Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth
Council Tax Benefit (North Ayrshire Council)
We have been working closely with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, which represents all local authorities in Scotland, to agree protection for the most vulnerable when council tax benefit is abolished in the financial year 2013-14.
The minister will be aware that the measures in the Welfare Reform Bill, if enacted, will drain up to £2.5 billion from the Scottish economy by 2015. Will he advise us of the impact on North Ayrshire, where deprivation is high, and of what the Scottish National Party Government’s action in covering the impending council tax benefit cut will mean for constituents on council tax benefit and the wider North Ayrshire economy?
The Scottish Government has expressed its concern about many of the welfare changes that the UK Government has proposed. We will do all that we can to mitigate the impact on our local communities. On the issue of council tax benefit abolition, our actions will ensure that, in North Ayrshire, more than 19,000 people will be protected by the Scottish Government in partnership with local government. In Scotland as a whole, the figure is 560,000. Pensioners, carers, the disabled and those who are unable to work will be protected by the actions of this Government.
Business Start-ups (Glasgow)
Such support is provided through our economic strategy and is delivered by the enterprise network and the business gateway, with assistance from business representative bodies and voluntary groups.
We constantly come across entrepreneurs who want to start up viable businesses or expand their businesses and create jobs, but our banks, many of which are publicly owned, are simply not lending. The Scottish National Party in Glasgow has pledged to provide a loans to business fund to encourage business start-ups in the city, but will the minister tell me what discussions he has had with the banks to encourage greater responsible lending to Scotland’s budding and ambitious businessmen and women?
Mr Yousaf makes a reasonable point. Both the First Minister and John Swinney have had regular meetings with bank representatives and we are extremely active in encouraging the banks to return to acceptable levels of affordable lending so that viable businesses have access to the funding that they require to grow. I have met all the major banks and many others to emphasise the point, and we will continue to press the United Kingdom Government to use the powers that it has at its disposal to improve levels of lending by all the banks.
Research and Development (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) (South Scotland)
The Scottish Government is working closely with the enterprise agencies and the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council to enhance support for research and development in the SME sector in South Scotland.
Given the importance of research and development to the SME sector and the wider regional economy, does the minister agree that the further education colleges in the south-west of Scotland, as well as the research institutes and other education facilities at the Crichton campus, have a central role in supporting the research and development efforts of the SME sector? Does he agree that it is therefore important that the sector is fully engaged in preparing for and participating in the forthcoming European Union horizon 2020 programme, once an agreement is finally reached by the Council and the European Parliament?
Yes. I agree with the argument that Aileen McLeod makes in relation to South Scotland, and I entirely accept that universities and colleges are linked ever more closely with enterprise. For example, we have the knowledge transfer partnerships, which bring together companies and universities to see what opportunities and businesses can emerge from their working together. I commend participation in the EU horizon 2020 programme to which the member referred.
Credit Unions
Our support includes encouragement of early awareness of credit unions among young people in schools through the curriculum for excellence and work with the United Kingdom Money Advice Service, which provides information about credit unions as part of its work to encourage everyone to manage their money effectively.
The minister will remember our recent members’ business debate on high-interest pay day loans, during which most members who spoke suggested that credit unions should be instrumental in helping people in debt, who often have loans with several different high-interest pay day loan companies. Will the minister update members on the progress that has been made in tackling high-interest pay day loan companies and on whether any financial support has been offered to credit unions so that they can help the thousands of people who are caught in an ever-increasing spiral of debt?
The member is perfectly correct to highlight the problems and the hazards that pay day loans can cause for many people. Members were united in that view in what was an excellent debate. To answer the specific question, as part of the third sector, credit unions will be eligible to apply for future funding streams, and they can also access business support and advice through the just enterprise programme. We are considering what further support can be provided. Legislation on pay day loans is of course a reserved matter. I recently made representations to Norman Lamb of the United Kingdom Government, urging that consideration be given to using such powers to regulate pay day loans effectively in the whole of the UK.
Council Tax Arrears
Local authorities’ duties to collect and recover local tax arrears are set out in legislation. It is for each authority to interpret and apply the relevant legislation when seeking to collect both community charge and council tax debts. The Scottish Government does not currently issue guidance on collection or arrears.
