UK and the EU start later this year.
The people of Scotland voted decisively to remain within the European Union, and it is the role of the Scottish Government to continue making sure that their interests are protected.
Having carefully considered all the available information and representations, I have decided to approve the Health Board’s proposal to transfer inpatient and day case paediatrics from Ward 15 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley to the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow. This has been a difficult decision but in doing so, I recognise that only inpatient and day case paediatrics will be transferred; the majority of patient cases will continue to be seen and treated locally; with the A&E Departments at Inverclyde Royal Hospital and at the RAH continuing to receive paediatric patients who self-present alongside the continuation of outpatient clinics, as well as specialist community paediatric services.
The Board has made a compelling and viable case for these proposals which have attracted overwhelming clinical support. The proposals are consistent with national policy, modern clinical standards and best practice, including the European Association for Children in Hospital (EACH) Charter and the national clinical standards set by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. This is well summarised by the submission of Action for Sick Children Scotland (now Children’s Health Scotland) to the Health Board’s public consultation. The charity framed their submission under each of the 10 articles of EACH Charter, concluding that “the most compelling argument…is that clinical standards are there to support the best quality healthcare for all children in Scotland and we feel this would be best achieved by moving Ward 15 to the RHC.”
Whilst I am convinced that these proposals are in the best interests of local children, and note from the report of the Scottish Health Council (SHC) that the Board has meaningfully engaged with local stakeholders on their proposals, I recognise from the representations received and the stakeholder meetings I have attended that some local people – from the Paisley area, in particular – will be deeply disappointed by this decision. I know that the service many families have received from Ward 15 at the RAH has been highly valued; and that there are understandable concerns about access to the more specialised services which will transfer to the RHC; how these will be integrated into those outpatient and community services that will continue to be provided locally; and how to ensure there is clarity about what support will be offered to families in respect of these changes. This will include transport advice and whether local families can receive financial support for travel to hospital. The Board have provided assurances that this can be provided via the Family Support and Information Service based at the RHC.
That is why I have been clear to NHSGGC that my approval of these proposals is conditional on (i) the Board maintaining and improving community based services, with the aim of maximising local provision, where it is clinically appropriate to do so; and (ii) working directly with families from the Paisley area on specific, individual treatment/service access plans, to be complete before any service changes are made; ensuring that there is a full understanding of what services and support will be available to them, and from where.
I also recognise the local fears expressed during the public engagement and consultation activity that the approval of these proposals could lead to the ‘downgrading’ of the RAH. This is categorically not the case. The Board of NHSGGC has assured me that it remains absolutely committed to maintaining and developing the services provided at the RAH as the main acute resource for the Clyde area. Indeed, in terms of the ward space vacated by this decision at the RAH, the Board will use the ward to optimally improve patient care on the site.
In respect of NHSGGC’s proposals for rehabilitation services in the North East of Glasgow, including the closure of Lightburn Hospital, and having carefully considered all the available information and representations, I am not minded to approve the proposals.
I have been consistently clear during the Board’s review process that their final proposals had to effectively address the concerns which resulted in the Government rejecting the previous Lightburn closure proposals in 2011. As then, a specific consideration in this case was that approval of the proposals would result in the removal of the only significant, established and highly valued healthcare facility from one of the most deprived communities in the country.
I want to be clear that this has been a difficult decision. Like Nicola Sturgeon before me, I fully accept that healthcare services cannot be static; that reform is necessary as set out in our National Clinical Strategy and Delivery Plan; and recognise that the proposals to further develop community based services are largely consistent with the direction of national policy, including the integration of health and social care. However, in light of all the available information and representations, I remain concerned that the proposed replacement local community and support services are not sufficiently developed to authorise the closure of Lightburn Hospital. Given the general access and public health issues recognised by the Health Board as particularly affecting these seriously deprived communities, I welcome the commitment from the Board and its planning partners to develop, as a priority, a Health and Social Care Hub in East Glasgow. I consider this to be an integral part of the Health Board and its planning partners developing a viable and sustainable case for change. Whilst it is reasonable and right for the local Health & Social Care Partnerships to continue to consider how they can appropriately shift the balance of care in line with national policy, I would expect such services to be developed with local communities before any future proposal is considered.
As a result, I am asking the Health Board to work more closely with the local communities. As part of this further work, I would like to see the Lightburn Hospital site considered as the potential location for the new East End Health and Social Care Hub, or another health care use/facilty, for the benefit of the local community. I expect this work to be taken forward with the full and meaningful involvement of local stakeholders.
Fulton MacGregor, Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 21/02/2018
Answered by Shona Robison (22/02/2018): The Health portfolio resource budget will increase by over £400 million in 2018-19 to £13.1 billion, a 3.4% uplift.
As part of this uplift, our frontline NHS Boards will receive £354.5 million (3.7%) of direct additional funding in 2018-19, of which £179.5 million for a general allocation uplift and a further £175 million increase for investment in reform.
This investment will support our commitment that more than half of frontline spending will be in community health services by the end of this Parliament, and will allow us in 2018-19 to continue our progress in seeing the shift towards this balance of spending. In 2018-19 it will also support a further shift in the share of the frontline NHS budget dedicated to mental health and to primary, community, and social care.
Details of Boards’ revenue resource and capital allocations for 2018-19 are as follows:
In addition to the capital allocations above, a further £209 million held centrally will be used to support infrastructure investment across the sector. This will ensure continued support from the capital investment strategy to support the delivery of the National Clinical Strategy and the Delivery Plan. This also includes funding to progress our £200 million commitment to expand the Golden Jubilee Hospital and develop five elective care centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness and Livingston.
The legislative competence of any Bill is determined by applying the relevant legal tests. The principal question in relation to the competence of the Bill arises under section 29(2)(d) of the Scotland Act 1998 – namely, whether the Bill is incompatible with EU law. That question falls to be assessed in the relevant legal context, which includes the following circumstances:
(i) The UK Government has taken steps under Article 50 TEU to withdraw the UK from the EU.
(ii) Upon withdrawal of the UK from the EU, EU law will cease to apply, and the EU law constraint on the powers of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Ministers will cease to have any content.
(iii) There is a practical necessity to make provision, of the sort contained in the Bill, to enable the law to operate effectively upon and after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The Bill has been carefully framed so that it does not do anything or enable anything to be done, while the UK remains a member of the EU, which would be incompatible with EU law. Rather, it enables provision to be made to deal with the consequences of withdrawal from the EU – to ensure that the law, insofar as within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament, continues to operate effectively immediately upon the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. It is modeled, in that regard, on the UK Government’s EU (Withdrawal) Bill. In the context of a process of withdrawal from the EU in accordance with EU law, the enactment of such provisions to ensure legal certainty and legal continuity is not incompatible with EU law. In short, it is compatible with EU law to make provision, in the way that this Bill does, for what is to happen when EU law no longer applies, following a process which is provided for in EU law itself and which has already been initiated.
Answered by Annabelle Ewing (28/02/2018): The Independent Review of Legal Aid report will be published today.
Answered by Fergus Ewing (19/03/2018): I am pleased to advise that on 28 February 2018, Forest Enterprise Scotland approved the request by Valley Renewables Group, the development trust for the Carron Valley, to buy 21 hectares at the entrance to the Carron Valley Forest to develop a community woodland.
This decision recognises that community ownership can help to build community resilience and capacity. The community in the Carron Valley area have no access to community facilities so ownership of this area of woodland will provide a focus for activities, such as community events with woodland walks and adventure trails.
Valley Renewables Group has committed to invest community funds from the Craigenhalt wind farm to improve the recreation facilities, to support the long-term running costs and to build community capacity through training and participation.
Working together Forest Enterprise Scotland and the community also intend to develop a joined up approach to the existing public facilities and new community facilities, to continue to welcome the many visitors to the Carron Valley Forest.
This is the second request approved under the Community Asset Transfer Scheme for the National Forest Estate, following the approval in November 2017 of transfer of the Fairy Pools Car Park to the Minginish Community Hall Association.
Working with stakeholders, Scottish Government will continue to focus on delivering and embedding the Nation Marine Plan in wider decision making and take account of emerging activities identified during the review process including through focused work-streams and continued delivery of the Programme for Government’s marine environment commitments.
The Scottish Land Commission will lay its revised Programme of Work in Parliament today, in advance of the first anniversary of the Commission’s establishment on 1 April. Extensive engagement and scoping work in the last six months has enabled the Commission to more sharply focus the Programme of Work to ensure the most positive impact in the short and long term. Copies have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, laying number SG/2018/35.
