Official Report 242KB pdf
Back-bench Members
14:30
Cladding Remediation Programme
Nine years after the Grenfell tower tragedy, it has been reported that 22 buildings in Scotland now require urgent safety measures because of risks to human life, while not a single building has been fully remediated through the Scottish Government’s national cladding remediation programme. Given that only £21.6 million of the £97.1 million that the Government received from Westminster for cladding remediation has been spent, does the First Minister accept that progress has been unacceptably slow? What guarantee can he give residents living in affected buildings that their homes will be made safe by the end of this parliamentary session?
The issues that have been raised are of vital importance. The Government had to put in place a legislative framework to enable us to address these situations. That legislative framework has now been put in place, and we are taking forward the programme of remedial action that is required.
Contrary to recent reports, there are life safety measures in place in the 22 affected buildings, and we have confirmed to all building owners that we will fund statutory single building assessments for all 956 residential buildings where owners have come forward. When cladding has been identified as an immediate risk to life, we have provided funding to building owners to allow them to enact urgent measures. We have provided local authorities with £31.5 million to fund assessments and initial mitigation measures. The Government is committed to undertaking the necessary action to protect the public.
Public Service Reform (Worker and Trade Union Representation)
Given that public sector workers on the ground know their services best, how will the First Minister guarantee that those workers and their trade unions are represented in discussions and decision making concerning public service reform?
It is important that we hear the perspectives and views of front-line staff. To that end, the Government is engaging substantially with a range of trade unions to hear the voices of individual front-line staff. Just last week, in Bute house, I convened an extensive discussion on issues connected to public service reform with the Scottish Trades Union Congress and a range of its constituent members. I felt that we had a constructive and valuable discussion about the issues that are involved.
I appreciate that there is a period of uncertainty following the Government setting out its belief that change is necessary, but we can overcome that anxiety with good and substantial engagement. I commit the Government to undertaking exactly that with front-line workers, as well as with other stakeholders, on this important topic.
Tenant Protection (Lawrie Reilly Place)
I am very concerned that more than 100 tenants in my constituency face the prospect of losing their homes around Christmas because Nevis Properties is planning to sell properties at Lawrie Reilly Place with vacant possession, after having purchased them from a housing association. The situation is obviously very worrying for those affected, and it is part of a growing problem of large-scale corporate landlords negatively impacting communities in my constituency and elsewhere in urban Scotland. What immediate support can the Scottish Government provide to protect my constituents from displacement in this instance? Will the First Minister commit to rapidly assessing whether current Government guidance and current housing and tenancy laws offer sufficient safeguards against such practice?
I am very concerned to hear about the situation that Ben Macpherson raises with me today. There are significant and strict legal requirements that private landlords and letting agents must follow when seeking to end a tenancy. The type of significant large-scale development that Mr Macpherson refers to is of deep concern because of the implications for a range of individuals who will be affected.
The steps that can be taken will be affected by the type of tenancy that an individual has in place, but there are substantial legal protections in place to ensure that individuals can pursue the rights that they have in relation to any form of eviction order.
We are, at present, also increasing eviction protections through the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, which Parliament has passed. Advice will be available to members of the public who are affected by such developments. I will consider the issues that Mr Macpherson raises and will look at whether there are adequate protections in place to ensure that individuals are protected from that unacceptable development from Nevis Properties Limited.
Hyperscale Data Centres (Impact)
A recent freedom of information request in relation to communities hosting hyperscale data centres has revealed that a Scottish Government official stated that
“there is a clear risk here that locals bear the brunt of increased electricity prices—or even a shortage of energy, or unreliable power—while seeing little direct benefit.”
What strategic assessment has the Scottish Government made of the impact that hyperscale data centre development could have on Scotland’s electricity demand and on energy bills for households and businesses? How is that information being used to inform the planning guidance due by the end of this year?
The issues that Laura Moodie raises are important in the consideration of the economic value and merits—and the potential downsides—of artificial intelligence data centres. I reassure her that those issues are all central to the understanding and analysis being undertaken by the Government. Indeed, I hope that the reference she makes provides her with some reassurance that those issues are being raised within Government as part of the planning process that is being led by the Minister for Public Finance.
All those considerations—and, particularly, the additional requirement that we have made for environmental impact assessments to be carried out in such developments—are vital for us to understand the implications of any such developments and will be material to the formulation of the policy position that the minister will set out to Parliament before the end of the year.
Postal Delivery Delays (Impact)
Some of my constituents across the Highlands and Islands are now waiting for up to five weeks to get their post. NHS Highland has confirmed that patients are missing hospital appointments due to delayed letters and also risk losing places on waiting lists for treatment.
