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Social Justice and Housing
The first item of business is portfolio question time. To accommodate as many questions and answers as possible, I ask for concise questions and answers.
The first portfolio this afternoon is social justice and housing. If a member wishes to request a supplementary question, they should press their request-to-speak button during the relevant question.
Question 1, in the name of Collette Stevenson, has not been lodged. An explanation has been given.
Question 2, in the name of Alex Kerr, has been withdrawn. An explanation has been given.
Social Security Payment Recovery
I thank the Deputy Presiding Officer for the heads-up in relation to the two preceding questions.
The Scottish Government always seeks to protect the public purse and recover overpayments wherever it is cost effective and reasonable to do so. Those particular cases are no different.
Those debts arose from payments made by the Department for Work and Pensions prior to the transfer of cases to Social Security Scotland. We are now working with the DWP to transfer the necessary case data, and we will assume responsibility for that debt recovery when that work is complete.
As the agency agreement underpinning debt recovery ended on 31 March and the necessary data has not yet been transferred from the DWP, it is not possible to recover debt at this point.
The real test moving forward is how quickly that debt level is coming down and how determined the Government is to reduce it, because that will send the clearest of signals to fraudulent claimants and those who have knowingly received overpayments. Will the cabinet secretary therefore commit to a benefit fraud and overpayment dashboard, so that we can see whether overall debt levels are accumulating or falling over time?
Social Security Scotland already publishes a number of pieces of information and data. It is important for us to look at the powers that Social Security Scotland has and will continue to use to ensure that, as I said in my original answer, we recover overpayments.
I put on the record that the level of fraud in social security is exceptionally small, particularly for disability benefits. However, where there is fraud, it will be taken seriously and the powers that the agency has will be used to their full extent.
What does the cabinet secretary plan to do to assess and welcome the billions that have been spent on supporting those in Scotland who need it the most and who, more often than not, spend that money in their local communities, feeding their families and becoming more active in society and supporting local businesses? What will the Government do to keep tackling the employment gap for disabled people and single parents?
Emma Roddick points to something that is important for us all to bear in mind, which is the importance of encouraging benefit take-up wherever possible. Those who are eligible for benefits should be supported to apply for them and to receive payments when they are eligible. That take-up is exceptionally important. It is part of the most generous package of cost-of-living support that there is in the United Kingdom.
Exactly as Emma Roddick said, the fact is that that money is used by families and individuals in their local communities, and it therefore supports both them and local businesses. That is another important point that we need to bear in mind, as well as the need to ensure that benefits, such as adult disability payment, support people into employment.
Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (Section 5 Referrals)
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with local authorities and registered social landlords regarding the proportion of properties let through referrals made under section 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. (S7O-00147)
The Scottish Government has taken the opportunity to discuss the proportion of social homes allocated to homeless households and the use of section 5 referrals in regular engagement with local authorities and registered social landlords. As we do so, we recognise that it will vary from registered social landlord to registered social landlord and, indeed, from one local authority to another.
The cabinet secretary is right to talk about the variance and to say that an imbalance clearly exists, because the Shettleston Housing Association has expressed concern to me that, so far this year, nearly 60 per cent of social rented homes across Glasgow have been allocated to section 5 referrals. My associations understand that the issue is complex and nuanced, and they want to find a solution to correct that imbalance. To that end, will the cabinet secretary visit my constituency and attend a roundtable meeting with my associations, which want to come up with solutions to tackle the imbalance that we both acknowledge?
I thank David Linden for the question and for the tone and approach that he and the housing associations in his area are taking. He is quite right to point to the fact that the issue is complex and nuanced. I would be delighted to meet him and the RSLs in his area to discuss the issue further, because we have a responsibility to take those matters seriously, in a mature and open manner. I welcome the discussion that David Linden might convene so that I might hear directly from housing associations.
Affordable Housing (Island Communities)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support the development of affordable housing in island communities. (S7O-00148)
We recognise that good-quality, affordable housing is essential in helping to attract and retain people in Scotland’s island communities. The Scottish Government is committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032, of which 10 per cent will be in rural and island areas.
Current delivery is exceeding that commitment, with more than 20 per cent of all affordable homes being delivered in rural areas. Of the 13,000 affordable homes delivered in rural communities between April 2016 and March 2025, 1,448 have been in island communities. The national islands plan, which was published in February 2026, contains tangible actions to support the delivery of housing in island communities.
In Orkney, the housing crisis is placing increasing pressure on the delivery of vital local services. NHS Orkney and Orkney Islands Council have cited the lack of available accommodation as a critical barrier to efforts to recruit and retain staff, with examples of delayed start dates and applicants having to turn down roles as a result of not being able to find suitable housing. I acknowledge and welcome the commitments made by the Scottish Government to deliver more housing in the longer term in island and rural communities, but will the cabinet secretary share the steps that the Scottish Government is taking in the short term to ease those urgent pressures in order to ensure that places such as Orkney are able to attract and retain the skilled people that are needed to sustain vital local services?
I very much recognise the point that Liam McArthur has made and the particular pressures that are felt in island communities, including in his constituency. I would be more than happy to discuss the matter with him in further detail, should he wish to do so.