I am pleased to announce that funding amounting to a total of £354,860 will be provided to 12 organisations (see following link), from our Small Grants Programme 2018-2019, for work to commence in April 2018.
Recommendations for funding after assessment by country and grant type - Programme Year 2018-2019
The Small Grants Programme 2018-2019 attracted 17 applications before the deadline of noon , on 28 November 2017. Three applications were rejected as outwith our eligibility criteria, and therefore were not part of the full assessment process. The remaining 14 applications were fully assessed. Two did not meet our assessment criteria and were therefore not awarded funding.
The full list of the projects to be funded is available on the following web link:
Jenny Gilruth, Mid Fife and Glenrothes, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 28/03/2018
In March 2017 the Scottish Government published ‘A Blueprint for 2020: The Expansion of Early Learning and Childcare in Scotland: 2017-18 Action Plan’ which made clear that in order to deliver our policy vision for the expansion, a more progressive service model would be introduced from 2020.
The Action Plan committed us to a series of actions, to be delivered by the end of March 2018 to ensure that the expansion of ELC is rooted in a high quality experience for our children, and to support our delivery partners in building additional capacity.
The 2017-18 Action Plan committed us, by the end of March 2018, to establishing a Service Models Working Group in partnership with local authorities to:
Today Early Learning and Childcare Service Model for 2020: Consultation Paper will be published. This joint consultation with COSLA sets out the Funding Follows the Child approach and seeks views on the proposed National Standard that will underpin it. The National Standard sets out the clear and consistent criteria that all providers who wish to deliver the funded entitlement will have to meet from 2020.
The Early Learning and Childcare Service Model for 2020 is the output of the intensive work that the joint Scottish Government and local government Service Models Working Group has taken forward since its first meeting in June 2017. This has included extensive engagement with providers and key stakeholders to ensure that this new model works for everyone in the sector and helps to improve the early learning and childcare experience for our young children.
The introduction of this new approach represents a substantial change for the early learning and childcare sector in Scotland.
We want to ensure that everyone in the sector, including families, can provide their views on the new model. We want to hear these views and that is why we are now consulting jointly with COSLA on the proposed National Standard.
Scottish Ministers have set the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland the financial targets of achieving:
Question S5W-15780 Constitution and External Affairs
Kate Forbes, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 03/04/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what information it can provide regarding the Minister for International Development and Europe’s visit to Zambia in February 2018.
Answered by
Alasdair Allan
(
04/04/2018
):
Following the 2016 public consultation on the future shape of the Scottish Government’s International Development Programme, we published our new International Development Strategy in December 2016, which included Zambia as one of our four partner countries, alongside Malawi, Rwanda and Pakistan. Our new enhanced Zambia Development Programme began in October 2017, with £6.3 million being invested in six projects which will run until 2022. This is alongside projects funded under our popular Small Grants Programme, and institutional capacity strengthening initiatives that we are also now supporting in Zambia.
My predecessor Humza Yousaf undertook a successful visit to Zambia in January 2014 as part of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Baton Relay programme.
I visited Zambia from 9-15 February to continue to develop and strengthen the relationship between our countries - building upon connections which have existed since Dr David Livingstone’s time there – and to visit Scottish Government funded projects.
My visit was also helpful to discuss how Scotland and Zambia can further collaborate in areas like global health, in pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As part of that, four days prior to departure, I announced funding of £200,000 to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties’ Livingstone Fellowship Scheme, which will enable doctors from Zambia (and Malawi) to come to Scotland for one year and benefit from specialist medical training, before they return home to take up consultant posts. This announcement was warmly welcomed in Zambia, in particular by the Minister for Health, Hon Chitalu Chilufya and by the Ministry of Health’s provincial health leads in Central Province.
My visit focussed on two locations: Lusaka, the capital city, where the majority of Ministerial meetings took place; and Kabwe, the provincial capital of Central Province, where the Scottish Government’s Zambia Development Programme, capacity building work and Small Grants Programme are principally being delivered.
Lusaka
In Lusaka I met with a number of Government Ministers: Vice President of Zambia, Hon Inonge Mutukwa Wina with whom I discussed her flagship initiative, the Jubilee Women’s Highway Integrated Markets (JWHIM) and the support the Scottish Government is contributing via our projects with Christian Aid and First Aid Africa. The Vice President remarked upon Scotland’s commitment to gender equality and commended the work we are funding Police Scotland’s International Development and Innovation Unit to deliver with their Zambia Police Service colleagues, which focuses on gender based violence and child protection. In addition, she spoke about Scotland’s expertise in fish farming and processing and enquired as to whether best practice could be shared.
I paid a courtesy call to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Joseph Malanji during which he spoke of his interest in Scotland – he has visited on a number of occasions on a personal basis due to his passion for golf and noted the Scottish Government’s relationship with the Zambian Diaspora in Scotland. He also spoke at length about the positive impact he envisaged the Scottish Government’s involvement in the JWHIM will have, particularly in relation to agri-processing.
I also met the Minister for Health, Hon Chitalu Chilufya with whom I had a particularly productive discussion identifying needs in Zambia which would allow our countries to work collaboratively under the Scottish Government’s developing Global Health Programme. More specifically we discussed potential institutional capacity building work with the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, as well as opportunities for newly retired NHS doctors to work in Zambia.
I met the Minister for Community Development and Social Welfare, Hon Emerine Kabanshi who also opted to attend the Scottish Government’s project symposium in Kabwe, three days later. In line with her portfolio, Ms Kabanshi has a significant interest in how Governments work with civil society organisations, as well as gender based violence, sport for development (cycling in particular) and the Baby Box initiative. She also expressed an interest in visiting Scotland, specifically to learn more about our approach to working with civil society organisations.
My meeting with the Zambian Attorney General, Likando Kalaluka focussed on possible areas in which Scottish and Zambian Parliamentary Drafters can work together to update legislation, in particular child protection legislation, with the possibility of constitutional law experts from Scotland offering support. The discussion also considered how to further support the existing Police Scotland train the trainers work on gender based violence and child protection.
In Lusaka I also met the British High Commission, Deputy Head of DFID and the Irish Ambassador . With the latter two I discussed potential areas of shared interest in our respective international development programmes.
I was also privileged to attend Action Aid/Grassroots Soccer ’s project which the Scottish Government funds via our collaboration with Comic Relief . The project has gender equality and SDG5 very much at its heart and aims to upskill young women and girls in order to give them more confidence and resilience when dealing with challenging situations, particularly around relationships. I was extremely impressed by the energy and commitment to the programme and their future life ambitions shown by these young women.
Kabwe, Central Province:
En route to Kabwe, I visited the Vice President’s Jubilee Women’s Highway Integrated Market initiative at Chibombo to see for myself where two of our Zambia Development Programme Projects will be contributing to improving the market function, firstly by making the environment safer for women (and their children) who work there by providing first responder first aid training (First Aid Africa) and secondly by making working in the market more profitable for women by introducing agri-processing technology to enable them find more diverse, more profitable ways of using their stock (Christian Aid).
In Kabwe I met the Minister for Central Province, Hon Sydney Mushanga who again emphasised on behalf of the Zambian Government the value that they placed on the relationship with Scotland through the historical links which are traced back to Dr David Livingstone: and for Minister Mushanga the particular historic links to Scotland for Central Province, given that Dr Livingstone’s heart remains buried there. We discussed that not only had Dr Livingstone been a missionary and a medic, he had been an early proponent of human rights, which values we held to this day. Minister Mushanga commended the success of the Police Scotland work on child protection and gender based violence which has been delivered in Central Province to date. He also highlighted the Central Province Tourism Expo being held in August 2018 to which he would welcome input in whatever form the Scottish Government could contribute.
I also attended a roundtable meeting of the Central Province Provincial Health Leads (Senior Civil Servants in the Ministry of Health in Central Province), led by provincial Medical Director, Dr Rosemary Mwansa . The discussion concentrated on identifying the ways in which Ministry officials thought that the Scottish Government could provide additional value and have the most effective impact on health outcomes in Central Province via our developing Global Health Programme, using limited resources. Suggestions included the Scottish Ambulance Service providing capacity building training (particularly training of paramedics) which would go some way to mitigate the injuries and deaths which occur as a result of the particularly high numbers of road traffic accidents in the Province, which has the main South Africa to DRC trunk road running through it.
