Training, Youth and Women’s Employment
Good afternoon. The first item of business today is portfolio question time. As ever, I would be grateful for short and succinct questions and answers, please.
Employment Tribunal Fees (Youth and Women’s Employment)
To ask the Scottish Government what impact the introduction of employment tribunal fees has had on youth and women’s employment. (S4O-03421)
The Scottish Government supports better regulation to assist sustainable economic growth, but we have consistently opposed policies that encroach on employees’ existing rights. The Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism wrote to Jo Swinson MP in June 2013 outlining this Government’s opposition to the fees, and highlighting that, for many people, they will represent an unaffordable risk, regardless of the strength of the case. We believe that the introduction of such fees could lead to women and young people having an adverse experience in the workplace.
The Trades Union Congress has said that women have, indeed, been among the biggest losers. A year down the line, now that we have the data, we see that equal pay claims have dropped by 84 per cent and sex discrimination cases are down by 81 per cent. Now that we are beginning to see the effects of the changes, will the cabinet secretary write to the United Kingdom Government again supporting the Law Society of Scotland’s call for a review of that patently unfair fee and remission regime?
Yes—I will be happy to cede to that request. As a Government, we have continually made clear our opposition to the fees. I am well aware of the positions of the TUC, Unison and the Law Society of Scotland, as well as of some important information that Citizens Advice Scotland published recently that shows that seven out of 10 potentially successful cases are not being pursued.
As the unions are paying the fees—which we all agree should not be imposed anyway—for their members, does the cabinet secretary agree that there is a strong need to encourage every worker in Scotland to join an appropriate trade union, to get the defence that they deserve?
I understand the point that Dr Simpson is making. Although it is, of course, up to individuals to decide whether to join a union, I can certainly advocate the merits of joining a union to workers or employees the length and breadth of Scotland. This is a prime example of where people may indeed require a union to support them in the workplace.
Health Visitors (Training)
To ask the Scottish Government what involvement the Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women’s Employment will have in the training programme for the recently announced additional 500 health visitors. (S4O-03422)
The Scottish Government is investing in additional refreshed training for health visitors as part of the wider package of investment in the health visiting workforce that was announced on 18 June, which will ensure the delivery of 500 new health visitor posts by 2017-18. Health visitors play a vital role in contributing to the health and wellbeing of children and families.
The lead responsibility for the work falls within the portfolio of the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and will be taken forward by him. This welcome investment has potential outcomes across all areas of Government, and I will ensure that the areas under my remit fully support it, just as they already support a wide range of activity in developing the national health service workforce.
It is vital that all young people, regardless of background, have an opportunity to develop their skills and to find employment that suits them. As the position of health visitor is rightly a highly skilled role, what steps is the cabinet secretary taking to ensure that there are appropriate pathways of progression into the profession for young people, especially those from diverse backgrounds?
Ms Baxter makes an important and valid point. Over the past few years, we have developed an increasing range of modern apprenticeship frameworks in both health and social care. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has been a great advocate for use of those apprenticeships within the health service, and has plans for expansion. However, if Ms Baxter has any specific ideas, I would be more than happy to discuss them with her.
At what stage will the Scottish Government be able to tell us the local authority breakdown of the 500 additional health workers?
I will ask Alex Neil, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, to provide that information directly to Ms Smith.
Training Women Aged Over 25 (Skills Development Scotland)
To ask the Scottish Government what support Skills Development Scotland provides to the training of women over 25. (S4O-03423)
Skills Development Scotland provides a range of training options to individuals including women aged over 25. I have asked SDS to deliver in each year of the current parliamentary session 25,000 modern apprenticeships that are open to those aged 25 and over, in key and enabling sectors; more than 17,000 pre-employment training places through the employability fund; 7,000 flexible training opportunities to support upskilling in the workplace; and targeted support for low-paid, low-skilled and unemployed individuals through the individual learning account programme.