Although I recognise that we have the rural and islands housing fund and the rural affordable homes for key workers fund—the member mentioned key workers in his supplementary question—it is important that we ensure that those funds are working for every part of Scotland and that we ask whether we have the criteria right and whether we can do anything to take away some of the barriers to development. If Liam McArthur or the council wishes to raise particular areas or developments with me, or if RSLs in his constituency wish to do so, I would be more than happy to pick up the matter further in person.
I, too, am pleased that our Scottish National Party Government has extended the rural and islands housing fund to 2028. From the perspective of the islands that I represent, I recognise the issues that Liam McArthur has raised. Will the cabinet secretary tell us a bit more about how the fund is helping to increase the supply of affordable housing on Scotland’s islands, such as the ones that I represent in Argyll and Bute?
The rural and islands housing fund, which Ms Minto referenced, has extended applications to March 2028 and has an extended budget of up to £37 million, which was announced in the national islands plan, published in February this year. I mentioned earlier how important that fund is, as is the fact that it has delivered 311 affordable homes.
I make the same offer to Jenni Minto as I made to Liam McArthur. If there are aspects of the funds that she wishes to see work better and if there are areas where we can make a difference by ensuring that the money is being spent to assist island communities such as those that Ms Minto represents in Argyll and Bute—because some of the schemes are demand led and we would be keen to use the full extent of the funds available—I am happy to discuss those matters.
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (Monifieth)
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests, which shows that I am a sitting Angus councillor.
Officials met officers from Angus Council on 27 March 2026. The discussion focused on Angus Council’s approach to RAAC in Monifieth and options that it is considering for both council-owned properties and owner-occupied properties that are affected by RAAC.
The meeting followed the publication in January of the guidance that was commissioned by the Scottish Government from the Institution of Structural Engineers for the identification, assessment and remediation of RAAC in residential properties. I understand that the pilot project work that was approved by the council in December 2025 has begun, and the council anticipates that the works will be completed by autumn 2026.
With the pilot project now under way, I am aware that the council will need to identify funding for a wider scheme. Other local authorities have sought and secured flexibility of funding from the Scottish Government to do this work. Has Angus Council formally approached the Government for this flexibility and is the Scottish Government willing to work collaboratively to find a solution?
I thank Lloyd Melville for bringing this issue to the chamber and I applaud him for his tenacity. I was pleased to be able to meet him recently to discuss the issue in detail.
I can confirm that, to date, no formal proposal has been submitted by Angus Council. I give the commitment once again that the Scottish Government will continue to work with local authorities across Scotland, including Angus Council, but they need to be clear on their plan, as RAAC is a local responsibility.
The Scottish Government is fully supportive of councils’ efforts to find solutions for tenants and home owners within existing budgets. I will be happy to keep Mr Melville up to date if there are further developments on this issue, as he has asked me to do on behalf of his constituents.
In fact, although Angus Council approached the Scottish Government in March for clarification on available funding, regrettably, a substantive response was received only two weeks ago—five months later—during local school holidays. With that in mind, the question is a good one. Will the minister set out precisely what financial flexibility is available to Angus Council, so that it is not forced into choosing between dealing with RAAC and the desperately needed provision of new affordable housing?
As I have said to all local authorities that have RAAC in their social homes and some of their owner-occupied homes, we are keen to look at flexibility in a number of ways across Government. That requires the council to come forward with the details of the project to allow the Government to work on the specifics, because every local authority is different when it comes to the scale involved and the proposals for taking the issue forward.
Once the council has delivered and submitted a formal proposal, that is exactly when we can get down to the detail of that work, as we have already done with other councils that have submitted a formal proposal.
Adult Disability Payment Enhanced Award (Waiting Times)
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the waiting times faced by applicants awaiting an enhanced award of the adult disability payment, in light of reports that some can wait up to six months for a decision. (S7O-00150)
It is essential that disabled people receive the support that they are entitled to, and that is why Social Security Scotland is delivering decisions for adult disability payment in an average of 62 working days, with many clients receiving a decision sooner.
Adult disability payment is designed to provide a person-centred service, by making decisions using the best available supporting information and reducing the need for face-to-face assessments wherever possible. Although a small number of applications can take longer, particularly where additional supporting evidence is required, Social Security Scotland continues to focus resources on improving processing times and ensuring that people receive the support that they need through the system of dignity, fairness and respect.
I was recently contacted by a constituent, Ms Kirsty Adam, who has given me permission to raise her case here today. Earlier this year, Kirsty was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Only this weekend, her application for an enhanced adult disability payment was rejected. Kirsty believes that that was an error, and she is in the process of appealing the decision. On top of that, she is still awaiting an update from the Department for Work and Pensions on her application for employment and support allowance. What support can the Scottish Government give to people such as Kirsty who are given incredibly stressful news and, on top of that, have to wait weeks before their financial situation is clear?
I am very sorry to hear of Ms Adam’s diagnosis. I recognise the anxiety and uncertainty for her and her family in this situation at a very difficult time.
I cannot comment on the individual case, as I do not have the details to hand, but, if Ms Adam—or anyone—believes that their adult disability payment decision is incorrect, they have the right to seek a redetermination and, if necessary, to appeal after that. Support is available through Social Security Scotland’s local delivery service, which can help people to understand the options that are available to them and guide them through the process. There is independent advocacy through advocacy.scot, and Citizens Advice Scotland and other welfare rights services can also provide support.