I spent Sunday morning at All Saints Church where I was very warmly welcomed by Bishop Musonda of Central Province , the Hon Tutwa Ngulube MP for Kabwe and Keith and Ida Waddell, the Education and Health Secretaries in the United Church of Zambia of which All Saints is a member and which also has strong links to the Church of Scotland. I met with a number of support staff who ensure the smooth running of the church and this provided the opportunity to hear more at grassroots level about the challenges people in Kabwe face, from poverty, HIV/AIDS and the disproportionate impact of climate change on the community.
I hosted a project symposium which provided a platform for the Zambia Development Programme and Small Grants Programme in country partners to present on the work which their projects have delivered to date and also on their aims and objectives between now and 2022. It also provided the opportunity for partners from all of the projects to network and identify ways to work collaboratively in future. The event was attended by the Minister for Community Development, the Hon Emerine Kabanshi and the Minister for Central Province, the Hon Sydney Mushanga; both had actively requested to attend following my initial meetings with each of them.
I was welcomed to Kabwe Police Headquarters by the Divisional Commander and taken to the Victim Support Unit and the One Stop Centre at Kabwe General Hospital to see firsthand the impact of the Scottish Government funded work which Police Scotland’s is delivering there with their Zambia Police Service colleagues. As noted above, the focus is on child protection and improving support for victims of Gender Based Violence.
Similarly, while I was in Lusaka, I visited Lilayi Police College where I observed Police Scotland trainers deliver ‘train the trainer’ child protection training to Zambia Police Service Officers, which involved role play, group discussion and evaluation of the session. I then proceeded to Police Headquarters in Lusaka where I met the Inspector Generals of the Zambian and Malawian Police Services . The discussion with them focussed on the success of the Police Scotland work to date and how it will continue to develop during 2018-19; both Inspector Generals highlighted how the Scottish Government funded programme in both countries further supported their own existing close-working relationship as neighbouring countries.
Overall, my visit strengthened diplomatic relations with the Zambian Government as well as establishing new relationships at all levels of Government and across a range of other sectors including police, health, civil society and church groups. This will contribute significantly to the ongoing development and ultimately successful delivery of our expanded Zambia Development Programme.
The visit also successfully demonstrated Scotland’s ongoing contribution to international development, showcasing strengths in health, gender equality, and sustainable economic development. It also underpinned the fact that we continue to be a good global citizen, making distinctive contributions in addressing world challenges and sharing our knowledge, skills and technical expertise for global good.
Question S5W-15827 Economy
Ivan McKee, Glasgow Provan, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 05/04/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when a new chief executive will be appointed to Scottish Enterprise.
Answered by
Keith Brown
(
06/04/2018
):
Following a rigorous recruitment process, Steve Dunlop has been appointed as the new Chief Executive and will take up his post in May 2018. Paul Lewis will continue his role as interim Chief Executive until this time.
Question S5W-15933 Economy
Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 17/04/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its guidance regarding engaging communities in decisions relating to land, as required under Part 4 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (18/04/2018):
The Scottish Government's Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land is published today. Copies of the guidance have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, laying number SG/2018/32.
Question S5W-16083 Economy, Jobs and Fair Work
Ash Denham, Edinburgh Eastern, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 19/04/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what information it can provide regarding the recent visit to the United States by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (20/04/2018):
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work visited the United States between 4 and 7 April, attending events and meetings in New Jersey and New York. The visit focused on promoting trade and investment, culture, heritage, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as engagement with the diaspora network. The visit also marked the 20th anniversary of Tartan Day in New York.
The relationship between Scotland and America is an important one with deep and long-standing ties reflected by the strong economic, cultural and personal links of our citizens. The US is Scotland’s top source of inward investment, accounting for 35% of projects and is Scotland’s second largest export partner - worth £4.6 billion or 15.9% of all international exports.
Beginning his engagements in Princeton, New Jersey, the Cabinet Secretary attended the Offshore Wind Partnering Forum, meeting senior stakeholders including industry leaders and new and existing global investors in the Scottish renewables sector. Mr Brown emphasised the Scottish Government’s commitment to the future of the industry in Scotland and took the opportunity to support and endorse the Scottish offshore wind community as they built new business opportunities at this key industry partnering event.
The Cabinet Secretary moved on to New York for the pre-launch of Scotland Is Now, the new national brand for Scotland to encourage people to live, work, invest, study and visit Scotland. The preview event was held in partnership with the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), one of America’s most prominent broadcast networks at the iconic Roxy Hotel Cinema in New York.
During the event, the audience were shown a preview of the new Scotland Is Now brand film. Additionally, WNBC host Dave Price chaired a panel discussion on Scotland and the Scotland Is Now campaign. Mr Brown was part of this panel and answered questions from the audience, supporting the new campaign and affirming Scotland’s position as a pioneering, progressive, dynamic and inclusive nation.
On 5 April, the Cabinet Secretary hosted an ‘Invest in Scotland’ business breakfast for potential capital investors from the New York financial community and spoke about the opportunities for investment in Scotland’s key infrastructure projects. He also attended a networking lunch hosted by Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) which allowed him to meet with potential trade and investment partners in the financial services community. He also took the opportunity to recognise ASI as a globally successful financial services firm headquartered in Scotland and engaged with senior members of the ASI team.
In addition to networking with capital investors, the Cabinet Secretary also held meetings with key stakeholders from the oil and gas, transport, technology and life sciences sectors to further promote trade and investment in Scotland.
This included a meeting with the Vice President of JetBlue where the possibility of new routes to Scotland was discussed. Further meetings included engagements with new and existing investors across a range of sectors including energy (BluHaptics and the MerGroup), life sciences (LEIDOS and Orthosensor) and technology (IBM) where Mr Brown had the opportunity to discuss opportunities for Scotland.
The Cabinet Secretary also spoke at the reception held by the St Andrew’s Society of New York which was held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Tartan Day. He took the opportunity to thank the St Andrews Society for their charitable work and support for Scottish culture and history. Mr Brown also welcomed diaspora groups to a breakfast commemorating the anniversary. He thanked the groups for their support of Tartan Day over the last 20 years, in addition to their promotion of Scotland and Scottish values more generally.
Mr Brown also met with the President of the World Fair Trade Organisation, Dr Rudi Dalvai and creator of the World Fair Trade Tartan, Tania Pramschufer. The Cabinet Secretary expressed his pride in Scotland’s status as a Fair Trade Nation and affirmed his support for the World Fair Trade Tartan’s efforts to make new trade contacts in the North American market.
The American-Scottish Foundation, a key Diaspora group in New York City, held an event to celebrate National Tartan Day and to commemorate the Declaration of Arbroath. The Cabinet Secretary spoke at this event to acknowledge the bonds of kinship and friendship between Scotland and the USA.
An event supported by Universities Scotland then brought together influential alumni from Scottish universities based in the greater New York area. Mr Brown gave a speech promoting Scotland as a great place to visit, work, study and invest.
The visit culminated in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Tartan Day in New York. During the day of celebrations, the Cabinet Secretary met veteran volunteers of the Tartan Day parade to thank them for their service, attended the Kirkin’ of the Tartan and joined the march for the Tartan Day parade. He also took the opportunity to meet Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band, a youth pipe band visiting New York to participate in Tartan Day.
Question S5W-16136: Parliamentary Business
Bill Kidd, Glasgow Anniesland, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 23/04/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what changes to parliamentary liaison officers have been made; to which ministers, and what their responsibilities are.
Answered by Joe FitzPatrick (24/04/2018):
The First Minister has made changes to the appointed parliamentary liaison officers (PLOs), the revised list is set out in the following table. The role of PLOs is to assist in developing and maintaining a positive and constructive relationship between the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government and to take account of the views of the Parliament and of Scotland as a whole. PLOs are unpaid, are not members of the government and are not, therefore, bound by collective responsibility.
|
Parliamentary Liaison Officer
|
Portfolio
|
|
Ben Macpherson MSP &
Gail Ross MSP
|
Office of the First Minister
|
|
Mairi Gougeon MSP
|
Communities, Social Security and Equalities
|
|
Tom Arthur MSP
|
Culture, Tourism and External Affairs
|
|
Ivan McKee MSP
|
Economy, Jobs and Fair Work
|
|
Jenny Gilruth MSP
|
Education and Skills
|
|
Gillian Martin MSP
|
Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform
|
|
Kate Forbes MSP
|
Finance and Constitution
|
|
Fulton MacGregor MSP
|
Health and Sport
|
|
Emma Harper MSP
|
Rural Economy and Connectivity
|
|
Fulton MacGregor MSP
|
Justice
|
Question S5W-16245: Education, Communities and Justice
Jenny Gilruth, Mid Fife and Glenrothes, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 27/04/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a progress update on the agreement of a multi-year funding package to support the expansion of early learning and childcare entitlement.