In addition, through its all-age careers services, SDS provides professional advice to individuals, including women over 25, on the training options that it manages and on the wider education and skills offer that is available through our further and higher education institutions.
Will the cabinet secretary look at the reduction in Skills Development Scotland training support for women aged over 25, many of whom are forced to seek work once their child reaches the age of five? Does she realise that that has had negative consequences for the childcare academy at North Edinburgh Childcare, which I know the cabinet secretary knows well? That organisation used to provide training for many women over the age of 25, but it now has to concentrate on those who are under 25.
I am more than happy to meet Mr Chisholm to discuss the specifics of that issue, because it would be good to understand what is happening locally with that childcare centre. As I said, SDS provides a range of provision, which is available to those who are over 25 years of age, as it should be. Obviously, demand for provision such as apprenticeships is led by employers, so there are issues in this about the wider labour market, but I am happy to pick up that issue with Mr Chisholm directly.
Women’s Unemployment
To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the quarterly increase in unemployment between March and May 2014 was represented by women. (S4O-03424)
Women’s unemployment represented 88 per cent, or 11,000 of the overall 13,000 increase in unemployment over the quarter. It is important to note, however, that female unemployment is down 2,000 over the year.
Women’s employment is at a record high. There are now more women employed in Scotland than at any point since records began in 1992.
With Scotland’s economy now back above pre-recession levels, more women are choosing to enter the workforce and are beginning to look for employment, and are moving from economic inactivity and, therefore, appearing in the numbers.
I believe the importance of the figures is in the fact that women are far more vulnerable to job losses. In this case, we are talking about 88 per cent. Is not it the case that the Scottish Government is failing to address the issue adequately? The UK figures for the period show a 25,000 reduction in women’s unemployment. Does not that suggest that the Scottish Government has got its priorities wrong?
It is always interesting when people in Mr Pentland’s party expect the Scottish Government to take all the responsibility but only limited powers. I am more than happy for the Scottish Government to have all the responsibility for employment matters, but that will require a yes vote on 18 September.
It is important to look in the round at labour market statistics. Quarterly variations are not always pleasing. There are particular issues that make women more vulnerable in the labour market. If we are really to understand the experience of women in work, we have to look at all the statistics that are available. The record levels of employment should be welcomed, as should the fact that inactivity has fallen consistently in Scotland.
Since the establishment of this Parliament in 1999, economic inactivity among women has fallen by 7 per cent, which has to be welcomed. That indicates that we are making some progress. [Interruption.]
Order.
There is more to be done, because one unemployed Scot, whether they be a young person or a woman, is one too many for me. A stream of investment and work is being led by the Government, through the strategic group on women in work, and through investment in skills and training, to do everything that we can within our current powers to get women in this country back to work.
I would like this Parliament to have full economic powers in order to have control over things such as Jobcentre Plus, and to rectify the failing work programme.
Women’s Employment
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support the 120 women who become unemployed each day into employment. (S4O-03425)
Female employment is now at more than 1.2 million—its highest level since comparable records began. We are determined to support those who are moving into the labour market and seeking work as the economy continues to grow.
Although employment remains, as yet, reserved to the United Kingdom Government, we know that the challenges that women face are complex and we are taking a cross-Government approach to supporting them. That includes our investment of more than £0.25 billion to expand funded, high-quality childcare from August; the implementation of the framework for women’s enterprise, which aims to help more women to start their own business; funding to encourage more employers to introduce more flexible working patterns; and funding to tackle occupational segregation, particularly in science, technology, engineering and maths-related careers.
The cabinet secretary’s response to the previous question, when she said that it would all come right with independence, now looks like a more distant prospect. We need to prepare for the supposition that we will remain part of the United Kingdom.
Does the cabinet secretary share my concern that of the 13,000 people who found themselves out of work between March and May, 88 per cent were women? What steps is the Scottish Government taking to encourage Scottish businesses to work with the many women who want to have a career break to ensure that they have the opportunity to return to work at the same professional level as when they first took that career break?