Of course I cannot comment on the DWP’s employment and support allowance, but, if Mr MacGregor wants to share the details of his constituent’s case with me, I would be happy to ask the agency to look at what further support can be provided to her.
It would be better if the cabinet secretary were just open with us, because it is widely known that there are significant problems—perhaps temporarily—with elongated waiting times for the processing of ADP. Up to four months is not untypical for what is happening just now. I hope that the cabinet secretary can tell us more to reassure us that Social Security Scotland is on top of the problem, especially following Audit Scotland’s report of last year that criticised the organisation for failing to have a detailed analysis of different parts of the process, so that it can better understand where the strengths and weaknesses are in the process. Will the cabinet secretary be open with us?
I hope that Mr Rennie appreciates that I always endeavour to be open with him on this and every other issue.
The aspects that are arranged around the process are important, and the agency’s system will be continuously improved. Despite the fact that I am exceptionally proud of Social Security Scotland, we are always open to the fact that, whatever it does, it is not perfect and we have the ability to continuously improve it. That is part of the work that we are doing, along with our work on processing, and we have seen significant improvements in ADP processing time.
I do not want to tempt the Presiding Officer to ask me to cut short my answers, but I am happy to provide information in writing to Mr Rennie on the work that has been undertaken to look at ADP processing times, right from when an applicant starts thinking about applying to how that applicant is dealt with as part of the system. We can show how we have taken that through, step by step, to improve it. As I said, we are always looking to continuously improve, and I would be happy to provide him with the details of that work, should he wish that.
As well as concerns about processing times, I have received concerns from individuals about Social Security Scotland’s review process. In particular, we are aware of people on ADP who, when reporting at the review point that there is no change to their condition, are receiving a reduced or no award following that review. Does the cabinet secretary have any details of the proportion of reviews that are carried out and result in a reduced or no award, despite claimants reporting no change to circumstance?
I would be happy to follow up on that in writing with Mark Griffin. The review process is an important part of the social security system. The agency is very clear that awards at that point can go up, stay the same or go down. That is an important part of the process to ensure that the right level of payment is being made. Of course, if an individual has concerns about the decision at that point, they have the opportunity to take that up with the agency. As I said, I would be happy to provide Mark Griffin with information on the work that we are doing, particularly on reviews, to ensure that, if at all possible, we get the decision right first time. With regard to people going through the review process and that resulting in a change to their award, we can provide further information about the level of that and how it is dealt with in the agency.
Housing Development on Brownfield Sites (Glasgow)
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to make it easier for developers to build on brownfield sites. (S7O-00151)
The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the redevelopment of brownfield and vacant land to increase housing delivery across Scotland. Through our affordable housing supply programme and regeneration funding, we are helping to unlock sites that would otherwise remain undeveloped. This year, we are making £123 million available to Glasgow City Council through our affordable housing supply programme, and a further £1.8 million through the vacant and derelict land fund. We are also working with stakeholders to identify and overcome barriers to delivery on priority sites—including brownfield, vacant and derelict land—and exploring how the new More Homes Scotland housing agency can build on that work.
Alongside planning reforms that are aimed at accelerating development, those measures will help to bring more brownfield sites forward for development, bringing land back into productive use and helping to deliver new homes.
When it comes to developments for private housing, does the cabinet secretary believe that that approach accommodates the polluter-pays principle—which is enshrined in statute—given the corporation tax benefits that developers are able to recoup from their projects on conclusion?
I may be wrong, but I am picking up that the member may have in mind a specific scheme or particular development that she thinks is not working as well as it could. If that is the case, it may be useful if she provides some further detail in writing so that I can look at that in particular. I would be happy to take it up in due course.
Homelessness Prevention Projects (North-east Scotland)
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to support and sustain successful homelessness prevention projects in the north-east of Scotland. (S7O-00152)
The most effective way to end homelessness for good is to prevent it from happening in the first place. That is why we are investing £50 million in our new homelessness prevention fund, which will support people before they reach crisis point. The Scottish Government also provides annual funding to local authorities in the north-east and across Scotland to help meet their homelessness duties, with local authorities identifying and supporting local projects that can help to prevent homelessness. In Aberdeen, we have invested in the task and activation partnership pilot project to prepare for the new homelessness prevention duties.
Aberdeen Cyrenians has used funding from the homelessness prevention pilot fund to lead a joint project that uses digital innovation and lived experience to create a scalable model for preventing homelessness across Scotland. Will the cabinet secretary ensure that homelessness prevention projects such as that one in my constituency will be sustained beyond December 2026?
I would be happy to look at that project and its evaluation. Certainly, however, from what I have heard both from Jack Middleton today and in advice, the work that is being done to test how the homelessness prevention duties will work on the ground is demonstrating real progress, including in how we can prevent crises from happening. As we showed yesterday in our programme for government, it is very much the intention to prioritise homelessness prevention and ensure the provision of support to anyone before they reach that point of crisis. I would be happy to update Jack Middleton on that work as it continues.
