Good afternoon. The first item of business this afternoon is themed question time. In order to get in as many members as possible, I would prefer short and succinct questions and, of course, answers to match.
Infrastructure and Capital Investment
Transport Scotland (Capital Infrastructure Projects)
As Transport Scotland is part of the Scottish Government, we have regular discussions with that agency about capital infrastructure projects.
Does the cabinet secretary recognise that the people of Edinburgh have lost all faith and confidence in the trams project and that they are deeply concerned that the financial viability of Europe’s best bus company—Lothian Buses—will be put at risk by a truncated tramline? Will he commit to using all his influence with Transport Scotland to ensure that it is satisfied that the business case for the line going to St Andrew’s square is robust, so that the good people of our great capital city can once again have confidence that transport projects will be delivered on time and within budget?
The delivery of the project is and always has been the responsibility of the City of Edinburgh Council. We recognise the complexities and difficult circumstances that the council has faced as it has sought to make the right decisions for the people of Edinburgh. The Scottish Government will now fully consider all the factors in the council’s revised proposals before it makes any further decisions. Those proposals will be considered on their merits.
The minister will remember that, before the recess, I called for a public inquiry into the trams project and the First Minister agreed to that. When will the inquiry be established and who will lead it?
We have already said that there will be a public inquiry into the trams project—the First Minister has confirmed that—but we will decide the remit and timetable for and the composition of that inquiry at a later date. The important priority is to try to get the project back on track—if members will pardon the pun—to ensure that it is delivered and finalised in the best way possible.
What plans does the Scottish Government have to support the Ayrshire ports and Prestwick airport to secure facilities that will assist growth in the renewables industry?
As the member knows, my colleague Mr Swinney has been working with him and others particularly on Prestwick airport and the need to expand all aspects of the diversification of jobs in the area. We will endeavour to give whatever support we possibly can to Prestwick airport, the surrounding area and the Ayrshire ports to ensure that they are developed to their full economic potential.
Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (Closure)
We have made it clear, as have many others, that the United Kingdom Government’s initial proposals to restructure the coastguard’s maritime rescue co-ordination centres around the UK were not well thought through. We will formally respond to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s revised proposals by its deadline of 6 October. Our response will reflect strong local concerns about the proposal to close the Clyde MRCC, including about the potential impact of the loss of local knowledge and expertise on the safety of all mariners and industries in the area.
I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer. I was happy to hear his comments on the understanding and the local knowledge that the first-class staff have and the point that, if that local knowledge goes, it will put added pressure on the people in Stornoway and Belfast who have to undertake the work. Does the cabinet secretary therefore agree that the Scottish Government and the cross-party supporters of maintaining the Clyde MRCC should highlight the point about local knowledge in the strongest possible terms, with regard to both continuing that facility and making the point that, if that facility were to close, there would be a threat to investor confidence in the west coast of Scotland, which has high-volume ferry routes from Gourock and half of Scotland’s marinas?
I agree entirely with the fair and substantive points made by Stuart McMillan, and I hope that members on every side of the chamber will join us in making it clear to the United Kingdom Government that the proposals are totally unacceptable and pose real questions about the future of maritime safety and facilities. We will be very robust in our response and I am happy to incorporate all the points that Stuart McMillan made, which I am sure are shared across the chamber.
Is the minister aware that the new Argyll Ferries service from Gourock to Dunoon no longer holds a defibrillator on board? As the minister will be aware, for those suffering a heart attack a defibrillator means the difference between life and death. Will the minister raise the issue with Argyll Ferries and make a defibrillator a standard contract issue on all new contracts for ferry services issued by the Scottish Government?
David Stewart makes a fair point and I am happy to raise the issue to see what can be done to rectify the situation.
New Social Housing (Subsidies)
In 2011-12, all bids to the new innovation and investment fund are being assessed in line with strategic priorities identified by each local authority. That will ensure that investment is targeted at the areas in most need. Although all projects are also being assessed against a benchmark of £40,000 per unit, we will retain the flexibility to consider higher subsidy in special circumstances.