There has been a period of welcome council tax freeze, but individual families are continuing to be hit with bills for outstanding community charge or council tax arrears that can date back up to 20 years. Those extra charges are hitting people incredibly hard and the 20-year recovery period often leaves people whose circumstances may have changed dramatically unable to challenge the charges. What advice can be given on freezing the recovery of historic community charge and council tax arrears, in particular where the debt is reported to be more than seven years old and beyond the period of available benefit records?
As I said, decisions on recovery of local tax arrears, including for council tax and the community charge, are for each local authority to make in line with requirements that are set out in legislation. Nonetheless, I am aware of the member’s close interest in the subject and can tell him that, as responsibility lies with local authorities, the Government has not been involved in formal discussions, although we would expect local authorities to pursue debts and arrears pragmatically, taking individual circumstances into account.
Unemployment (West Dunbartonshire)
West Dunbartonshire benefits from a range of direct funding from the Scottish Government to help people into employment. That includes support for the opportunities for all programme and almost £1.37 million in European funding.
I thank the cabinet secretary for that response, but he will know that the number of young people in West Dunbartonshire unemployed for over a year rose by a staggering 630 per cent and that women’s unemployment has doubled. West Dunbartonshire is, indeed, one of the most challenging areas in which to find employment, with 30 people chasing each job. Therefore, I am disappointed that, when it came to enterprise zones, West Dunbartonshire was ignored. Enterprise zones there would have created growth and jobs. In addition, there was not one penny from the youth unemployment strategy fund. Can I implore the cabinet secretary to help to reverse the position for young people in my area and to agree to meet me to discuss the opportunities that we can progress together?
I quite understand the strength of feeling in West Dunbartonshire about the necessity of tackling the employment issue. That is why the Government is encouraged that we now see across Scotland unemployment at a lower level than in the rest of the United Kingdom and employment levels at a higher level. I point out to Jackie Baillie that a range of different interventions are being taken forward, not least by West Dunbartonshire Council, which is a Scottish National Party-led council that has invested significantly in supporting the process of employment creation locally, in addition to the programmes that the Government supports. I also point out to Jackie Baillie that she and I attended last week the official opening of the Aggreko plant in her constituency. Of course, it was a tremendous achievement of private sector leadership and determination, but it also had support from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise to bring it about. That is just another example of the positive investments in West Dunbartonshire that the Government is presiding over.
Is the cabinet secretary aware that the local Labour MP opposed enterprise status in my constituency, as did some Labour local authority candidates? It is clear that Labour’s approach is not consistent.
The question is about West Dunbartonshire.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that the Labour Party’s position in West Dunbartonshire is at odds with its position elsewhere in Scotland?
The odd bit of hypocrisy from the Labour Party on any such question is not at all surprising. The Government makes a series of judgments on a variety of subjects, including enterprise areas, to ensure that we attract major investment opportunities to Scotland. That is taking its course in different parts of the country.
Local Income Tax
The Government believes that the current council tax system is unfair and will consult others later in the parliamentary session to produce a fairer local tax that is based on the ability to pay.
Will the cabinet secretary join me in deploring the Scottish Government’s waste of £100,000 of taxpayers’ money in attempting in March 2011 to cover up the impact of the local income tax? Will he look at whether £100,000 can be taken from other areas of the Scottish budget to be diverted to local council budgets, to alleviate in a small way the £658 million of cuts that the Scottish National Party Government is passing on to local authorities, which are undermining authorities’ efforts to protect communities?
I have absolutely no intention of condemning one of my own actions, which was properly to protect ministers’ right to receive advice—as is entirely provided for in the legislation that the Parliament approved—and to consider that advice in the proper fashion.
Small Business Bonus Scheme (East Kilbride)
Since this Government introduced it, the small business bonus scheme has reduced business rates taxation for South Lanarkshire businesses, which include businesses in the East Kilbride area, by a total of £21.3 million—3,558 businesses have received assistance by paying lower or no business rates. We have committed to maintaining the bonus scheme for the lifetime of the parliamentary session, to support tens of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses throughout the country.