The pilot will run until December 2026, but the impact will extend beyond that. What we have learned will be an important lesson not just in Aberdeen but across Scotland.
House Building (Rural Areas)
To ask the Scottish Government what further action it will take to increase house building, particularly in rural areas. (S7O-00153)
An increase in the housing supply remains a priority for the Government. We are committed to investing £4.1 billion in affordable housing over this parliamentary session and delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which 10 per cent will be in rural and island communities. Delivery is already exceeding that commitment; more than 20 per cent of all affordable homes that have been delivered to date are in rural and island areas.
I recently visited the south of Scotland and was pleased to hear at first hand about the positive progress that is being made through partnership working across the region to support housing delivery and economic growth. That collaborative approach is key to ensuring housing delivery and aligning housing infrastructure and economic growth ambitions.
South of Scotland Enterprise has identified housing as one of the principal barriers to economic growth and estimates that more than 9,000 homes could be required across the south of Scotland, so the arbitrary figure of 10 per cent of the national figure is going to fall short of that. I am pleased to hear, however, that the cabinet secretary accepts that local organisations are often better placed than central Government to identify viable housing options. What consideration has been given to providing dedicated rural housing funding and greater decision-making powers to South of Scotland Enterprise, local authorities and community-led housing bodies in order to accelerate delivery?
As part of the visits that I undertook during the summer, I met South of Scotland Enterprise to discuss exactly the points that Finlay Carson raises around the importance of housing and the difference that it can make to the economy both in dealing with depopulation in some areas and in providing an opportunity for economic growth throughout the region.
I mentioned in a previous answer—I will not repeat it—the funds that are currently available. At the meeting that I had with South of Scotland Enterprise, we had a very constructive and useful discussion about those funds and what SOSE would wish our new more homes Scotland agency to be able to do that would allow it to tackle the barriers to development that currently exist. I thank SOSE for that constructive meeting. If Mr Carson has more to add to that constructive discussion, I would be happy to hear it.
New homes do not necessarily mean new house building. East Ayrshire Council’s new master plan for Kilmarnock town centre envisages a greater number of people living in the town centre, which in turn means, potentially, a large-scale regeneration programme working with private owners to bring empty homes back into use. Can the minister outline what the Scottish Government or more homes Scotland can do to provide financial support and help to deliver that type of affordable town-centre living in Kilmarnock?
On the work that can be done, it is important to have discussions not only about the new supply that is required but about how we ensure that we are making the most of the current supply of homes. That includes empty homes and the repurposing of projects; many, but not all, of those can be in cities or town centres. That is why it is important that, as we discuss the delivery of the more homes Scotland agency, we look at ensuring that it links in exceptionally well with planning and regeneration so that we can deliver the work, with both public sector support and private investment, to deliver the types of regeneration that the member has discussed.
National planning framework 4 is intended to support rural revitalisation, yet many families who live and work in rural communities are unable to secure permission to self-build homes on small infill sites between existing properties, especially in the accessible rural area classification. Does the Scottish Government accept that NPF policy 17 may be restricting house building in rural areas, and will it review the policy to support more locally led housing development in rural communities, thereby enabling people to stay in their home area?
As Dawn Black raised in her question, the work that needs to go on should include what the Scottish Government and local authorities can do, and a real recognition of the importance of community development trusts and other community projects that can take forward the type of work that we need in particular, but not solely, in rural and island areas. The self-build aspect is exceptionally important—again, as I appreciate, in rural areas in particular—and we have commitments across the Parliament to help young people build homes through our youth built initiative.
National planning framework 4 provides a positive policy framework for the development of self-build housing and gives explicit and positive support for the delivery of more high-quality, affordable and sustainable rural homes.
Last year, we consulted on expanding permitted development rights for housing in rural areas, and there was limited support for, and significant opposition to, the introduction of PDR for new-build homes in rural areas. Nevertheless, the member has raised an important point about the role of self-build and the difference that it can make, and it is important that we recognise that it has a part to play as we look at improving our housing supply.
Economy, Tourism and Transport
The next portfolio is economy, tourism and transport. Again, members who wish to ask a supplementary question should press their request-to-speak buttons during the relevant question.
Night-time Economy (Glasgow)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support the night-time economy in Glasgow, including any assessment it has made of the increasing impact of tax, business costs and regulation. (S7O-00154)
The night-time economy is vital to Glasgow’s prosperity. My colleague Stephen Flynn, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, recently met the Night Time Industries Association to hear its ambitions and current concerns, and we welcome Glasgow’s night-time economy commission.
We recognise the pressures facing the sector, which is why we continue our support for eligible hospitality premises and music venues, including 40 per cent rates relief, which is capped at £110,000 per business.
Around half of retail, hospitality and leisure properties remain eligible for 100 per cent rates relief through the small business bonus scheme. The sector is represented in policy and regulatory forums, and we very much welcome that positive engagement.
I thank the minister for that answer, but the Scottish Government’s own figures suggest that, between 2023 and 2026, a small Scottish pub could have paid more than £11,000 more in tax than a comparable business in England, with the differential rising to more than £55,000 for a pub with a rateable value of £55,000. Given that Glasgow’s night-time economy is worth £2.16 billion and supports more than 16,000 jobs, does the minister accept that Scotland’s tax and rates regime is currently putting the night-time economy at a competitive disadvantage?