A combination of low house prices, difficult land issues, high levels of poverty and reliance on housing benefit will leave some areas that are already suffering badly in the same situation for years. Raising borrowing and therefore rent will be difficult, and introducing mid-market rents will not be achievable as a solution in those areas. Is it not the case that the cut in subsidy for social housing will undermine the delivery of regeneration for some of our most deprived areas?
It is necessary to recognise the source of the cut in subsidy to which the member refers: the previous Chief Secretary to the Treasury left office saying that there was no money left. We have had to absorb the costs of substantial cuts—around 40 per cent in capital in the next four years. We cannot hide from that fact. We cannot create money, nor, under current circumstances, can we borrow more.
Is the minister aware that, according to calculations by Shelter, only 1,500 of the 6,000 affordable homes to be built this year are social rented homes? Is the minister concerned about that, and will he ensure that via the spending review far more social rented houses will be built in subsequent years?
Of course, part of the commitment is for 5,000 new council houses, which transforms the council house building programme in Scotland. There had not been council house building before the 2007 to 2011 Government; 5,000 homes—1,000 a year—are there already.
Private Rented Housing (Support)
The Scottish Government is committed to improving standards and encouraging growth in the sector. We support the improvement of private rented housing by providing local authorities with the resources and powers to tackle poor landlords and property condition; by involving private landlords in the development of policy for the sector in Scotland; and by talking to the United Kingdom Government and others about creating the conditions for growth.
Does the minister recognise that among the many difficulties that face housing in Scotland are the many problems that are faced by first-time buyers? In particular, for young couples who want to buy their first home in areas such as East Renfrewshire, where house prices are extremely high, getting a 20 per cent deposit—which is often required these days—is well nigh impossible. Does the minister agree that private lets can provide one way for those families to get a nice home and to get established in family life? Is he collecting information on that sector and what is he doing to support it?
If I picked the member up correctly, he is talking about giving people both the chance to own their homes and the chance to rent within the private rented sector. We have recently provided support to Homes for Scotland to look at a mortgage guarantee scheme that can help to bridge the gap. As the member says, banks and lending institutions sometimes ask for a 20 per cent deposit for an 80 per cent mortgage, which we think is wrong, especially when it is obvious that the applicants can afford a higher monthly payment than they would pay on an 80 per cent mortgage. The idea behind the mortgage guarantee scheme is that we make up the difference—something that was previously done by the markets, sometimes at a premium. In addition, we are working with several private sector developers—Tweed Homes in the Borders comes to mind—so that somebody can move into private rented accommodation at an affordable level and can, over time, pay additional moneys through their rent, which are put aside for a deposit and topped up by 50 per cent by the developer after five years.
Housing Benefit Reforms (Access to Social Rented Housing)
We expect the United Kingdom Government’s reforms to impact in two ways. First, some claimants will no longer be able to afford to stay in the private sector, leading to an increase in applications to social housing waiting lists. Secondly, restricting housing benefit for those who are underoccupying social housing will lead to more households seeking to move to smaller homes. That could lead to a significant shortage in the availability of one-bedroom properties, longer waiting lists for social housing and increased dependency on temporary accommodation.
Does the minister share my concerns, as informed by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, that although we are trying to protect people in the social rented sector, the housing benefit cap, as discussed, will have adverse effects on those who live alone and the stopping of the payment of housing benefit directly to registered social landlords will have an impact on the income of those landlords?
As I said, I recognise the disbenefits that there will be as a result of the UK Government’s moves in this area. I reassure the member that I met the Minister for Housing and Local Government from Westminster in London a couple of days ago and made those points to him. Although we have made the same points to the UK Government a number of times, we will write to reinforce them following my meeting with the minister this week.
One of the main barriers to access to social rented housing is supply. Last week, our own Government figures stated that there has been a drop of 8.3 per cent in the building of new housing association houses in the past six months. Given the Government’s pledge to provide 6,000 affordable homes each year, with full knowledge of its budget, is the minister now willing to admit that that promise simply will not be kept?
I have to assume that the member has full knowledge of the United Kingdom Government’s budget as well. As I said, if we apply a 40 per cent cut to the capital budget of the Scottish Government, it will have consequences.