The scheme has certainly been a bonus for start-up businesses and in maintaining businesses in my constituency of East Kilbride. However, I have noticed that quite a few young people who are leaving school and are keen to start their own business have been attracted to so doing by hearing about the small business bonus scheme. Are there any systems in place to tie in the promotion of the small business bonus scheme with start-up grants, either through councils or through Scottish Enterprise, to allow young people—not necessarily graduates—who want to start their own business in their community to be given the whole picture?
The business gateway provides advice to those who want to set up a small business or develop one. In addition, many recipients of the small business bonus have been able to use the money that has been saved to provide more training to new staff and young people. Last week, I visited Dalcross Logistics, in my constituency, to highlight the huge advantages of the small business bonus. The fact that 85,000 businesses have received benefit from the small business bonus has not only enabled them to survive, but has enabled many young people to gain opportunities to work in those small businesses. The Federation of Small Businesses points out that, thanks to the small business bonus, there are an increasing number of dynamic opportunities for our young people.
Renewables (Employment)
Scottish Renewables has estimated that more than 11,000 jobs are already supported by the renewables sector in Scotland. A number of major renewables investment announcements in the first few months of this year will result in hundreds of jobs across Scotland, while our skills investment plan estimates that the sector will offer 40,000 job opportunities by 2020.
Although we welcome the creation of enterprise areas such as the one at Prestwick, which will create more engineering skills and expertise in Scotland, as the minister indicated, supporting our renewables industry and meeting our energy plans requires the creation of a further 30,000 jobs—particularly for apprentices and young job seekers—over the next eight to 10 years. Will the minister engage further with the engineering industry bodies, Skills Development Scotland and the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning and the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment to ensure that the issues of skills shortages, employee mobility and infrastructure are addressed so that the skills and people are appropriately located to meet that demand?
I have so engaged with several of the institutes of engineers and have received the benefit of their advice and support. I will continue to do so. The member is absolutely correct to point to the opportunities in the area. Last Thursday, I visited Nigg, in the Highlands, where Global Energy Group has set up a Nigg training academy. I spoke to many of those who are now receiving the fast-track training to become full-time employees in the sector and I have never seen such commitment or enthusiasm among young people. Truly, Scotland is on the verge of a range of hugely exciting opportunities. I assume that all parties in the chamber will grasp those opportunities with both hands.
I know that the minister is aware of plans for a community wind turbine in Portobello. Given that the Scottish Government will need to use all the faculties at its disposal to reach its ambitious renewables targets, will the minister agree to meet me and the Greener Leith and Portobello transition town campaigners to address their current challenges with Scottish Water over insurance?
I am happy to learn about the details of any particular case, although I must think carefully about having a meeting to discuss the merits of any case. I am keen to advance the issues in the way that the member describes in a positive fashion.
Given that the question related to jobs that have been created, will the minister state what percentage of those jobs will be temporary to fulfil a short-term contract and how many are considered permanent?
I have not looked down that particular side alley of statistical research. What I can say—I am sure that Mary Scanlon welcomes this—is that more than £7,000 million will be invested in the grid of Scotland, ahead of England, because we are making more progress. When we consider that, Gamesa coming to Scotland, Samsung investing in Scotland, Mitsubishi looking at Scotland and all the investments in Scotland, Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands, surely the Conservatives can bring themselves to say, as their Prime Minister did recently, that there is truly a massive opportunity for this country.
Question 10 has been withdrawn, for entirely understandable reasons. I cannot say the same for question 11: we very much regret that Hugh Henry has not lodged his question.
Steel Industry (North Lanarkshire)
The Scottish Government recognises the importance of steel manufacturing to Scottish industry, particularly in the construction and growing renewable energy markets. We provide a wide range of practical advice and support to companies, through the business gateway, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International.
Is the cabinet secretary aware that the North Lanarkshire Council Labour group has put out an election leaflet that says that all steel requirements for the new Forth bridge could have been sourced in North Lanarkshire? Does he agree that North Lanarkshire no longer has the capacity to provide a majority of the steel that is required to build a new bridge, given that Ravenscraig was closed by the Tories years ago? Does he also agree that, as usual, Labour is not being truthful at this time?