Answered by
Maree Todd
(
27/04/2018
):
Scottish Ministers and COSLA Leaders reached agreement on a multi-year revenue and capital funding package for the expansion of early learning and childcare today, Friday 27 April. This agreement represents a shared understanding of the costs required to deliver the expansion in entitlement to funded early learning and childcare to 1140 hours from August 2020.
Under this agreement, Scottish Government will provide local authorities with additional recurring revenue funding of £567 million per year by 2021-22, the first full financial year of the expansion.
In addition, the Scottish Government will provide local authorities with capital funding of £476 million over four financial years (2017-18 to 2020-21 inclusive).
Annual funding allocations for the period 2017-18 to 2021-22 are summarised in the following table.
Table: Local authority funding for ELC expansion by financial year (£m)
|
2017-18
|
2018-19
|
2019-20
|
2020-21
|
2021-22
|
|
Revenue
|
33
|
96
|
307
|
508
|
567
|
|
Capital
|
30
|
150
|
175
|
121
|
-
|
Question S5W-16540: Education and Skills
Jenny Gilruth, Mid Fife and Glenrothes, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 09/05/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made with its review of the 15 to 24 Learner Journey.
Answered by John Swinney (10/05/2018):
The Learner Journey Review has concluded its work and the report is published today. The Review has highlighted that Scotland is rightly proud of its education and skills system, which continues to deliver excellence and equity for so many of our young people. But there is more to do - we need all of our young people to get as much as possible from that system.
This Review provides a real opportunity to be absolutely clear about how we best align our system to deliver more choices; and to ensure that we value those choices equally - be they academic or vocational.
The publication of the report starts a new phase of further engagement and in taking the Review recommendations forward, we are committed to improving the experience for the learner and setting a clear expectation for more purposeful collaboration in partnership with schools, colleges, universities and employers.
Taking all this work forward together will require strong joint leadership, supported by the right evidence base, to ensure we continue to invest in the right qualifications and right types of learning to deliver the best outcomes for our young people and for the Scottish economy.
Question S5W-16241: Education, Communities and Justice
George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 27/04/2018
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Congress on Disability, Employment and the Workplace, whether ministers will announce any new actions aimed at reducing the Disability Employment Gap.
Answered by Jamie Hepburn (30/04/2018):
Throughout the day, the First Minister, the Minister for Social Security and I will be at the Scottish Government’s Congress on Disability, Employment and the Workplace, where we will be talking to disabled people, their organisations, and employers across the private, public and third sector, to ensure that we are taking the collective action necessary to ensure we deliver a step change in the number of disabled people in work.
As part of our commitment to at least halve the Disability Employment Gap, the First Minister will set out three elements of an all-government, all-Scotland approach:
Firstly, the launch of a formal consultation on increasing disabled employment in the public sector, including options for setting targets for public sector bodies.
Secondly, the announcement of our intention to publish a Disability Employment Gap Action Plan in the Autumn of 2018. This plan will set out how we will meet our commitment to at least halve the Disability Employment Gap, working closely with civil society, employers, disabled peoples organisations, trade unions, and the wider public sector as well as disabled people themselves.
Thirdly, that the Scottish Government will invest £1 million to provide additional support and advice to help meet our ambitions to increase the disability employment rate.
Question S5W-16590: Rural Economy and Connectivity
Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 10/05/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will meet the target of making 95.24% of CAP Pillar 1 payments by the end of June 2018.
Answered by Fergus Ewing (11/05/2018):
The Scottish Government is working hard to deliver the European Commission’s payment target and this year’s payment trajectory is broadly on track compared to last year. We have already made 95% of Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme payments and are making good progress on Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments. Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme payments will be made later in the payment window. Regular progress reports are being provided to Parliament and the next update will be provided at the end of May
Question S5W-16645: Constitution and External Affairs
Tom Arthur, Renfrewshire South, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 15/05/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what information it can provide regarding the First Minister’s recent visit to China.
Answered by
Fiona Hyslop
(
16/05/2018
):
The First Minister undertook a successful visit to China (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong) between 8-13 April 2018, to strengthen the growing business, cultural and educational links between Scotland and the world’s second-largest economy.
The First Minister had a constructive meeting with Chinese Vice Premier (Hu Chunhua), which further strengthened high level relations. In this meeting, the First Minister outlined the business, cultural and educational focus of her programme and promoted equality and respect for human rights and social values as a key part of Scotland and China’s relationship.
The First Minister was accompanied by a delegation of Scottish Universities and witnessed the signing of ten agreements between Scottish businesses and universities and their Chinese counterparts. She met with the Minister of Education, and agreed to strengthen co-operation in areas such as university research partnerships, language learning, and the flow of students between Scotland and China.
At a joint event with UNICEF in Beijing, the First Minister delivered a keynote address to Chinese policy makers on the importance of promoting children’s rights and tackling child poverty, which built upon her messages around gender equality delivered on her visit in 2015. She also delivered a keynote speech at an event arranged by the Economist Network on prosperity through inclusive economic growth and, as part of this, the importance of gender equality and progressive work practices. She also launched Social Enterprise Academy China – a partnership which will enable specialist expertise from Scotland to grow and sustain social enterprises in China.
The First Minister undertook a series of business meetings and events to encourage more trade and investment between Scotland and China and at least 25 Scottish business interests were supported by the visit programme.
The First Minister visited Ctrip, which invested £1.4bn into Skyscanner in 2016 and has recently located its first contact centre outside of China in Edinburgh. She met with the CEO, Jane Sun, and joined her in co-hosting a media roundtable to discuss the investment in Scotland.
The First Minister had an introductory meeting with the Chinese conglomerate Sanpower and discussed business interests in Scotland, including House of Fraser.
The First Minister facilitated a round table discussion on Scotland’s energy sector capability, attended by Scottish and Chinese companies, and met with Chinese companies investing in Scotland’s energy sector.
She witnessed the signing of an agreement between Aberdeen based Triton Marine & Engineering Consultants and China Offshore Oil Engineering Corporation (COOEC). The deal will see COOEC collaborating with Triton over the next 2 years allowing them to grow their team in Aberdeen. FM met with both the China National Petroleum Corporation and the State Development Investment Corporation to discuss their operations and investment in Scotland. She also met China Ocean Engineering Shanghai, where the First Minister was able to confirm their plans to set up a new office in Dundee.
The First Minister delivered a speech alongside senior business and University figures to over 150 senior business leaders as part of a Shanghai - Scotland Business Innovation Forum to promote Scotland as a location for inward investment.
The First Minister attended two
Scotland Is Now
promotional events, in Beijing and Shanghai respectively. This followed the campaign’s North America launch on 11 April in New York. The events showcased Scotland as a place for Chinese people to work, study and invest in, and encouraged and forged good relationships with key people from the Chinese business, culture, tourism and education sectors, as well as promoting Scottish businesses in food, drink and creative industries.
Cultural ties and people-to-people links were also strengthened on the visit. A delegation of Scottish cultural leaders participated in a round table discussion which formed part of the First Minister’s meeting with the Minister of Culture. A co-operation agreement between the Edinburgh International Festival and the Shanghai International Festival was signed. The First Minister visited the Forbidden City in Beijing – where skills exchange in innovative digital heritage preservation is taking place between Scotland and China’s UNESCO World Heritage site. She also announced, at a literature event at Fudan University, that a new translated version of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie will be published in China to mark the 100th anniversary of Muriel Spark’s birth. The First Minister also used the event to promote the role of women in writing and publishing more generally.
In Hong Kong, the First Minister delivered a speech to over 80 senior leaders from the Scottish Business Community and at a separate event, addressed over 80 Hong Kong and Chinese businesses as part of a Business Innovation Forum that promoted Scotland as a location for inward investment.
She also met with the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, building on their meeting in 2015. Discussions were focused on ways to develop stronger collaboration in innovation and technology and the possibility of further academic and cultural collaboration between Scotland and Hong Kong.