I recognise the numbers that Mr Kerr quotes with regard to the significant contribution that the night-time economy makes to Glasgow and, indeed, many of our cities and towns in Scotland.
We recognise the importance of having a competitive regime of non-domestic rates. In my answer to Mr Kerr’s initial question, I touched on what the Government has undertaken to that effect. We will, of course, continue to keep our policy on non-domestic rates under review, notwithstanding the formal reviews that are taking place as part of the budget process when the poundage rates will be set.
A thriving night-time economy relies on the workers who run it and the gig-goers who support it. It is run off the back of low-paid workers, many of them single mothers, students and people in precarious employment. Will the cabinet secretary support and invest in a franchised, reliable and affordable night bus service so that folk in Glasgow Southside can get home safely?
I recognise the important points that the member raises with regard to fair work. We want to see fair work across all sectors of Scotland, particularly in our night-time economy, given some of the challenges around transport and some of the risks that can attend working in that industry. We also recognise what a tremendous industry it can be to work in. The sector provides many people with their first job, which can often be an important step in their progression into sustainable employment, as well as providing flexibility when combining other responsibilities, such as caring or education.
The specific point that the member raises pertains more specifically to the local authority in that area, but it is a substantive point. I give the member an undertaking that we will touch on that matter as part of our ongoing engagement with local authorities.
Does the minister share my view that the new Labour Government’s failure to tackle skyrocketing energy costs is placing huge financial strain on businesses? Can he describe how the Scottish Government is engaging with the UK Government, particularly on increases to employer national insurance contributions, which are placing a huge strain on the night-time economy?
The member is correct to highlight the significant impact that energy prices and the increase in employer national insurance contributions are having not just on businesses operating in the night-time economy but across the length and breadth of Scotland and the wider United Kingdom. We have made representations to the UK Government more generally on its fiscal policy and the negative impact that it is having and how that is contrary to its and our ambitions to grow our economy. We will continue to make those representations. It is of the utmost importance not just for the night-time economy but for the wider economy that urgent and focused action is taken on energy costs, and we will continue to press that point with the UK Government.
Public Transport (Inclusive Travel and Bus Services)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support communities by improving public transport connections, to enable more inclusive travel and encourage patronage of bus services. (S7O-00155)
I thank Michelle Campbell for her question, because it gives me the opportunity to recognise that we need bus travel that is not only affordable but reliable. Over recent weeks, I have worked with members of the industry to ensure that the network support grant is available to alleviate the financial strain that is being placed on them, that we invest £55 million in improving bus infrastructure right across Scotland and that, from Monday, the £2 bus fare cap will be extended to the Strathclyde area. That package of measures shows our seriousness and commitment to ensuring bus travel for all in Scotland.
The number 24 bus is a welcome addition to Renfrewshire, following the city deal’s delivery of the opportunities that the new Renfrew bridge has brought. However, the service provides only one bus for those travelling early in the morning during rush hour from the south side of the river to the north side. Although timetables are the responsibility of bus operators and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, does the cabinet secretary agree that, when infrastructure investments are delivered, bus services must meet the needs of local communities?
Yes. The reality is that the investment that we will make in bus infrastructure across Scotland should improve journey times and, therefore, increase reliability. That will, I hope, give comfort to operators that they will be able to run their services in a manner that allows them not just to meet the public’s expectations but to deliver internally.
The issue that has been raised has been brought to my attention by members across the chamber and, indeed, by the members of the public I spoke to earlier at the better buses protest outside the Parliament. The reality is that the current situation is not good enough. That is why we will, over the coming years, introduce changes through legislation to improve provision for the public. That is the right thing to do, and the Government is committed to ensuring that that happens.
I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer and Michelle Campbell for raising the issue. I welcome the £2 bus fare cap, which will affect my constituents in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, but what is being done to ensure that different national transport partnerships can align their bus, rail and ferry timetables?
In Transport Scotland and across the different modes of transport, work is ongoing to ensure that things are aligned as best as they can be. I am cognisant of the fact that many of the people who use ferry services need to then access a rail service to get to their end destination. From speaking to my officials, I am assured that a lot of work goes into ensuring that the process is as smooth as possible.
We constantly keep such issues under review, and I assure Katie Hagmann that we will continue to do so. If she has any suggestions, I would be happy to hear them.
A £2 bus fare cap is a great idea—I am almost tempted to ask the cabinet secretary where he got the idea from.
However, there is speculation in the media today that not all bus providers in the Strathclyde area are signed up and that the reimbursement mechanism is yet to be confirmed. Can the cabinet secretary confirm that, if someone has £2 in their pocket on Monday, they will be able to get any bus anywhere in the Strathclyde region? I am quite sure that he does not want the policy to be subject to a timetable variation or route diversion.
Daniel Johnson should know better than to dabble in mere speculation in the chamber. As he knows too well, when it comes to ensuring that an agreement is in place with operators, that has to be done on a voluntary basis. I thank all the operators across the SPT area for working so closely with us over the past 101 or 102 days to ensure that we are in a position to deliver the policy.