I am more than entitled to my view and to be a campaigner who advocates for independence. I will stick to my firm belief that Westminster continues to fail women in this country. We need only look at welfare reform as an example.
Dr Simpson quotes some interesting figures. He asked about the 120 women. That is not just the rise in unemployment; it is also the increase in the number of women who become economically active. We have to recognise that more women are actively seeking work within the labour market. We have to grasp that.
The point on which we could perhaps unite is flexible working. There is an issue about women who have high skills and high levels of qualification who take a career break to have children and, on returning to work, have to accept work or can only find work in which they are effectively underemployed. I can unite with Dr Simpson on that point. Underemployment is a serious issue for women. We are pursuing that workstream through the strategic group on women and work, and in our constant engagement with employers.
If the cabinet secretary is so keen on getting women in Scotland back into work, why has her Government presided over 80,000 fewer women getting into college since it took power in 2007?
I firmly believe that women in this country should have choices and opportunities about their education and the careers that they pursue—[Interruption.]
Order.
It is to Ms Marra’s shame that she constantly blisters the information and the facts about college education. The reality is that women are not underrepresented in college education—[Interruption.]
Order, Ms Marra.
Ms Marra may shout from a sedentary position and, as usual, try to compare apples with pears, but the facts are that the only comparable measure is full-time equivalent. This Government has met its manifesto commitment to retain full-time equivalent places at 116,000—[Interruption.]
Order, please. We need to hear the answer.
College reform is very important in terms of upskilling and helping to respond to the needs of the local labour market. The reality is that women are not underrepresented in the college sector. Our college sector is well up for the challenge of preparing young people—and women—for their journey into work.
Youth Employment Scotland Scheme
To ask the Scottish Government what employment opportunities have been created through the youth employment Scotland scheme. (S4O-03426)
The youth employment Scotland fund aims to help businesses with a threshold of 400 employees, social enterprises and third sector employers to create 10,000 job opportunities for young people across Scotland.
Can the minister provide the chamber with further information on how that success has benefited local communities such as those in my constituency of Glasgow Anniesland?
The youth employment Scotland fund has been successful and has funded a wide range of sustainable employment opportunities and jobs for young people in a variety of sectors, such as retail, agriculture, tourism, catering and even the equine industry. The positions have included events co-ordinators and trainee paralegals in solicitors offices, and have been taken up right across Scotland. Our ambition is to reach our target of 10,000 opportunities, which we are confident that we will achieve. The scheme is a valuable one that is part of a range of schemes that are having a positive impact on young people in this country.
I broadly agree with the cabinet secretary’s analysis of the scheme. Has she made any decision yet on continued funding for the scheme, given that it is due to run out in December? The organisers in Shetland tell me that it would help in their planning if the Government made an announcement about the scheme’s future.
Will the minister clarify the position with regard to the Skills Development Scotland certificate of work readiness, which is seen as a valuable tool by young people in their passage into work? Will that be included in an enhanced scheme in the future?
To clarify, the youth employment Scotland fund does not end in December. It goes across two financial years, and will continue until the end of this financial year.
We are undertaking a review of the youth employment strategy and will be taking a careful look at the future role of wage subsidies, particularly in light of the recommendations of the young workforce commission.
The certificate of work readiness has been very successful, and we will continue with it.
Minimum Wage
To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to the United Kingdom Government about equalising the minimum wage regardless of age, given the impact on youth employment. (S4O-03427)
The Scottish Government believes that work should be fairly rewarded. With independence we would ensure that the minimum wage would rise by at least inflation and establish a fair work commission, which, along with assessing the minimum wage, would be asked to consider the appropriate minimum wage for young people and apprentices.
The Low Pay Commission’s call for evidence for the 2015 minimum wage rate asks specifically for information on the minimum wage for young people, and the Scottish Government welcomes views on that issue, prior to submitting our response.