Question S5W-16706: Economy, Jobs and Fair Work
Gail Ross (Caithness and Sutherland and Ross) (Scottish National Party): Date Lodged 16 May 2018
To ask
the Scottish Government whether it has provided a response to the National Council of Rural Advisers' interim report on the implications of Brexit for rural Scotland.
Fergus Ewing
Yes, I provided a response to the Co-Chairs of the National Council of Rural Advisers earlier this month. The text of letter is available on the
NCRA webpage
of the Scottish Government website.
Question S5W-16960: Environment, Climate change and Land Reform
Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 30/05/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when the annual progress report on the Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme will be published.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (31/05/2018):
The Scottish Government published its fourth Climate Change Adaptation Annual Report today.
The Report sets out the context for climate adaptation in Scotland, highlighting that we are already experiencing climate change, that there are a range of future risks and opportunities, and that we have a developing evidence base that is informing action.
The Report provides a summary of the core content of the Programme, the highlights to date, and the findings of the first Independent Assessment of the Programme in 2016. Finally, this Report refers to the development of Scotland’s second five-year Adaptation Programme which is to be published in 2019.
The Fourth Annual Report highlights include the latest on flood management, the Peatland ACTION Fund, the new Climate Change Plan’s commitments on woodland creation, the Fourth UK Forestry Standard 2017, a new Centre of Expertise in Plant Health launched in February 2018, Scotland’s National Coastal Change Assessment, Historic Environment Scotland’s climate change risk assessment, Green Infrastructure Fund, A82 Steep Ground Harvesting Project, Edinburgh Adapts, Aberdeen Adapts, Climate Ready Business, NHS Scotland Climate Change Risk Assessment Tool, and the third European Climate Change Adaptation Conference held in Glasgow.
Copies of the Annual Report have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, laying number SG/2018/74.
Question S5W-16980: Finance and the Constitution
Kate Forbes, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 31/05/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made in its discussions with the UK Government on the devolution of air passenger duty.
Answered by Derek Mackay (01/06/2018):
At the time of the UK Autumn Budget in 2017 we announced that the introduction of Air Departure Tax (ADT) in Scotland would be deferred until the issues raised in relation to the Highlands and Islands exemption had been resolved. The Scottish Government has been clear that it cannot take on ADT until a solution has been found to the Highlands and Islands exemption - to do so would comprise the devolved powers and risk damage to the Highlands and Islands economy.
The Scottish Government and UK Government have continued to work together, at both ministerial and official levels, to seek a solution to the Highlands and Islands exemption issue. Despite these efforts, and combined with the continuing uncertainty as to how Brexit might affect aviation, it has become clear that aiming to introduce the tax at the beginning of the next fiscal year, April 2019, is not possible.
The Scottish Government has a longstanding commitment to reduce ADT by 50%, and we are doing all we can to work with airlines and airports to help grow the direct routes which are important for our tourism sector and Scottish businesses. While we work towards a resolution to the Highlands and Islands exemption, we call on the UK Government to reduce APD rates to support connectivity and economic growth in Scotland and across the UK.
Question S5W-17112: Justice and the Law Officers
George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 07/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when statistics on hate crime are due to be published.
Answered by Annabelle Ewing (08/06/2018):
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is publishing official statistics “Hate Crime in Scotland” on 15 June at 09:30. This provides information on the number of charges reported to them across all hate crime categories (race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, transgender) and charges under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act (OBFTC Act).
At the same time, the Scottish Government is publishing “Religiously Aggravated Offending in Scotland 2017-18”. This report provides further details about religiously aggravated charges reported to the COPFS in 2017-18.
Since 2012-13, the Scottish Government had published an analysis of charges reported to the COPFS under the OBFTC Act. The OBFTC Act was repealed earlier this year. There is therefore not a complete set of charges to analyse for 2017-18 meaning that any analysis would not be comparable with previous years. Therefore, the Scottish Government will not be publishing an analysis of these charges.
The Scottish Government is also planning to publish information based on hate crime incidents recorded by Police Scotland later this year.
Question S5W-17217: Rural Economy and Connectivity
Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 12/06/2018 R
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to empower community groups in South Scotland.
Answered by Fergus Ewing (13/06/2018): I am pleased to advise that on 1 June 2018, Forest Enterprise Scotland approved the following Asset Transfer Requests received under the Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS):
Community
Site
Peebles Community Trust
Eshiels Wood:
6.9 ha alongside the River Tweed, by Peebles
Friends of Leadburn
Community Woodland
Leadburn Wood:
9.4 ha near Penicuik – an extension to the existing 44 ha community woodland on land purchased from FES in 2007.
Dronley Community Woodland
Dronley Wood:
50 ha at Auchterhouse, Angus near Dundee
These decisions recognise that community ownership of woodland can help to build community resilience and capacity, un-locking additional benefits.
In the case of Peebles Community Trust, ownership will allow the community to improve sustainable productive management of the woodland, resurrecting coppice management and the associated skills / experience. It also provides a space for further skills training and nature learning.
The Friends of Leadburn Community Woodland, previously established a community woodland on land purchased from FES. The increased area of ownership increases the variety of walks and adventure trails available whilst also providing an increased focus for activities and community events.
The existing woodland user group at Dronley set up a new community company, Dronley Community Woodland to purchase the site. The community intend to maintain and enhance the rich and diverse environment in the wood, and develop its educational, recreational and timber resource. In doing so the community will increase capacity, skills and confidence, exploiting innovative opportunities and generating a range of other long-term benefits and values to society.
These are the latest requests to be approved under the Community Asset Transfer Scheme for the National Forest Estate, following the approval in February 2018 of the transfer of land at Carron Valley to the Valley Renewables Group and approval in November 2017 of transfer of the Fairy Pools Car Park to the Minginish Community Hall Association.
Question S5W-17211:Culture, Tourism and External Affairs
Tom Arthur, Renfrewshire South, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 12/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its refreshed China strategy.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (13/06/2018):
The China Strategy was published today [13 June 2018] and sets out the context and rationale for the Scottish Government’s engagement with China. It is a high level strategy which flows directly from our recently refreshed International Framework and it sits alongside and complement our other priority country strategies.
The strategy was developed and informed by a range of events with organisations in Scotland and China which gathered opinions on how we should prioritise and focus our engagement with China. Members of the Chinese community here in Scotland, and representatives of a number of human rights organisations took part in events which informed development of the new strategy. Stakeholders in China were engaged through our Scottish Affairs Office in Beijing.
The Scottish Government will work collaboratively and constructively with China - promoting our values through sharing practical learning and experiences - to encourage an open, honest dialogue. Two key guiding principles which formed the basis of our previous strategy will continue:
Positive People-to-People and Diplomaticrelations is the foundation of Scotland’s engagement with China. This means a steady flow of high level delegations, including ministers, to and from China, as well as maintaining good relations with the Chinese Government and UK Government partners such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Respect for Human Rights and the Rule of Law underpins the Scottish Government’s engagement with China. This means balancing economic development with social justice. Indeed, the premise that increasing growth and tackling inequality are mutually supportive is at the heart of engagement with China.
China’s most recent Five Year Plan outlines ambitious plans for balanced and sustainable economic growth with a focus on science and innovation; improvement of education and health standards; environmental protection; and energy conservation. The Scottish Government’s refreshed strategy for engagement with China complements China’s own plan for growth and sets out a framework in which we can collaborate to develop and deepen our existing links through better partnership working.
Question S5W-17227: Scotland's Place in the European Union
George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 13/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its next sectoral insight intended to demonstrate the breadth of Scotland’s interests in the negotiations and future relationship with the EU.
Answered by Michael Matheson (13/06/2018):
On 14 June at 00.01, I will announce the publication of Scotland’s Place in Europe: Security, Judicial Co-operation and Law Enforcement. The Paper can be accessed at: http://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781787810068
This Paper aims to improve the understanding about why maintaining a close relationship with the EU in the area of security, judicial and law enforcement is vital for Scotland. It set outs the key benefits this arrangement brings to our law enforcement agencies in fighting crime and keeping pace with developments.
In negotiating a future security relationship, it is essential to take account of the fact that Scotland has a separate criminal justice system and that our law enforcement agencies should maintain direct links with their EU counterparts. It also explains why data sharing arrangements and the role of the Court of Justice EU are potential barriers to having a close relationship with the EU in the justice and security area.
The people of Scotland voted decisively to remain within the European Union, and it is the role of the Scottish Government to continue making sure that their safety and security are protected.