First, the Government does all that it can to support the development of manufacturing opportunities in Scotland. As Mr Ewing just said, a range of new opportunities in the manufacturing sector is emerging as a consequence of the clear policy direction that the Government has established in relation to the renewable energy sector, which will create employment and business opportunities for the steel industry in Scotland.
I warn members to be cautious with their language.
I have a question on the steel industry, but first I ask the cabinet secretary to acknowledge that today is the last time in 36 years that Richard Lyle will be able to call himself Councillor Richard Lyle. It is appropriate to recognise the 36 years of service that he has given to the community in Orbiston and Bellshill.
Mr McMahon’s comments about Councillor Lyle—if I may still call him that—and his long public service as a local authority representative in the North Lanarkshire area were generous and well made. Of course, Richard Lyle continues to be a representative here in the Scottish Parliament, where he is very welcome. I associate the Government with Mr McMahon’s generous tribute.
Economy (Greenock and Inverclyde)
The Scottish Government works closely with a wide range of organisations, including Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Development International, Skills Development Scotland, VisitScotland, local authorities, organisations in the third sector, financial institutions and other specialist sectoral advisory bodies, to promote sustainable economic growth throughout Scotland, including in Greenock and Inverclyde.
The cabinet secretary will be aware that he and the Scottish Government’s economic adviser have assured me that they recognise that communities such as Inverclyde will be disproportionately hit in the budget process. I took comfort from what was said, but since then, we have suffered a disappointing and significant loss of regeneration funding. We have lost out on exciting potential renewables jobs and enterprise area status, and our long-term youth unemployment has increased by 200 per cent over the past year.
Mr McNeil knows that I am very familiar with the economic situation in the Inverclyde area. I have met representatives of the local authority in the past and would be happy to do so again and to take part in a discussion at the local level following the dialogue between Duncan McNeil and Scottish Enterprise that will take place next month.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that, given the millions of pounds-worth of investment from the SNP Government in housing, regeneration, ship building and new schools—to name just four examples—it would do the current Labour-Conservative coalition in Inverclyde Council no harm to welcome that positive investment, instead of constantly undermining efforts to improve the area?
Mr McMillan fairly accounts for the investments that the Government is making and the proposals that it is taking forward in the area. The Government has made it crystal clear, since 2007, that we are determined to construct a positive relationship with every local authority in the country. In almost all cases, we have that relationship.
Economic Activity (Perth)
The Scottish Government is committed to increasing sustainable economic activity across all parts of Scotland, including in our cities, and we will use all available levers to support opportunities in Perth to increase economic activity and growth. Our economic strategy provides us with the overarching economic framework to do just that.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that, in light of Perth’s regained city status—about which we are all delighted—there is an even stronger case for relocating some civil service jobs to Perth and Kinross, which will provide additional economic incentives for that area?
Perth is certainly a fantastic place as a business location. I represent the city and know it well, and there are plenty of opportunities for that to happen. Decisions on the location of civil service organisations are taken based on efficiency and value-for-money criteria in all circumstances. There is already a large civil service presence in Perth, and we will continue to consider all possible ways in which we can relocate civil servants to Perth and other communities on the basis that I have just set out.
Renewable Energy (West Scotland)
Exciting plans. [Laughter.]
I thank the minister for his brief answer. Following the announcement that Doosan Power Systems is shelving 200 jobs in my home town of Renfrew, which the Scottish Government knew about four months before the news became public, what assurance can the minister give the people of Renfrewshire that no more jobs will be lost on that scale and kept from public knowledge?
A range of extremely exciting announcements has recently been made for the west of Scotland. Steel Engineering is to create 180 jobs with an investment of £3 million; Gamesa is investing £180 million in research and development; the international technology and renewable energy zone—ITREZ—at the University of Strathclyde will provide 700 jobs with an £89 million investment; and Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy are creating 3,000 jobs and investing £7,000 million.