In response to the call for evidence in 2014, the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism raised the importance of the national minimum wage for apprentices and called for it to be continuously assessed to ensure that it keeps pace with the rising costs that are faced by our young workforce.
I call Neil Findlay. Briefly, please.
Why does the minister not support using the powers—
I am sorry; I meant to call Mr Finnie.
I thank the minister for her response, although it sounded as though she was saying that we have made no representations. I encourage her to make representations.
In 1998, the UK Government made the national minimum wage law in order to ensure that employees in the UK are provided with
“decent minimum standards and fairness in the workplace”.
Any discrimination, including age discrimination, is unwelcome and I would encourage the minister to make those representations and to make a commitment to eradicating such discrimination in an independent Scotland.
I encourage Mr Finnie to read the Official Report of today’s session.
In principle, people who are doing the same job should get the same rate of pay. That is an important principle. I believe that, in an independent Scotland, Mr Finnie and I will be on the same side and the fair work commission will have an important role. I am on record as supporting the Scottish Youth Parliament’s one fair wage campaign.
Although I recognise that employers expect to pay people who are in training a different rate from those employees who are time served or fully qualified, we have a lot to learn from the European experience. In some European countries those differentials are not too great, while in others they are quite stark. I believe firmly that people should get the same rate of pay for the same job.
And now, briefly, Neil Findlay.
Why does the minister not use the powers that she has at the moment and support, for example, the increase to the living wage, especially through the procurement process? She has the powers, so why is she not doing that?
As Mr Findlay well knows, this Government, unlike the previous Labour Scottish Executive, has led by example on the living wage and done everything—[Interruption.]
Order, please.
—everything within its power—[Interruption.]
Order.
—within the current European Union rules.
I had hoped that Mr Findlay would have the grace to acknowledge that statutory guidance addressing issues such as terms and conditions and pay is a very important step forward. However, I, of course, want to make a bigger step forward and have a fair work commission because the big scandal is that, since 2008, the national minimum wage has not kept pace with the cost of living. That happened under Mr Findlay’s watch, not the watch of this Government. I believe firmly that this Parliament should have the economic powers to address issues such as low pay and in-work poverty.
Commonwealth Games, Sport, Equalities and Pensioners’ Rights
Commonwealth Games Legacy
To ask the Scottish Government what legacy is anticipated from the Commonwealth games. (S4O-03431)
I acknowledge Stewart Maxwell’s role in helping to secure the bid in 2007 and in the first two years of planning the games.
I am sure that everyone agrees that the games were a spectacular sporting success and fantastic for Glasgow’s and Scotland’s international reputation.
It is an endorsement to all partners that a legacy from the games was in place before they even began. The planning started early, more than 50 national programmes and more than 80 supporting projects are now in place, and people are benefiting now. Focusing on sport alone, there has been a massive investment in school sport and sport facilities across Scotland, which will leave a lasting legacy from the games.
I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer—in particular, her kind words about my role during the bidding process and the early years of planning. It was a pleasure and privilege to be involved at that stage. I add my thanks and congratulations to all our athletes, officials and volunteers who were involved in the highly successful Glasgow Commonwealth games.
What steps is the Scottish Government taking to achieve a lasting health benefit for the people of Scotland and a concomitant saving in health spending by encouraging all Scots to take up some moderate physical activity as a lasting legacy from the games?
I thank Stewart Maxwell for his remarks, particularly on how fantastic our athletes and the rest of the team who delivered the games were.
To help achieve a lasting health benefit, a 10-year physical activity implementation plan to tackle physical inactivity in Scotland was launched in February of this year. It provides the framework for delivering the active legacy ambitions from the Commonwealth games.
In addition, Stewart Maxwell may be aware that the walking strategy was launched in June of this year. It encompasses a wide range of walking settings, including recreational and school-based activities. In addition to that, the updated cycling action plan sets out our vision to improve the number of everyday journeys taken by bike in Scotland.