I offer Daniel Johnson reassurance that, if he takes himself out of Edinburgh and heads to the SPT area on Monday, he should be able to get on a bus for £2. Perhaps I can join him on that journey.
Air Services (Highlands and Islands)
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that air services in the Highlands and Islands meet the needs of communities. (S7O-00156)
We take that matter incredibly seriously. Earlier this year, we saw the withdrawal of local services by Loganair from Inverness to Stornoway, Orkney and Shetland.
There was constant dialogue between Highlands and Islands Airports Limited and Loganair on the back of that, and my officials made sure that I was fully apprised of the situation. Earlier in the summer, it was possible for me to intervene and ensure that money was put on the table on the back of those commercial discussions to ensure that the routes were put back in place from October.
However, that is not enough. We can and must go further, and I assure the member that I am willing to work with him, members from across the chamber and the Transport Committee to consider all the possible solutions on the table to ensure that we have reliable services for all those communities, particularly his own.
I welcome the cabinet secretary’s commitment to further discussion on that and I look forward to taking part in it. The Stornoway Gazette reported last week that spending on the air discount scheme had increased by almost £2.5 million in one year, with a decrease in tickets supported. Despite the increased spending on the air discount scheme, many islanders tell me that they cannot afford to fly. Does the cabinet secretary agree that action on the price of flights to our islands is long overdue?
Yes, and that is the issue that we are trying to address. It is a complicated picture, because there are the fuel costs and the costs of running airlines. That is the commercial reality, and ensuring that we still deliver an affordable service for the public is incredibly difficult.
As the member rightly outlined, a significant amount of taxpayers’ money is put into trying to reduce the cost of those air services and to ensure that they are reliable for the people who ultimately have very little choice except to use them.
I hope that, in the course of the discussions that we as politicians will have and that my officials will have with the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and ZetTrans during the coming weeks, we can ascertain whether there is an outcome that is preferable to the status quo.
I am not convinced that we can get to the bottom of the issues with island flights until we can get to grips with the operations of HIAL, given that significant concerns have been raised by operators and there was the resignation of a non-executive director. The cabinet secretary mentioned that he will consider all solutions. Will that include holding an inquiry into HIAL and considering the budget that it receives?
I have no intention to launch an inquiry into HIAL, but if Mr Eagle wants to write to me about his concerns in more detail, I will ensure that I get back to him as swiftly as possible.
Air Departure Tax (Aberdeen International Airport and North-east Scotland Economy)
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the potential impact of the introduction of air departure tax on Aberdeen international airport and the wider north-east Scotland economy. (S7O-00157)
I am very familiar with Aberdeen airport, and I am sure that it is distraught that it has lost a loyal customer—me, for six and a half years—in recent months.
There has been substantial investment into the airport during recent years, and I know that the workforce is very proud of the service that it offers.
Based on our assessment, our initial view is that the tax will have a positive impact on Aberdeen airport, and I am happy to engage further with the member on the reasons why.
I am grateful for that answer. However, what is not so positive is that introducing ADT but retaining the domestic exemption for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd places Aberdeen airport at a significant competitive disadvantage. The Scottish Government case for maintaining the domestic exemption—supporting connectivity—is founded on passenger data from 2018 and distinguishes not essential connectivity, but only the broader categories of business and leisure. Meanwhile, the Government’s own analysis concedes that ending the international exemption gives parity among Scottish airports and reduces the risk of distortion of competition.
Given that the Government’s evidence is insufficiently forensic and contemporary, and its own policy works against the parity that the removal of the international exemption seeks, will the cabinet secretary extend the domestic exemption to Aberdeen airport, to prevent competitive disadvantage?
I am not entirely sure whether Liam Kerr thinks that we should effectively seek to remove the opportunities that exist for our Highland and Islands communities. Perhaps he could clarify that during future discourse, which I am sure that we will have.
However, he failed to note in his question the fact that, under our new regime from 1 April, someone flying from Aberdeen to Sumburgh will be in a better position, tax-wise, than they are now.
That shows that the Scottish Government is recognising the opportunities that we now have, responding to them and improving the position for commuters travelling from Aberdeen to our Highland communities. I would have thought that the member for North East Scotland would be pleased about that, but, judging by his face, not so much.
I will call Marie McNair, but it would be helpful to have more concise answers.
The air departure tax is a welcome progressive measure, ensuring that those who contribute disproportionately to emissions make a fair contribution, and I support the ambition to go further by introducing a private jet supplement. Can the cabinet secretary say more about the anticipated benefits of introducing that measure for our emissions reduction and for generating much-needed funding for our public services?
I most certainly can, but, bearing in mind your wise words, Deputy Presiding Officer, I will keep it brief. I think it is—[Interruption.] We have the private jet lobby to my left. Conservative members are willing to man the barricades to protect those who use private jets. What a sorry state of affairs.
People are facing a significant cost of living crisis, and the Government is seeking to ensure that those with the broadest shoulders contribute the most in order to protect the most vulnerable in our society. The Scottish National Party is proud to deliver that. The Tories should be ashamed of themselves.