Does the minister recognise that the housing benefit changes could also weaken the position of tenants dealing with unscrupulous private landlords, who will adjust their rents in line with what the UK Government has indicated? Will he therefore, if necessary, issue further guidance to local authorities about their duties in regard to the inspection of private landlords and ensuring that tenants are getting a fair deal?
Yes. As the member says, that is the responsibility of local authorities. We are in dialogue with local authorities and are working closely with them. I am aware of the danger that he mentions and will continue to have that dialogue.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (Meetings)
I met Strathclyde partnership for transport last week and discussed a wide range of issues informally. The member will be interested to hear that that involved an examination of the Glasgow subway—at around 1 o’clock in the morning—including a walk through a section of the subway tunnels.
I am pleased to hear that the subway is open at a decent hour for the people of Glasgow and beyond.
I should perhaps reassure the member that the service had stopped at the time I was going through the tunnels. It stops late at night, which is why we left it until the early morning.
Forth Replacement Crossing
The Forth replacement crossing is on budget and on schedule to open to traffic in 2016. We have ensured that robust project governance structures have been put in place that reflect industry best practice and build on the principles deployed to deliver the M74 and the M80 projects so successfully, both of which finished under budget and well ahead of time.
The minister will be aware that communities in my constituency, such as South Queensferry, will be affected by the construction process. Will he outline what steps will be taken to alleviate disruption for communities during the construction phase?
All Forth replacement crossing works will be carried out in line with the code of construction practice that was developed through the Forth Crossing Bill process. A traffic management working group, a marine liaison group, a noise liaison group and an environmental working group have been put in place to ensure that the contractors carry out the works using the best practical means to minimise impact on local communities and the road network.
Culture and External Affairs
European Commission Officials (Meetings)
The Government has regular contact with Commission officials and other member states, which concern a range of issues. It is not customary to divulge the content of those or any other official discussions. More specifically, I can tell the member that on 17 August I addressed more than 30 members of the consular corps based in Edinburgh, to set out the Government’s aims and ambitions.
The Government will be aware that it is obligatory for all new members of the European Union to join the euro. Given that that would have a major impact on the whole Scottish economy, will the cabinet secretary divulge what discussions she has had with anyone, be it at Confederation of British Industry level, European Commission level or elsewhere, about the difficulties that Scotland would have in negotiating as a new member of the EU?
It is quite clear, as is set out in our white paper of November 2009, that Scotland would be a continuing member of the European Union. As such, I think that the points that the member raised are superfluous.
In the cabinet secretary’s discussions with bodies furth of Scotland, has mention been made of recent indications of Scottish public opinion on independence?
There is certainly renewed interest in Scotland, our constitutional future and the prospect of independence. Of course, the discussions that I had took place before this week’s opinion poll, which shows public support for independence at 39 per cent, as opposed to 38 per cent against, which I think will increase interest in Scotland’s prospects.
European Council (Discussions with United Kingdom Ministers)
The Scottish Government has on-going engagement with UK ministers, which includes discussions about enhancing Scotland’s influence at European Union level. I refer to my earlier reply to Helen Eadie, but I reassure the member that I have raised the issue at the joint ministerial committee on Europe and that we have sent UK ministers our proposals for a statutory right of attendance at Council meetings at which devolved issues are discussed, through amendment to the Scotland Bill.
I am conscious that we will have time to discuss the matter in more detail during this afternoon’s debate. Nevertheless, the cabinet secretary referred to the proposal for a statutory right of attendance in UK delegations, which is absent from the Government’s motion for the debate. Will she say whether she supports a similar statutory right for Welsh and Northern Irish ministers?
We will have an opportunity to discuss the strengthening of Scotland’s role in Europe in the debate later today. The Scottish Government’s preference is for a statutory right. I have received support for our position from the Northern Irish, who of course are watching to see what happens with our proposal. In the past the Liberal Democrats supported such an approach and I hope that they can bring themselves to do so in the months ahead.
What response has the cabinet secretary had on enhancing Scotland’s influence in the European Council?