Finally, to support that work, we have invested almost £3 million in physical activity projects that are aimed at groups that, at the moment, do not take part in physical activity. We hope to see the results of that over the course of time.
Commonwealth Games Legacy
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to build on the success of the Commonwealth games. (S4O-03432)
The Scottish Government remains committed to working together to secure a legacy that is fit for Scotland. With the excitement of those fantastic games still reverberating throughout the nation, the focus now is on building on the legacy that has already been achieved.
People across the country are already benefiting. For example, Scotland-based businesses won 69 per cent of contracts associated with the games; 1,900 young people are already being trained under the £5 million young persons fund; 133 community sport hubs are already operating across the country, complemented by 109 projects so far that enjoy funding from the active places fund; and more than 250,000 school pupils are involved in the game on Scotland programme.
I thank the cabinet secretary for her comprehensive reply. In her statement yesterday, she mentioned the fantastic work that was done by the many thousands of volunteers during the Commonwealth games. Does the Scottish Government have any plans to harness that excellent initiative for volunteering at future events?
We do. It is essential to harness the passion of the nearly 51,000 individuals who applied to become Clydesiders. Details of Clydesider applicants—successful and unsuccessful—are being transferred to the national Volunteer Scotland database if they gave permission for that. That will allow them to stay informed about future volunteering opportunities. On 5 December last year, Volunteer Scotland unveiled its newly redesigned volunteer website, which provides a user-friendly way of finding such opportunities. We will continue to work with Volunteer Scotland and other legacy partners to ensure that those opportunities are varied and exciting.
I see that Dave Thompson has now entered the chamber, so I call him to ask question 3.
Commonwealth Games Legacy (Remote Areas)
Presiding Officer, I sincerely apologise for being late to the chamber—I admit that I got caught up in other things and I forgot.
To ask the Scottish Government whether there will be a notable Commonwealth games legacy to the more remote areas of the country. (S4O-03433)
There will be. The Scottish Government is committed to creating a lasting legacy and maximising the benefits for the whole of Scotland from hosting the 2014 Commonwealth games. Local authorities have played an important role in spreading the legacy benefits the length and breadth of the country. The Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers legacy leads network provides a platform for promoting opportunities, co-ordinating activity and working together to secure a legacy that we can all be proud of.
I know that the cabinet secretary is aware of Lochaber Sports Association’s plans to develop a training facility and the great work that it has done in Lochaber to get all the sports clubs and others on board. Does she have further information about grants that might be available from sportscotland and so on for that facility?
Since we met to discuss Lochaber Sports Association’s plans for an indoor training facility, sportscotland officials have met a number of key stakeholders to explore ways of realising the association’s plans. That includes the involvement of High Life Highland in operating the facility, which should remove a significant barrier to delivering the project.
I understand that the association is raising funds for the planning application, which Kilmallie community council will submit on its behalf. As Dave Thompson is aware, that is a crucial step in the process. Planning approval will allow funding bodies to consider applications that are before them.
I will take supplementaries, but the questions and answers must be brief, please.
What will the Commonwealth games legacy be for Dundee?
The member should be aware that a number of legacy projects are already operating in Dundee—for example, the development of six community sport hubs is under way across the city, and successful applications for active places funds have helped to supplement the local sporting offer.
The regional performance centre discussions are well under way, and I am sure that Jenny Marra could receive an update on them if she chose to ask for it. That centre is very much supported by local sporting organisations and will be a great asset to taking forward sport in the city.
I am not convinced that Dundee is a more remote area of the country.
I think that my area qualifies for that.
Does the cabinet secretary accept the argument that addressing transport costs is a major part of the Commonwealth games legacy? Will she agree to meet a delegation of parents, coaches and volunteers from Shetland after Parliament returns in the autumn to discuss that vital aspect of ensuring that our athletes can compete with the best across Scotland?
First, I take the opportunity to congratulate Erraid Davies again. She is a great ambassador for Shetland, and I am sure that the whole of Shetland will turn out for her return there.