Rail Services (South Scotland)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will explore options for increasing the number of rail services calling at ScotRail-operated stations in the South Scotland region such as Lockerbie. (S7O-00158)
I thank Laura Moodie for her very important question. I will be quite candid, because I took the opportunity to look into the issue in great detail. As I understand it, multiple reviews on the issue have taken place over many years. If there were to be any changes, as she has suggested, those would require significant additional resource, and additional trains and staff.
Given the financial situation, I am not entirely sure that that would be reasonable or the right approach to take at the moment, particularly when we know that the likes of Avanti West Coast, Lumo and, as I understand it, TransPennine Express stop in Lockerbie as things stand. However, I am quite happy to engage with her further on the issue.
I thank the cabinet secretary for the promise of further engagement on the issue. More trains calling at Lockerbie, Reston, Carstairs and Dumfries would make better use of existing infrastructure, provide relief to an already congested network in the central belt and give passengers greater flexibility when travelling between South Scotland and our larger cities. What steps will the cabinet secretary take to increase rail services to those other stations, particularly at the weekends?
I certainly understand the strength of feeling and desire to make sure that ScotRail trains stop at those locations, but when we are considering the issue in the round, we must recognise that cross-border services stop there currently. We do not want to place additional revenue pressures on ScotRail without identifying the requisite funding and train carriages to support that in the first instance.
I am more than happy to keep the issue under review, because that is the right thing to do, and to work with Laura Moodie in that regard. However, I am unable to provide the answer that she is so keen to receive here today.
Life Sciences Industry (North Ayrshire)
To ask the Scottish Government what contribution the life sciences industry in North Ayrshire makes to the Scottish economy in terms of employment and gross value added. (S7O-00159)
The Scottish life sciences sector is one of the country’s most productive industries, providing high-quality employment and delivering innovations that improve the health of the population.
The most recent statistics indicate that the life sciences sector in North Ayrshire supported about 600 jobs in 2024. The sector’s total gross value added for North Ayrshire is not published. However, those businesses make an important contribution to the Scottish economy by supporting investment, innovation and manufacturing activity.
Can the minister advise what steps the Scottish Government is taking to ensure that there are enough skilled workers to enable continued growth in Ayrshire’s crucial life sciences sector?
Aligned with the life sciences strategy for Scotland, the Scottish Government is investing in skills development to support Ayrshire’s life sciences sector. That includes apprenticeships, industry placements, workforce upskilling and closer alignment between education and employer needs, such as in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and digital health.
Locally, the Ayrshire regional skills investment plan and the programmes that are delivered by Ayrshire College are helping to strengthen the talent pipeline, provide clear routes into life sciences careers and help ensure that businesses have access to the skilled workforce that is needed to support future growth.
Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme
To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of the Strathclyde concessionary travel scheme and the benefits to those in Clydebank and Milngavie. (S7O-00160)
The issue will be a pertinent one for the member’s constituents, although the reality is that it is ultimately an issue for local authorities and the regional transport partnership. However, she will recognise that there have been changes to the concessionary card scheme on the back of the removal of peak rail fares. We will continue to keep that position under review, but the decision is ultimately one for local authorities and the regional transport partnership.
I have been in contact with constituents who are concerned about national entitlement pass holders still being unable to buy concessionary rail tickets, which is down to the lack of staffed train stations and the inability to buy tickets on board. Can the cabinet secretary comment further on any assessment of the policy and how it could be changed to ensure that concessionary passengers are able to purchase tickets easily?
A number of issues run into conflict with each other. I understand that the concessionary card is the responsibility of, and a requirement on, local authorities. Rail cards sit within the United Kingdom Government’s remit, but I want ticket purchasing to be as simple as possible. If Marie McNair has any suggestions as to how we can take such work forward, I am more than happy to discuss them at a later date.
It has been great to see so many campaigners from Better Buses for Strathclyde in the Parliament today. The message went out loud and clear to the cabinet secretary that we cannot afford to wait until 2031, at the earliest, for bus franchising in Strathclyde. That point is critical when it comes to all the issues relating to ticketing and getting public control of the fare box. If we do that, it will unlock opportunities around concessionary fares, tap in/tap out technology and contactless ticketing across rail, subway and bus. Will the cabinet secretary undertake to accelerate the effort behind that work, so that we are not waiting until 2031 and can get it done more quickly?
As I said earlier, I had the opportunity to meet campaigners outside earlier today, and I saw Mr Sweeney ensuring that he was at the front of the photos, as is always the case. It is not for me to pass judgment on that, but he did well with his positioning.
Notwithstanding that, it was important for me to engage and to listen to them. I will be meeting campaigners over the coming months, when my very busy diary allows me to do so. Although I am conscious that the Government has put money on the table and that the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport introduced its proposals on franchising, that cannot be an end point for the discussion; it has to be a start point. I want things to be better and to move faster, and I am quite happy to work with Mr Sweeney and others to ensure that.
Question 8 was not lodged and an explanation was given by Zen Ghani.
M8 Woodside Viaducts
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the designs for the replacement option for the M8 woodside viaducts. (S7O-00162)
Over the summer, I had the opportunity to go underneath the viaduct and see the awful condition of the steelwork and the very extensive work that has been done by contractors to ensure that the road itself is safe. It was a bit of an eye-opener for me, to be quite honest, and I know that Pauline McNeill has had the opportunity in the past to go there.