Question S5W-17274: Economy, Jobs and Fair Work
George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 15/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether it can confirm that Scotland will be the location for the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
Answered by Paul Wheelhouse (15/06/2018):
I am delighted to confirm that Scotland will host the UK Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC). The Centre, which has received tripartite funding from Scottish Enterprise (£15m) Innovate UK (£13m) and industry (£14m) will not only be a highly influential centre of excellence in medicines manufacturing but will also have a positive impact on the economy of both Scotland and the UK and will help to further cement Scotland’s reputation for excellence in research and development, life sciences and manufacturing.
Following detailed consideration of a range of potential sites in Scotland the operator of the Centre and industry partners chose Inchinnan in Renfrewshire as the best location for the Centre.
Whilst the Centre will be located within the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District in Renfrewshire, a key priority for the Scottish Government will be to ensure that the sector across the whole of Scotland is able to benefit from the project.
Question S5W-17320: Communities, Social Security and Equalities
Ben Macpherson, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 18/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support the delivery of more affordable housing.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (19/06/2018): Today, I will announce the positive outcome of the Mid-Market Rent (MMR) Invitation, a further innovative initiative designed to expand the supply of affordable homes through long term loan investment.
£47.5m of Scottish Government loan funding is being provided to the Placemaking and Regeneration Group, Places for People for a proposal which will deliver 1,000 affordable mid-market rent homes and attract Institutional Investment to deliver a total funding package of around £150m into the Scottish Economy.
Places for People have set up a residential real estate fund which will own and deliver mid-market rent homes, supporting people on low and modest incomes to access high quality rented accommodation at affordable rent levels.
The Fund has been established as a Scottish Limited Partnership, managed by PfP Capital, the Financial Conduct Authority authorised fund management business for Places for People. A number of safeguards have been put in place to ensure that there is absolute transparency on who investors are and how the Fund will operate.
This is one of a number of Scottish Government supported schemes that will continue to expand the delivery of affordable mid-market rent housing, where required, to ensure that those on low to moderate incomes have access to high quality homes at affordable rent levels.
We will continue to work with local authorities to deliver such housing through innovative funding models that can attract significant levels of private investment, and support grant funded mid-market rent housing delivered through housing associations and their subsidiaries.
Question S5W-17348: Economy
Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 19/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when it will lay for consultation the proposed draft regulations providing for the disclosure of information about persons who have controlling interests in land in a public register as required by Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.
Answered by
Roseanna Cunningham
(
20/06/2018
):
The Scottish Government today laid for consultation in the Scottish Parliament proposed draft regulations (SG/2018/103) and a proposed explanatory document (SG/2018/104) for a new Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land as required by Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016. It has also laid a draft partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment and a draft Privacy Impact Assessment of the draft regulations within the proposed explanatory document.
In addition the Government has published on its website a consultation document to support the consultation, which will run until 8 November 2018.
Question S5W-17351: Health and Social Care
Fulton MacGregor, Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 19/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when its new tobacco control strategy/action plan will be published.
Answered by
Aileen Campbell
(
20/06/2018
):
I will be publishing the Scottish Government’s new tobacco control action plan
Raising Scotland’s Tobacco Free Generation
today.
The document sets out a five year plan for action focusing on our tobacco-free generation - children who are turning five this year. Our long-term goal is for the young people of this generation to be truly tobacco-free when they turn 21 in 2034.
The action plan demonstrates our commitment to the new Public Health Priorities which include an ambition for a Scotland free from the harms caused by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
There are 44 specific actions in the plan, all of which have been developed with relevant partners. The plan includes actions we propose to take right away – legislating to restrict smoking around hospital buildings, banning tobacco in prisons, establishing the new national stop-smoking service brand and running the final phase of our stop-smoking media campaign:
Getting Through 72
.
The action plan will be available at
http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2018/06/9483
Question S5W-17385: Education and Skills
Gil Paterson, Clydebank and Milngavie, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 20/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is expected to report within four years of its establishment.
Answered by John Swinney (21/06/2018): Lady Smith, Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, wrote to me on 14 June 2018 to request a variation to the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference with respect to its timescale. I have agreed to Lady Smith’s request that the wording is changed to require the Inquiry to report as soon as reasonably practicable. The revised Terms of Reference is now available on the Inquiry's Website. Lady Smith has assured me of her commitment to discharge her duties as efficiently and effectively as possible. It is of the utmost importance that this Inquiry is given the time to investigate its remit thoroughly and properly.
The original Terms of Reference called on the Chair to report to Ministers “within 4 years” of the date of its establishment, which was October 2015, although Lady Smith’s appointment as Chair did not occur until the end of July 2016. It will not be possible to report in that timescale due to the very wide remit of the Inquiry, covering from living memory to 2014, and a very large number of institutions providing child care in the range of settings covered.
It is clear the Inquiry is working hard and good progress is already evident. Evidence has been heard regarding the establishment of a number of providers, research has been undertaken in relation to the nature and prevalence of child abuse, societal attitudes to children, relevant legislative history and inspection systems. The Inquiry’s second case study is drawing near to a close with a third case study commencing in the Autumn. Work continues in preparation of other case studies, research, and analyses of thousands of documents recovered so far.
Lady Smith notes that a large number of applicants have come forward and continue to do so. I want to enable the Inquiry to hear from as many survivors as possible. It must take considerable courage for survivors to approach the Inquiry and talk about their experiences of being in care as children.
Separate from the Inquiry, a substantial amount of research, consultation and engagement has taken place on a potential financial redress scheme in Scotland for survivors of in-care abuse, as part of a wider package of reparations. The Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland (CELCIS) and the SHRC InterAction Action Plan Review Group, which includes survivor representatives, have been undertaking this work in partnership. I understand it is now nearing completion and I look forward to receiving the Group’s recommendations when available.
Question S5W-17482: Rural Economy and Connectivity
Gail Ross, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making to complete the devolution of forestry.
Answered by Fergus Ewing (26/06/2018):
Scottish Ministers have been responsible for forestry strategy, policy and funding since devolution in 1999. The Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 completes the devolution of forestry, ensuring that forestry is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament.
The Scottish Government and the Forestry Commission in Scotland are working jointly under a forestry devolution programme to manage all activity required in Scotland to complete the devolution of forestry by 1 April 2019. The programme was established in May 2017 and is divided into six projects: legislation, Scottish Forestry executive agency, Forestry and Land Scotland executive agency, staff transfer, cross-border and forestry strategy. Further details about the projects can be found at http://www.gov.scot/Topics/farmingrural/Forestry/completingdevolution/programme.
In line with section 74 of the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act, the two new executive agencies will deliver the functions which the 2018 Act confers on Scottish Ministers. The agencies will be part of the Scottish Government and directly accountable to Scottish Ministers. Scottish Forestry will be formed from Forestry Commission Scotland, and Forestry and Land Scotland from Forest Enterprise Scotland. These agencies are being established in accordance with the usual Scottish Government agency arrangements. Under section 85 of the Act, a report setting out the final administrative arrangements will be laid before Parliament by 1 April 2019.
The Scottish Government continues to consult closely with the Forestry Commission Trade Unions (FCTU), particularly on staff transfer and the approach to terms and conditions of employment under the new arrangements. A Partnership Forum has been established with the FCTU as a way of reviewing progress across the forestry devolution programme, with the first meeting due to take place this month.
Question S5W-17502: Economy
Richard Lochhead, Moray, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 26/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its commitment to introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers.
Answered by
Roseanna Cunningham
(
27/06/2018
):
I am pleased to announce that we have today published our consultation paper, A Deposit Return Scheme for Scotland. As stated in A Nation With Ambition, our 2017-18 Programme for Government, we want to introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers that will increase our recycling rates, improve the quality of material being recycled, and reduce littering. The consultation paper lays out the work that has been done so far and explains the components that will go into a successful deposit return scheme. It also offers four examples of how a system might operate. We would welcome comments on both the components and the examples to help us finalise the design of the scheme.
Question S5W-17531:Childcare and Early Years
George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 27/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its first report on implementation of corporate parenting in the three years since part 9 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 came into force on 1 April 2015.