Regional Pay
This Government is opposed to the introduction of local market-facing pay in Scotland. I wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 23 February setting out our view that we do not see merit in applying that approach to devolved pay in Scotland.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that regional pay has more to do with deficit reduction than it has with creating a level economic playing field across the UK? Does he share my concern that the UK Government’s proposals will simply increase income disparities and the wealth gap that exists between the south-east of England and other parts of the UK? Does he agree that what Scotland needs is the economic levers to grow our economy, to create a fairer and more equal society and to protect our public sector workers?
Mr Eadie makes the important and substantial point that the approach that is being taken on market-facing pay is designed to do two things: to contribute to deficit reduction and—I do not know whether it is designed to do this, but it will certainly do it—to increase regional inequity in Scotland. That is my central concern about the UK Government’s approach, which I think will be very damaging to different localities in Scotland and to the Scottish economy. If such an approach by the UK Government is to become commonplace, that is another example of why this Parliament should be in control of all the issues that affect the livelihoods of people in Scotland.
Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Bill
The Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Bill is an enabling bill that will give the Scottish ministers powers to make consequential changes as a result of the Welfare Reform Act 2012. The financial implications of the proposals will reflect the need to adjust the entitlement criteria for devolved passported benefits to take account of the UK Government’s welfare reforms and planned cuts to benefits, which the Department for Work and Pensions estimates will reduce benefit receipts in Scotland by £2.5 billion by 2015. We have had regular discussions with the UK Government at ministerial and official level on welfare reform, but there have been no specific discussions on the Scottish bill.
As the cabinet secretary knows, the bill process must be completed by April 2013, yet many of the details, such as those relating to entitlement to universal credit, remain to be set out by the UK Government in secondary legislation. Have the Scottish ministers made UK ministers aware of their concerns about the consequences of welfare reform for passported benefits? How and when were those concerns relayed? What response did UK ministers give on the timetable for the bill?
I assure Dr Murray that ministers—principally, the Deputy First Minister and I—have made clear to UK Government ministers our concerns about the direction and the substance of the welfare reform provisions that are emerging from the UK Government.
The cabinet secretary mentioned that the DWP has not yet provided all the information to the Scottish Government. Does he agree that it is a disgrace that the DWP is not providing all the information that is necessary, given that the Scottish Government has to get on with the job of undoing some of the damage that the UK Government’s welfare reforms will inflict?
That is a particular challenge, on which ministers are focused, because we want to take steps to protect people. For example, on council tax benefit, we have taken steps to make good the damage that is being inflicted by the arbitrary 10 per cent reduction that the UK Government is applying to the council tax benefit budget. I think that any reasonable person would acknowledge that, in public authorities and public bodies, we need adequate time to ensure that preparations can be undertaken effectively so that resources are deployed effectively and the needs of vulnerable people in our society are fully and adequately protected.
General Questions
Marriage Ceremonies
Although the Scottish Government is satisfied that current marriage law provides the flexibility to enable most couples to have the type of marriage ceremony that best suits them, it recognises that non-religious belief systems are not explicitly covered by current legislation and intends to consult on the issue when a suitable legislative opportunity arises.
The Deputy First Minister will be aware of the inequality in the type of marriage ceremony that is available to couples in Scotland. On the one hand, there is a ceremony for those who would like a ceremony that is centred around their own beliefs and aspirations and is linked to a particular church or faith group; on the other hand, there is the current alternative, which is devoid of all religious or spiritual content. Given that the solution may lie in the inevitably lengthy legislative process, will the Scottish Government offer a temporary solution, perhaps through section 12 of the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977, as has been provided to humanists since 2007, so that that inequality may be addressed quickly?
I am happy to investigate the particular proposal that Angus MacDonald has made and to get back to him in writing. I understand the issue. There are some independent celebrants who argue that they should be permitted to offer a legally recognised marriage ceremony that would cater to couples who want a marriage ceremony that is tailored to their requirements and which is neither civil nor necessarily tied to a particular faith or church.
Agricultural Support (Map Scale)
The mapping scale used to assess land eligible for agricultural support under the integrated administration and control system 2012 is based on the Ordnance Survey’s MasterMap topography layer and is 1:2,500 in rural areas and 1:10,000 in mountain and moorland areas.