A lot of work is still under way in respect of those matters. When they are finalised, I will ensure that Pauline McNeill and others are made aware of them in full detail.
It is impressive that the cabinet secretary has visited the Woodside viaducts. Having done so, he will agree that they are important infrastructure for the west of Scotland that we cannot do without. The temporary repairs have been going on since 2021, and drivers using the viaducts are getting really weary, although I think that the viaducts are to be reopened finally next year. As the cabinet secretary will know, Transport Scotland has consulted on three approaches but, concerningly, it has not published the completed and fully tested technical modelling for the three options for the viaducts. Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has said that it is essential for that to be published before any final decision is made.
Will the cabinet secretary impress on Transport Scotland the importance of the modelling taking place before a final decision, and will he be able to share any of that information with me, given that I have a strong interest in the issue?
I know that the repairs have been ongoing for a considerable period, but that reflects the sheer scale of the issue. Doing something of that nature on such a key artery was always going to be difficult. The sums of money that have been put towards a temporary solution highlight even further the scale of the work that has been undertaken. I thank those who are involved for making sure that the work has been done safely, and I hope that we can get to a point in the not-too-distant future where the road is fully open.
However, this is only the start of that process, as we need the long-term solution. I offer Pauline McNeill and the chamber of commerce—I saw its comments—reassurance that I will be going through the issue with a very fine-toothed comb prior to making any decisions. I am happy to engage with her constructively in that regard.
I am aware that some interest groups continue to push the slowest, most expensive and most disruptive option in relation to the viaducts. Will the cabinet secretary confirm that, if the city council continues to support the cheaper, quicker and less disruptive option of removal, the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland will support it and allow it to take forward that option?
Mr Harvie suggests that I get involved in what Glasgow City Council’s aspirations may or may not be once the full details are in the public domain and we see what the options ultimately look like. The right thing for me, as the cabinet secretary, to do is to wait until we see the details, so that we can scrutinise them in full and take a serious and rational decision, taking into account a whole host of factors, but ultimately that of delivering for the people of the west of Scotland, given that we are talking about a key artery through the city of Glasgow.
Business Rates (Hospitality Businesses)
To ask the Scottish Government when the review of business rates will be published and whether any changes are being considered for hospitality businesses. (S7O-00163)
I understand that the Minister for Public Finance has confirmed that Mr Jonathan Murphy has agreed to chair the independent review of the valuation methodology for licensed hospitality properties, following the resignation of BJ Gill KC. The review is expected to report its findings by the end of the year, as was originally scheduled.
Alongside that, we are progressing an independent rapid review of the outcomes of the 2026 revaluation, which will also report by the end of the year, as well as a comprehensive review of non-domestic rates ahead of the next revaluation.
I thank the minister for that comprehensive answer. He will be aware that, in Argyll and Bute, tourism is the heart of the economy and the community. In Inveraray, hotels such as the George provide work for locals and a warm welcome for visitors. Does the minister agree that the Scottish Government needs to introduce a fairer system of rates for hospitality businesses, to ensure that those key businesses can maintain jobs, standards and investment?
I join the member in recognising the outstanding hospitality offering in her constituency. I have enjoyed it myself, as have many people from across Scotland.
It is important to acknowledge that, at the snapshot date of 1 June 2025, some 55 per cent of properties in Argyll and Bute were receiving 100 per cent rates relief. In the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, that figure increased to just over 60 per cent.
As I touched on, we are progressing a number of reviews, two of which will report by the end of the year and one ahead of the next revaluation. I assure the member that, right across Government, we recognise the immense contribution of hospitality to our visitor economy, not just in the member’s beautiful constituency but right across the length and breadth of the country.
I draw members’ attention to my entry in the register of members’ interests, which states that I am a shareholder in a business.
Minister, I appreciate the update that the review will be concluded by the end of the year, but that is not rapid—it is slow. My business constituents in Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire are telling me that they are distressed by the Scottish National Party’s rates hikes. The situation is untenable, and I believe that it would be a positive solution to have a cross-party meeting with the minister and anyone else who is involved in this matter to discuss the concerns that we have on behalf of our constituents and to raise the impact and the distress that business constituents across Scotland are feeling.
I know that Rachael Hamilton cares deeply about this issue. Just last week, I was in Galashiels—which is not in her constituency, but it is not too far away—at a round-table meeting with the Federation of Small Businesses and local businesses. It was an excellent meeting and several issues were discussed, including non-domestic rates.
I assure the member and businesses in her constituency that the Scottish Government recognises the importance of the issues that have been raised—that is why we are undertaking these reviews. I appreciate the desire for the processes to be expedited. However, given that there is a commitment that the reviews will be completed by the end of the year and we are now in September, that is not too much longer to wait. It is important that we ensure that the process is as rapid and comprehensive as it possibly can be.
Although it is my colleague, the Minister for Public Finance, who leads on non-domestic rates, I am happy to pass on the member’s request for engagement. Similarly, I would be more than happy to engage with the member and any other member more generally on issues pertaining to the business environment in Scotland. I thank the member for raising this important issue.
I apologise to members whom I was not able to call due to a shortage of time. We will pause for a moment to allow a change of front-bench members.