We issued our paper to the UK Government on 8 August and have yet to receive a reply—I think that the UK Government will reply to all requests from the Scottish Government in a package. We continue to engage in a positive way. This afternoon, John Swinney and Bruce Crawford will meet the Secretary of State for Scotland to talk about taking forward improvements to the Scotland Bill.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that arrangements for the attendance of Scottish ministers at European Union meetings are already in place? Has she not therefore all but admitted that the amendment to the Scotland Bill on the matter, which was one of Alex Salmond’s six demands, is totally unnecessary?
That is just nonsense. Arrangements are in place and we welcome an improvement under the new UK Government. However, warm words are not borne out by actions and since the UK Government came into power there has been a refusal to allow Scottish Government ministers to attend Council. The issue is very much live and has yet to be resolved, but with the support of members of the Scottish Parliament I think that we can collectively try to persuade the UK Government to remedy the situation.
Museums and Galleries Strategy
I will be launching a consultation exercise on the draft national strategy in the next few weeks.
I commend to the cabinet secretary the national museum of rural life in East Kilbride, which I had the pleasure of visiting over the summer recess. Very particular skills are required to maintain collections in specialist museums, not only in agricultural museums but in mining and industrial museums. Will the cabinet secretary ensure that the museums and galleries strategy takes full account of the skills, needs and requirements of the sector?
That is a good point. That is why we need to bring all the museums and galleries together to reflect on the strategy and take the area forward. The learning that can happen across the sector will be very important, for precisely the points that the member makes.
Will the cabinet secretary join me in congratulating North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council on maximising the exposure of museums and galleries to visitors during the recent international children’s games, which included a visit to Summerlee museum of Scottish industrial life in Coatbridge?
Yes. I congratulate North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council in that regard. This year’s international children’s games—the 45th—were the first to be hosted in Scotland and I think that it is fantastic that the delegates had the chance to visit a number of museums in the area. Well done to the councils, and well done to all the participants in the games.
Malawi (Aid Funding)
On 10 June 2011, I met Andrew Mitchell, the Secretary of State for International Development, and reiterated Scotland’s commitment to the people of Malawi. There was solid agreement at the meeting that interventions that are channelled through Scottish non-governmental organisations should continue to be directed for the benefit of people in Malawi. Scottish Government funding goes directly to Scotland-based charities working with local partner organisations in Malawi.
Given that the UK Government has severed its funding to the Government of Malawi and has stated its intention to directly fund projects in that country, does the cabinet secretary believe that Scottish NGOs that are already operating in the country have an important role to play in stepping in to ensure that much-needed projects in Malawi continue?
Clearly, that would be a matter for the Department for International Development. We remain in close contact with the department, but Andrew Mitchell was interested in the work of Scottish NGOs when he visited in the summer and I am sure that he will have taken on board the points that were made to him by the cross-party group and the Malawi partnership that he met at that time.
Visual Arts Promotion (Aberdeen)
Aberdeen has a thriving arts scene which is supported in a number of ways. The Scottish Government pursues its aims for the visual arts through working with our partners Creative Scotland and Museums Galleries Scotland, and through supporting the work of higher and further education institutions.
The cabinet secretary might be aware of Peacock Visual Arts in Aberdeen. It secured funding from the Arts Council for an exciting new art centre in Aberdeen’s Union Terrace gardens, but those plans have not been able to go ahead due to a proposal to create a city square there.
I hope that the member understands that, as any planning applications for that site would come before Scottish Government ministers, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the merits of any proposals at this time. What I can say is that Peacock Visual Arts has recently undergone a review as part of Creative Scotland’s foundation organisation review, and I can confirm that Creative Scotland is continuing funding for the organisation this year at a rate of £262,000.
Edinburgh Festivals (Support)
The Scottish Government has demonstrated its commitment to the festivals through the hugely successful Edinburgh festivals expo fund, which has invested £8 million over four years to enable new talent and creativity to flourish.
I thank the minister for her answer and for her continued support of the Edinburgh festivals. Can she detail the economic impact of the 12 major festivals on the local economy?
I understand that there was a briefing last night by the Edinburgh international festivals to confirm the thorough economic impact study that was conducted. It showed that £261 million was generated for Scotland, of which £245 million was for Edinburgh.
Is the minister aware of the current threat to the much-loved and well-used arts venue, the Forest, in Edinburgh city centre? Would she be prepared to meet representatives of the Forest as they work to secure a long-term home?