Is the minister aware that a Shetland farmer faces potential financial ruin because of the IACS penalty regime? The National Farmers Union Scotland has told me that that farmer is not alone, and the union is in active discussions on solutions to the issue. Will the minister ensure that his department and the industry agree on the scale of maps to be used on an individual farm or croft? Will the Scottish Government, until that agreement is in place, consider introducing a moratorium to stop the unfair and entirely disproportionate penalties hitting crofters and farmers, not just in Shetland, but across Scotland?
We issue maps to other scales, where the original map may be to the scales that I have referred to. In relation to a series of ways in which individual farmers may mitigate the effects of errors, I am quite prepared—I am meeting the member this afternoon on another matter—to provide some further information to the member.
Will the minister explain whether there was any discussion by the previous Labour-Liberal Government, or the Scottish National Party Government, with Ordnance Survey on a process to ensure that accurate maps on every part of Scotland are available so that the current problems would not arise?
I am not in a position to have access to all the discussions that previous Administrations may have had. I am not aware of such discussions having taken place since the baseline nearly a decade ago.
Agricultural Rent Reviews
My colleague, the cabinet secretary Richard Lochhead, has already given an undertaking to stakeholders that he will look at the issues raised by the Moonzie case and, if necessary, tackle any problems by introducing further legislation.
I thank the minister for his clarification on that matter from the perspective of the Scottish Executive and the cabinet secretary.
The member makes some perfectly reasonable points. There is a substantial divergence of opinion among the stakeholders involved in the issue about how we should take it forward, which is why we are setting up an expert group to discuss it. We will have that established before the end of this month—unless some hiccup occurs, which I do not anticipate.
Question 4, in the name of David McLetchie, has been withdrawn. The member has provided an explanation.
Domestic Abuse (Glasgow)
The Scottish Government will provide additional funding in 2012 to 2015 to ASSIST—the advocacy support safety information services together project—which provides advocacy and support to victims of domestic abuse and their families in Glasgow city, as well as contributing to multi-agency risk assessment and safety planning. The additional funding will enable victims of domestic abuse throughout the Strathclyde police force area to benefit from ASSIST’s services.
Does the minister realise that as a result of the rule changes concerning violence against women funding in Glasgow, a number of overheads of Glasgow East Women’s Aid have not been covered by the project? Will the minister meet me to discuss the issue further and to hear at first hand from Glasgow East Women’s Aid about the challenges that it faces in respect of the funding package that is being provided to it?
There are two separate issues there. I am happy to look into the matter, and to discuss it further with Mr Martin if need be.
Transport Infrastructure (Aberdeen)
The Scottish Government is continuing to make record levels of investment in transport infrastructure projects throughout Scotland and the north-east, including Aberdeen. We remain committed to delivering the Aberdeen western peripheral route and improvements to the Haudagain roundabout.
Is the minister aware of the increasing belief among businesses in the north-east that improvements on the Haudagain roundabout should begin before the Aberdeen western peripheral route is completed and that, in fact, that view is now shared by Aberdeen and Grampian chamber of commerce and Enterprise North East Trust? We are all frustrated at the on-going legal delays to the bypass but does the minister accept that he can make a difference by moving forward the timescale for the Haudagain? If he will not do so, can he really guarantee that the work will be completed within the next five years?
That is exactly the same question that Richard Baker asked very recently—and, not surprisingly, my answer remains the same. We will complete the Haudagain roundabout once we have completed the AWPR and the Balmedie to Tipperty scheme. It is not just me who thinks that things should be taken in that order; if the member looks at the study that has been carried out on the project, he will see that those other schemes must be in place if we are to achieve the necessary benefits from the Haudagain roundabout. That is the sensible approach and we are taking it—and will continue to take it—in concert with our partners at the north east of Scotland transport partnership and Aberdeen City Council.
Does the minister agree that proceeding with the Haudagain project before the AWPR is completed and able to take some of the load off the roundabout will create an absolute transport nightmare? Does he also agree that it is a bit ironic for the Labour Party to be pushing the Haudagain roundabout, given that its council group’s proposal relied on a third crossing over the Don, an option that the Labour Party itself opposed?
I am very surprised to hear that there might be contradictions in the Labour Party’s case, but what the member suggests might well be true.