Answered by Maree Todd (28/06/2018): I am delighted to say the first report on Corporate Parenting activity in Scotland ‘Turning Legislation into Practice Together’ has been published today at www.gov.scot/ISBN/9781788519311
The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 encourages preventative measures, rather than reactive responses whenever a care experienced child, young person or their family needs help. The duties in Part 9 of the Act require Corporate Parents to be alert to matters which, or which might, adversely affect the wellbeing of looked after children and care leavers, to assess their needs, promote their interests, provide opportunities to promote wellbeing and take action to help children and young people access these opportunities as well as to improve the way the Corporate Parent exercises its functions. In addition, each Corporate Parent must prepare, keep under review, and publish a corporate parenting Plan and, report as required, on how corporate parenting responsibilities have been exercised.
This Report is based on information drawn from approximately 124 corporate parenting plans prepared by the 24 individuals and organisations named in Schedule 4 of 2014 Act. It offers an account of how corporate parenting has been embraced by the many different representative public sector individuals and organisations throughout Scotland and sets out to illustrate some of the different approaches to reflect the different statutory roles and unique circumstances of such a diverse group of organisations. Crucially, it reflects the views of children and young people on the different ways corporate parents have made a difference to them.
Question S5W-17548: Veterans
Richard Lochhead, Moray, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 28/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when details of the successor to Eric Fraser, Scottish Veterans Commissioner, will be announced
.
Answered by Graeme Dey (28/06/2018): I want to express my thanks to Eric Fraser for his outstanding work over the past four years. He has achieved a great deal and his work has informed future priorities for this government. I have very much appreciated his great dedication to promoting veterans as assets to both employers and society.
I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Charles (Charlie) Wallace as a very able successor to Eric Fraser.
Colonel Charlie Wallace has had an exemplary 35 year career in the Army and is currently the Deputy Commander, 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland. Colonel Wallace will succeed Mr Fraser when his tenure ends in the Autumn. Details of Colonel Wallace’s appointment are currently being finalised, and I look forward to working with him when he commences this vital role.
Question S5W-17559: Finance and the Constitution
Tom Arthur, Renfrewshire South, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 28/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a report on the outcome of the recent summit meeting of the British-Irish Council.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (29/06/2018): On 22 June 2018, the Guernsey Government hosted a summit meeting of the British-Irish Council. The meeting was attended by Ministers from seven of the Member Administrations and was chaired by the Guernsey Chief Minister. The First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform and the Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe represented the Scottish Government.
Although ministers from the Northern Ireland Executive were not in attendance, officials from the Northern Ireland administration were present.
The meeting focused on the challenges facing the Marine Environment. Following a discussion by Environment Ministers where the Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change represented the Scottish Government, the First Minister informed the Council of the actions the Scottish Government is taking to tackle marine litter and the protection of Scottish waters, include the designation of 75 Marine Protection Areas covering over 20% of Scottish Waters and targets to reduce all waste by 15% by 2025.
Latest political developments were also discussed, including the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. The First Minister stressed the impact uncertainty was continuing to have on businesses in Scotland and voiced concern over the erosion of respect for the constitutional conventions underpinning devolution.
The Communiqué that was issued by the British-Irish Council after the meeting can be found on its website at:
https://www.britishirishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/communiqu%C3%A9s/Thirtieth%20Summit%20Comminique%20-%20Guernsey_3.pdf
Question S5W-17569: Health
Fulton MacGregor, Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 29/06/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its plan for improving diet and weight in Scotland.
Answered by Joe FitzPatrick (02/07/2018):
I will be publishing the A Healthier Future: Scotland's Diet & Healthy Weight Delivery Plan on Monday 2 July.
This follows wide consultation on our proposals. Over 360 responses were submitted by academics, health professionals, members of the general public and organisations including health and third sector bodies, local authorities and members of the food and drinks industry. In addition, engagement exercises were carried out by the Scottish Youth Parliament, Young Scot, Food Standards Scotland and the Scottish Public Health Network.
As announced by the First Minister in May, an ambition in our delivery plan will be to halve childhood obesity by 2030. We have also set an ambition to significantly reduce health inequalities. The actions set out within the delivery plan provide clarity on how we, together with partners across the public, private and third sector, will help everybody in Scotland make healthier choices about food. This includes actions to ensure:
-
Children get the best start in life - they eat well and have a healthy weight
-
The food environment supports healthier choices
-
People have access to effective weight management services
-
Leaders across all sectors promote healthy weight and diet
-
Diet-related health inequalities are reduced
The next step is for the Scottish Government and our delivery partners to move swiftly to implementation, consulting further on the detail of some of our new measures.
The delivery plan will be available at the following link, from Monday 2 July www.gov.scot/ISBN/9781787810556.
Question S5W-17580: Children and Early Years
Jenny Gilruth, Mid Fife and Glenrothes, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 03/07/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress of the Child Protection Improvement Programme.
Answered by Maree Todd (04/07/2018): Our starting point for the Child Protection Improvement Programme has always been that our system has areas of significant strength. The programme is therefore about building on those strengths and recognising the distance travelled. The Child Protection Improvement Programme blog provides an update on the progress being made, including a number of key recommendations which have been completed:
-
The National Child Protection Leadership Group has been established and is overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of the Child Protection Improvement Programme which incorporates the Child Protection System Review Chaired by Catherine Dyer. In the spirit of transparency and open government minutes are published on www.gov.scot.
-
A National Action Plan on Internet Safety for Children and Young People was published in 2017 which priorities equipping children and young people themselves to stay safe online, supporting professionals, parents and carers.
-
In April 2018, the second Annual progress report on the National Action Plan to Prevent and Tackle Child Sexual Exploitation was published.
-
The formal public consultation on section 12 of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937, to explore the limitations of the current offence and the scope of a reframed offence, is due to be launched shortly.
-
Scotland’s first Human Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy, published in May 2017 sets out how we can get better at identifying and supporting victims; at identifying perpetrators and disrupting their activity; and in raising awareness across the board.
-
The first annual progress report on Human Trafficking was published on 14 June 2018.
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During the recent leadership events, the Care Inspectorate reported that they have found local services, in the majority of circumstances, to be having a good or very good impact on children and families.
-
The Chief Officers’ Leadership Events which took place in April and May 2018, in Glasgow and Perth respectively were well received. The presentations and a summary of the day are available on the CELCIS website.
The Scottish Government will continue to work with partners to ensure implementation of the remaining recommendations and will continue to record progress on the Child Protection webpages.
Question S5W-17596: Parliamentary Business
George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 04/07/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide the names of each special adviser, broken down by (a) responsibility and (b) pay band, and what the total cost of employing special advisers was in 2017-18.
Answered by Graeme Dey (05/07/2018):
Special Advisers are appointed in accordance with Part 1 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 by the First Minister as a Special Adviser for the purpose of providing assistance to the Scottish Ministers.
The total cost of the 14 Special Advisers employed during the financial year 2017-18 was £1,045,486. Total cost includes all salary costs, ERNIC and employer pension contributions. The level of the employer ERNIC and pension contributions is not a matter for the Scottish Government.
Their specific responsibilities are as follows
|
Name
|
Role
|
|
Liz Lloyd
|
Chief of Staff to the First Minister
First Minister’s Strategic Programme in Government including
Inter-governmental relations
Co-ordination of the Special Adviser team
|
|
Stuart Nicolson
|
Head of Communications
Senior Political Spokesperson for the First Minister
Strategic communications
|
|
Colin McAllister
|
Head of Policy
Programme for Government.
First Minister’s Questions
Senior Special Adviser to the Deputy First Minister.
Education
|
|
Ewan Crawford
|
Senior Special Adviser
Europe and Constitutional issues
Government Strategy
|
|
Ross Ingebrigtsen
|
Deputy Political Spokesperson for the First Minister
Strategic communications planning
First Minister’s Questions
|
|
Katy Bowman
|
Special Adviser
Culture, Tourism and External Affairs
Policy support to the Chief of Staff
Support for the First Minister and the First Minister’s Private Office
Outreach and stakeholder engagement
|
|
Jeanette Campbell
|
Special Adviser
Communities, Social Security, and Equalities (apart from Local Government & Planning)
|
|
Kate Higgins
|
Special Adviser
Rural Economy & Connectivity
|
|
Davie Hutchison
|
Special Adviser
Health & Sport
Broadcasting
First Minister Questions
|
|
John McFarlane
|
Special Adviser
Justice
Transport
Parliamentary Business and Parliamentary liaison
|
|
Stewart Maxwell
|
Special Adviser
Business, the Economy, Skills and Fair Work
Business and Economy outreach
|
|
John MacInnes
|
Special Adviser
Political Research
Support for First Minister’s Questions and parliamentary debates
Support to Communications and Policy Special Advisers
|
|
Callum McCaig
|
Special Adviser
Finance
Local Government & Planning
|
|
David Miller
|
Special Adviser
Energy, Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform
|
While the cost of the Special Adviser Team has increased by 16% since 2016-17 for further comparison the actual cost of the team of 14 Special Advisers employed during the financial year 2015-16 (provided in answer to question S5W-00837 on
20 June 2016) was £1,140,104 including all salary costs, ERNIC and employer pension contributions.
The Special Adviser Pay Bands and Ranges and the number of Special Advisers within each Pay Band currently in place are:
|
Pay Band
|
Current Pay Range
|
Number of Special Advisers
|
|
1
|
£39,445 - £52,904
|
7
|
|
2
|
£51,041 - £67,709
|
3
|
|
3
|
£65,017 - £83,963
|
4
|
|
3 (premium)
|
£83,549 - £100,942
|
0
|
|
4
|
£86,965 - £104,462
|
0
|
Question S5W-17644: Health
Fulton MacGregor, Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 06/07/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport has reached a conclusion regarding NHS Tayside’s major service change proposals for the future provision of surgery, as set out in its Shaping Surgical Services Review.