Local authority colleagues have raised the issue of transport costs. We are working with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities through the working group on sport to address a number of issues, including transport costs. We are looking at how we can better support people who require to travel from more remote communities to compete. I am happy to keep Tavish Scott updated on that, and I would be happy to meet any local delegation that he wants to arrange for me to meet.
I urge brevity in questions and answers; we might make a bit more progress.
Commonwealth Games 2018
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the assertion in the International Business Times about an independent Scotland’s participation in the 2018 Commonwealth games. (S4O-03434)
Scotland is already a member of the Commonwealth through the United Kingdom and so already meets the essential requirements. Following a vote for independence, the Scottish Government will initiate steps to ensure Scotland’s distinct membership as swiftly as possible.
Scotland is one of only six countries to have competed in every Commonwealth games, and I look forward to seeing Scotland compete at the Gold Coast games in 2018 and at every future games.
I hope to join the successful team in competing in 2018. More realistically, does the cabinet secretary think that we have laid the foundations for an even bigger success in 2018—using the powers of independence, of course?
We already have a fantastic world-class sporting system through the sportscotland Institute of Sport, which oversaw £50 million of investment in sporting performance in the previous funding period.
That investment led to a fantastic performance—53 medals, including 19 gold medals—at the Glasgow Commonwealth games. That will be a tough target to exceed at the Gold Coast games in 2018, but through support for our elite athletes, which will of course continue post independence, we will ensure that they continue to excel on the world sporting stage.
State Pensions (Independence)
To ask the Scottish Government whether pensioners in an independent Scotland would be guaranteed their state pension and whether they would be paid at the same rate as in the rest of the United Kingdom. (S4O-03435)
In the event of independence, Scottish pensioners will continue to receive their state pensions as they do now, on time and in full.
This Government has committed to protecting the value of state pensions, and will uprate state pensions by the triple lock for the first term of an independent Scottish Parliament.
Scotland is in a strong position to afford a high-quality pensions system. Total expenditure on social protection, which covers pensions and broader welfare spending, has been lower in Scotland than in the United Kingdom during the past five years.
The UK state pension is the lowest in the European Union, at only 33 per cent of the average wage, or £113 per week, in comparison with the average European state pension of 41 per cent of average earnings. What steps would an independent Scotland take to tackle pensioner poverty?
As “Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland” sets out, savings credit would be retained in an independent Scotland. Savings credit, which is being abolished for new pensioners in the UK from 2016, is an extra payment for those who have set aside money for their retirement, and it helps poorer pensioners in particular.
In addition, we have committed to uprating guarantee credit each year by the triple lock. Guarantee credit ensures a minimum income guarantee in retirement, and again it supports poorer pensioners.
Both those steps will provide a level of security for state pensions that, under current plans, will not be available in the UK from 2016. This Government has also committed to setting the single-tier pension, which is due to be introduced for new pensioners from 2016, at £160 per week. The UK Government has yet to commit to such a level.
If Alex Salmond has to resort to plan B, C, D or E, can the cabinet secretary tell us in which currency pensions will be paid?
That question is not particularly relevant, cabinet secretary.
We will just stick to plan A, and we will pay our pensioners in pounds as they are paid at the moment.
State Pension Age
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of recent comments by the cabinet secretary with responsibility for pensioners’ rights, whether it will rule out an increase in state pension age to 67 if Scotland decides to separate from the rest of the United Kingdom. (S4O-03436)
Independence would give future Scottish Governments the ability to develop a fairer pensions system for Scottish citizens that is based firmly on our needs and circumstances.
If we form the first Government of an independent Scotland, we will establish an independent commission to consider a state pension age that is aligned to Scottish needs and circumstances and takes into account life expectancy, fairness and affordability. It will report within the first two years of an independent Scotland.
As I indicated to Hugh Henry in response to a similar question in May this year, this Government reserves judgment on the rapid increase in the state pension age to 67, as planned by the UK Government and supported by his party.