The Forest fringe hosted another eclectic programme during the August period and I understand that the venue is in the process of fundraising. I would be happy to let the member know who it might be most appropriate for Forest representatives to meet at this stage of their fundraising efforts, and if it is appropriate for me to meet them that would also be a step forward.
Edinburgh International Film Festival
The Edinburgh international film festival is an integral part of Edinburgh’s festival programme. Over the past four years the Scottish Government has supported the festival through Creative Scotland and the expo fund, this year awarding £100,000 towards the cost of workshops for nurturing young talent and honing skills and expertise. The Centre for the Moving Image, EIFF’s parent organisation, has recently undergone a review as part of Creative Scotland’s foundation organisation review. Creative Scotland is continuing funding for the organisation, amounting to £400,000 this year.
Is the cabinet secretary not worried by the loss of sponsorship from Standard Life and, most recently, the British Film Institute? She accepts the importance of the film festival, but does she acknowledge the concerns about its long-term viability and stature? Will she step in and act to ensure that we have a viable film festival in Edinburgh and that it retains its premier status?
We most definitely have a viable film festival. The UK Film Council had a three-year funding package that ran out on 1 April 2011. The United Kingdom Government then abolished the United Kingdom Film Council and transferred the responsibilities to the British Film Institute, which is currently working with Creative Scotland to consider support for films and film festivals outside London. I met the director of the British Film Institute on 14 March and I have made representations for the continued support of the film festival.
Joint Ministerial Committee (Meeting)
The next meeting of the joint ministerial committee Europe will take place on 10 October.
Has the Government indicated the specific amendments it intends to bring forward to the Scotland Bill or is it simply a list of aspirations from the Scottish National Party shopping list, backed up neither by policy detail nor by evidence?
I am more than happy to send the member a copy of the document I sent to the United Kingdom Government on 8 August on European representation, which we are about to debate.
Have the Scottish ministers used opportunities in the joint ministerial committee to propose alternatives to the UK Government’s economic proposals?
Indeed. At the most recent JMC plenary meeting, in June this year, the First Minister called on the UK Government to address the importance of having an alternative—a plan B—or at least to demonstrate flexibility in its economic strategy. Three points were raised: the need for capital investment; the need for access to finance for businesses; and the need to enhance consumer confidence by prioritising growth and employment security.
European Union (Scotland’s Representation)
The Scottish Government proposes an amendment to the Scotland Bill that would establish a statutory right for the Scottish Government to attend European Council meetings when devolved issues are being discussed. As I said to James Kelly, the paper to support that amendment was sent to the United Kingdom Government on 8 August. The Scottish Government will also seek the Scottish Parliament’s agreement this afternoon on the need to strengthen Scotland’s representation in principle.
I look forward to this afternoon’s debate. Does the cabinet secretary agree that, given that the Treaty on European Union has since 1993 provided for ministers from devolved Governments to lead their national delegations in the Council of Ministers, the Scottish Government’s proposed amendment to the Scotland Bill to create a statutory right to attend Council meetings when devolved matters are being discussed would simply give the Scottish Government parity with similar Administrations across the EU?
There are of course numerous examples of member state delegations that comprise national member state ministers and ministers from federal or devolved Administrations, who each use their respective expertise to speak to the agreed member state position. Those examples demonstrate the added value of drawing on expertise wherever it sits in a member state. Aileen McLeod’s point is well made.
Digital Arts (Support)
“Growth, Talent, Ambition—the Government’s Strategy for the Creative Industries”, which was published in March, sets out how the public sector is working to support the creative industries. Public sector support for the creative digital arts is provided through Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Will the new digital strategy have an impact on the creative digital arts industry? Will the cabinet secretary confirm that the exciting proposals for the year of creative Scotland in 2012, which were published in the Government’s legislative programme yesterday, will include the creative digital arts industry as well as the more traditional creative arts industries?
We very much look forward to the year of creative Scotland in 2012. Annabelle Ewing is right to identify that “Scotland’s Digital Future”, which was published in February, will also provide opportunities to support creativity in the digital arts and help to drive the participation that we need in the sector.
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First Minister’s Question Time