Answered by Jeane Freeman (06/07/2018): I have today written to the Chief Executive of NHS Tayside to confirm my decision in relation to these major service change proposals.
Having carefully considered all the available information, I have decided to approve the Health Board’s proposals that all unscheduled admissions and emergencies in Tayside will be directed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee to ensure that all patients have access to a dedicated Acute Surgical Receiving Unit and a staffed 24/7 theatre for unscheduled surgery. An expanded elective surgical service will be based in the Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI), providing cancer and non-cancer surgical intervention. This will include complex major surgery to fully utilise critical care facilities at PRI and I have been assured by the Board that their proposals will in no way impact the continuing provision of A&E services at the hospital. The Stracathro Treatment Centre will also be optimised to treat patients who meet the criteria for day and short stay surgery, as set out by the British Association of Day Surgery.
The Board has made a compelling and viable case for these proposals which have attracted clinical support. The proposals are consistent with national policy, modern clinical standards and best practice, including the National Clinical Strategy. The implementation of these proposals will provide the people of Tayside with a safer, higher quality surgical service, whilst also minimising the risk of cancelled procedures. As such, I am convinced that these proposals are in the best interests of the people of Tayside.
I note from the report of the Scottish Health Council (SHC) that the Board has meaningfully engaged with local stakeholders on their proposals. However, the SHC has recommended that the Board establishes a stakeholder group, which should include patients, carers, public representatives and the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), to consider any remaining concerns around patient and public transport for both scheduled and unscheduled surgery.
That is why I have been clear to NHS Tayside that my approval of these proposals is conditional on: (i) the Board reviewing and addressing any issues with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) around their capacity to meet the proposed models; (ii) identifying how planning partners and third sector organisations could best support patients to access services; (iii) carrying out a review of the Board’s patient booking system for surgical procedure appointments to address concerns about early morning appointments for people living in rural areas; and (iv) providing regular communication on the outcomes of this work and to keep the people of Tayside informed of progress and timescales for implementation of the proposals.
I also recognise the concerns expressed during the public consultation process that the approval of these proposals could impact negatively on the Accident and Emergency Department at the Perth Royal Infirmary. As outlined above, I have sought and received assurances that A&E services will continue at the hospital.
Question S5W-17661: Health and Social Care
Fulton MacGregor, Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 11/07/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its physical activity delivery plan.
Answered by
Joe FitzPatrick
(
12/07/2018
):
I will be publishing ‘A More Active Scotland: Scotland’s Physical Activity Delivery Plan’ today, which sets out the wide range of actions we and our partners will deliver to support people in Scotland to be more active, more often.
The plan aligns closely to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Action Plan on Physical Activity,
More Active People for a Healthier World
which was published on 4 June 2018. The World Health Organization has welcomed the publication of our plan and recognizes that Scotland is one of the first countries in the world to respond to the challenges identified in their plan.
This Delivery Plan is one of five linked public health strategies and plans which are being published in 2018 and taken together they create the environment for good health whilst encouraging individuals and communities to make better choices. I see the actions set out in this plan as a strong basis for focussing our efforts on those areas which will make a real difference.
The action plan will be available at
www.gov.scot/publications/2019/06/1945
Question S5W-17693:
Health and Social Care
Fulton MacGregor, Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 13/07/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the framework for the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Answered by
Joe FitzPatrick
(
16/07/2018
):
I will be publishing
A Healthier Future: Framework on the Prevention, Early Detection and Early Intervention of Type 2 Diabetes
on 16 July 2018.
Question S5W-17701: Economy
Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 13/07/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken to help manage the expansion of Phytophthora ramorum on larch trees in Scotland’s forests.
Answered by
Fergus Ewing
(
16/07/2018
):
The threat to our trees from pests and diseases is growing. Climate change, global travel and imported plants and wood can increase pests and diseases and their impacts.
First found in Scottish plant nurseries in 2002 and in gardens/parks in 2007, Phytophthora ramorum is causing extensive damage and mortality to larch trees and other plants in the wetter West of Scotland.
Particularly favourable weather conditions in 2012 led to a major surge in the extent and intensity of infection resulting in the designation of a ‘Management Zone’ centred on South West Scotland. An ongoing programme of progressive removal of infected larch within the Management Zone is underway.
Outwith the Management Zone, symptomatic trees and associated buffer areas of host species are systematically controlled through the use of Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHN’s) which require removal of host species in those locations.
Forestry Commission Scotland undertakes a yearly aerial and ground surveillance programme, across Scotland to detect any intensification and expansion of symptomatic trees.
This intensive surveillance has ensured early identification of symptomatic trees and resultant control action with the aim of managing the pace of disease spread and intensity.
This year surveillance has shown that the extent and severity of symptomatic larch is significantly greater than seen over the past few years. However it is not yet at the level seen during the major outbreak in 2012-13.
Research evidence confirms that the wetter than average weather conditions experienced during August/September 2017, coupled with high inoculum levels have resulted in intensification in disease incidence this year. This effect is also being replicated in England and Wales.
Immediate action has been taken to commence the process of issuing the required Statutory Plant Health Notices, focussing on those furthest away from the currently heavily infected areas. Work is also underway with the sector, through the Scottish Tree Health Advisory Group and the Phytophthora Ramorum working group, to ensure that appropriate and proportionate management action is implemented. This work will include a full review of the Phytophthora Ramorum action plan to consider whether the approach identified within the plan is still appropriate.
Question S5W-17942: Organisational Development and Operations
Tom Arthur, (Renfrewshire South) (Scottish National Party), Date Lodged: 31/07/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when the Registrar General will publish his Annual Review for 2017.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (
01/08/2018
):
Scotland's Population 2017: the Registrar General's Annual Review of Demographic Trends' will be published at 9:30 a.m. on 1 August 2018. The Report contains information about births, deaths and marriages during the year, together with other demographic information. A copy of the report is available at
www.nrscotland.gov.uk
.
Question S5W-17961: Transport Scotland
Gail Ross (Caithness and Sutherland and Ross) (Scottish National Party): Date Lodged: 01/08/2018
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the consultation in 2017, when it will publish proposals for the National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
Answered by Michael Matheson (02/08/2018):
The eligible age for the National Concessionary Travel Scheme will not change. It will remain at age 60.
The consultation on the scheme closed in November 2017, with nearly 3,000 responses received from people all across Scotland. Where permission has been given, we have published the responses on the Transport Scotland website, together with our analysis of these responses (here:
https://www.transport.gov.scot/consultation/consultation-on-free-bus-travel-for-older-and-disabled-people-and-modern-apprentices/
We have listened carefully to the views expressed. Almost two thirds of respondents agreed that the free bus pass should remain available to all from age 60. Many responses also agreed that women whose pensions have been unfairly delayed - the WASPI Campaign - should not be further disadvantaged. Therefore the eligible age for the free bus pass will stay at 60 years of age for all Scottish residents.
We agree that the scheme is of great benefit to its users and to the wider economy. As well as financial support, having a free bus pass helps people stay more active and preserves their independence, improving health and well-being.
We will continue to work towards free bus travel for Modern Apprentices which gained the support of two-thirds of respondents in the consultation.
Respondents were overwhelmingly in favour of our proposal to provide companion cards for eligible disabled children aged under five. Accordingly, we will amend the scheme to ensure this change is made.