Care Homes (Southern Cross Healthcare)
Every care home formerly operated by Southern Cross received a full inspection visit before the new operators were able to register with the Social Care and Social Work Inspectorate Scotland. In addition, every home will receive an early unannounced follow-up inspection visit. As of 1 April, unannounced follow-up inspection visits had been completed for 81 of the 97 former Southern Cross homes and details of the inspection outcomes, including grades, can be found on the care inspectorate website.
The cabinet secretary will have received a letter that I wrote to her on 24 April in which I refer to the case of a constituent, Frances Gale, who was resident in Woodside Court nursing home in Glenrothes and who, as a result of total neglect, was on the brink of death as a result of dehydration, starvation and the very worst possible case of bedsores. Only through the family’s persistence in demanding that a 999 call be made and the efforts of staff at Queen Margaret hospital and a professor at Victoria hospital is the lady alive today. How can it be, in this day and age, that our regulatory framework does not safeguard the care of people in residential homes in the way that it should? I ask the cabinet secretary to demand an urgent investigation into how this could have happened, with sanctions imposed against the home if that is appropriate and if the reports are substantiated. After all, the family was told to prepare for the worst when the patient was admitted to the Queen Margaret hospital’s emergency department.
As every member in the chamber will agree, the circumstances that Helen Eadie has described are completely and utterly unacceptable. I have made very clear my expectation that the care standards for elderly people should be high at all times, regardless of whether an elderly patient is in a care home or hospital, and that any failings in the standards of care should be properly investigated.
Question 8, in the name of Bob Doris, has been withdrawn. The member has provided me with an explanation.
Emergency Towing Vessel Service (Pentland Firth)
Emergency towing vessels are crucial to protect mariners and the marine environment. We have urged the UK Government to continue to provide cover until a suitable alternative solution can be identified and put in place. Although we are pleased at the positive engagement that we have had with Oil and Gas UK on a potential solution for the northern isles, it is imperative that any transition to a new arrangement does not involve a gap in provision. The UK Government must also ensure that cover is in place for the Western Isles and the Minches.
Does the minister agree with me that, to understand precisely the service that is required, it will be necessary to fully consult all the other rescue services and the maritime industries, that that would be best done by the Scottish Government and that funding should be returned from Westminster to allow that to happen?
I agree that it is essential that all maritime interests and industries are fully considered in any future proposals. The Scotland Office is leading on the issue and I assure members that the Scottish Government is engaged in the discussions.
Does the minister accept that the current contract for emergency vessels is a great deal for salvage companies but absolutely terrible for Scottish taxpayers? Does he therefore recognise that the pursuit of the shared use of an alternative vessel is a sensible and constructive way to keep the seas safe, as Lord Donaldson originally wished? Does the Scottish Government plan to work with Scottish local authorities, the UK Government and the oil and gas industry to ensure that we achieve that shared objective?
I am glad that Mr Scott referred to a shared objective because that is where we are. The situation that we are in and the vessels that we currently have, as well as the timescale that is pressing us, make it difficult to find a vessel that would be suitable for all purposes.
HIV Prevention (NHS Tayside)
The Scottish Government sexual health and blood borne virus framework identifies prevention as a priority. Under the framework, NHS Tayside receives more than £2 million per annum for activities relating to HIV, sexual health and viral hepatitis and more than £600,000 per annum is spent directly on HIV prevention activities in the board area. That relates to activities at a whole population level as well as to interventions targeted at individuals who may be particularly at risk.
I thank the minister for his answer. Every other health board in Scotland apart from NHS Tayside has an HIV prevention officer and engages with the recommended community development approach. In Tayside, the total number of people with HIV in December 2011 was 709. That is high for such a small health board and compares unfavourably with NHS Grampian, which has a much lower total of 500 people with HIV. What action is the Government taking to rectify the problem? Will it commit to more resources for prevention work in NHS Tayside?
NHS Tayside has recently completed a needs-based assessment of its services around blood borne viruses and HIV in the Tayside area. That work has highlighted a number of actions that those services will need to take. I have no doubt that NHS Tayside will look at how it can progress those actions to ensure that it has effective services in place.
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Time for Reflection