Of course, the commission could make a recommendation for any one of a number of ages. Will the cabinet secretary take this opportunity to guarantee that, if Scotland separates from the United Kingdom, there will be no increase in the pension age to 67? If she will not do so, why not?
Because we would set up an independent commission to consider a state pension age that is aligned to Scottish needs and circumstances. Why would we do that if we had predetermined the outcome of the commission? As I repeated to the member in my first answer, we will set up a commission to look at all the circumstances, particularly Scottish circumstances, and—importantly—life expectancy, fairness and affordability. The commission will report within the first two years of an independent Scotland. The Government will then make a judgment on the basis of what the report tells us.
UK Sport Funding (Independence)
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it considers that an independent Scotland would continue to receive UK Sport funding given that UK Sport does not fund sporting activity in other countries. (S4O-03437)
UK Sport is funded by the United Kingdom Government through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Currently, Scottish athletes who are identified to compete for Team GB and Paralympics GB are supported through UK Sport’s world-class performance programme.
Following a yes vote in the referendum, we will enter negotiations with the UK Government on many issues, including the transfer of resources. As the function that is currently performed by UK Sport will transfer to Scotland, it would be only appropriate that we seek a transfer of resource and assets of that organisation. It will then be for the Parliament of an independent Scotland to decide how best to generate and deploy that resource to the benefit of Scottish sport in future, but we will guarantee and ensure that our elite athletes continue to receive the support that they require to perform well on the international sporting stage.
It is reassuring that the cabinet secretary feels that there will be enough money in an independent Scotland to maintain funding for elite athletes at its current level. [Interruption.]
Order, please. Briefly, Miss Marra.
I do not think that many people or athletes in the country would agree with the cabinet secretary. Under UK Sport funding criteria, athletes who are not British nationals are not eligible for funding. The national lottery does not fund elite sport outside the UK. Therefore, how does the cabinet secretary think that she will have enough money?
The bit that Jenny Marra failed to mention is that Scottish taxpayers contribute to UK Sport funding and to lottery funding, so it is only right and proper that the resource of UK Sport, which is currently partially funded by Scottish taxpayers, remains in Scotland to fund elite athletes. Likewise with the lottery resource, we would want that to continue, given that Scottish taxpayers contribute to the lottery.
I should say that the fantastic performance of our Commonwealth games athletes was done entirely through the Institute of Sport and sportscotland resource. At the moment, UK Sport has £350 million-worth of resource, and we would be entitled to a share of that because we pay into it. Therefore we would use our share of UK Sport funding to supplement the resource to elite athletes. Elite athletes have nothing to fear. We will support them in a way that will enable them to perform on the world stage in the excellent way that they currently do.
I will call question number 8, but I need brief questions and answers, please.
Pride House Legacy
To ask the Scottish Government what legacy it expects to see from Pride House at the Commonwealth games. (S4O-03438)
The Scottish Government believes that Pride House, the first at any Commonwealth games, has increased the visibility, inclusion and participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people not only in sport but in society more generally. Human rights campaigners have commented that one of the legacies of Glasgow 2014 will be the focusing of attention on the homophobic legislation of 80 per cent of countries in the Commonwealth. On Friday 1 August, the Ugandan Constitutional Court annulled the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2014, which was strongly criticised by the Scottish Government. We welcome that development.
I am grateful to the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow 2014 for the support that they have given to Pride House. It has reminded the LGBTI community in Glasgow of the importance of a non-commercial community space in the city—it is years since we had one. With the cabinet secretary’s equalities remit, will she make contact with the organisers of Pride House to explore what support the Government and the city council could provide to realise the ambition of achieving a permanent community space, which would help to foster links with human rights activists around the world and meet local priorities?
I am happy to look at that. The member’s suggestion would have to be taken forward in a sustainable way. I am certainly happy to have further discussions with the organisations and Glasgow City Council to consider whether it is feasible.
Next
Trident