I appreciate that the postal service is a reserved matter, but, because it is now affecting issues such as health, can the First Minister reveal to us any discussions that his Government has had with Royal Mail about the issue and, secondly, can he ensure that patients will not lose their places on waiting lists as a result of delayed post?
I do not think that the issues in connection with the postal service are restricted to the Highlands and Islands—I appreciate that there are issues there, but I know that other parts of the country are similarly affected by the poor performance of the postal service. I say that not to diminish the important point that Morven-May MacCallum raises with me, but to note that the problem is extensive.
I am, obviously, concerned if delays to the postal service result in individuals not being notified of healthcare treatments. We are taking steps to ensure that there is digital access to such information and that there are opportunities available to pursue that.
The Government has raised the issue of the quality of postal services with the Royal Mail. The member is absolutely correct to say that it is a reserved issue, but we have a locus to act when there are impacts on our services and the ability to deliver those services. In the light of that issue being raised with me today, I will make representations directly to the Royal Mail about that point. I reassure Morven-May MacCallum that, in my view—on which I will get corroboration—individuals should not lose access to their position on a waiting list as a consequence of postal delay. I will seek confirmation of that point and will inform the member of the outcome in writing.
Social Security Scotland (Processing Delays)
Some extremely vulnerable people in my Cunninghame South constituency wait months for their adult disability payment applications to be processed. That is exacerbated by the fact that, uniquely in the public sector, Social Security Scotland does not accept inbound email as a secure channel for client correspondence. What action can be taken to ensure that Social Security Scotland processes applications more efficiently?
Social Security Scotland has an obligation to act fully in relation to the statutory responsibilities that Parliament has set out for it, and to ensure that proper consideration and assessment of applications is undertaken. That work must be done in a very detailed and reliable way.
As Patricia Gibson will know, there is significant Parliamentary debate about the decision making of Social Security Scotland. It is therefore important that all decisions are arrived at on the correct basis, and I have confidence that that is the case.
Social Security Scotland will be working to ensure that decisions are taken timeously to meet the needs of individuals, and ministers place expectations on the agency to act in that fashion.
Sexual Violence Against Women (Abuse of Power)
Yesterday, Russell Brand was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison for rape and sexual assault. I acknowledge the incredible courage of the women who came forward, particularly given the power and influence of the man against whom they were speaking out. Does the First Minister agree that the case raises wider questions about how powerful individuals can abuse their positions? What more can be done to ensure that victims feel safe to come forward, are believed and receive the support that they need?
First, I associate myself with Karen Adam’s comments made about the courage of those who have come forward to complain about Russell Brand’s behaviour and to go through the ordeal of participating in a criminal trial.
The trial of Russell Brand and his conviction yesterday have brought into sharp focus the violence and sexual abuse that women experience every day in our society and some of the misogynistic attitudes that prevail. It has also highlighted, as Karen Adam says, how power and celebrity can be used to exert significant influence over individuals and to shield such behaviour.
I was struck by the comments of the judge yesterday, who said:
“Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and to demand justice from the criminal courts when sexual predators … act without their consent.”
As Parliament knows, I have become increasingly concerned about levels of sexual violence against women in our society, and I have pledged to offer the personal leadership that I believe is required as First Minister to tackle the issue. That involves a combination of ensuring that we act to protect women through an effective criminal justice system, that we are able to prevent such actions through education programmes and that we work to support women who face the awful experience of sexual violence. I reaffirm to Parliament my personal commitment, and the determination of the Government, to tackle this scourge in our society and to protect women and girls in Scotland.
Care Inspectorate (Regulation of Childminders)
The First Minister will be aware of the case of Amanda Mathewson, the Dunfermline childminder who was jailed for child neglect and abandonment last week. I have been contacted by parents of the children who were under her care who have been traumatised by that experience. They have huge concerns about the conduct of the Care Inspectorate, after it was found “highly likely” that an employee shared confidential information with Mathewson about the complaint that was made against her.
Will the First Minister ensure that those matters are properly and fully investigated? Will he review the inspection frequency and regulatory risk model for childminders in the light of this case?
First, I echo Murdo Fraser’s comments about the trauma that will be experienced by families who, quite understandably and reasonably, entrusted their children to the care of Amanda Mathewson. They were spectacularly let down by her conduct and, of course, the criminal justice process has taken its course in this case.
On the role of the Care Inspectorate, I expect it to significantly review its approach to the matter to ensure that the highest standards of scrutiny are being applied in all cases.
The frequency of inspection and the risk model are issues that the Care Inspectorate must consider and reflect on, although I am struck by the fact that at the heart of this case is an incredible level of criminal deception by Amanda Mathewson, which lies at the heart of the issues that are at stake.
I assure Parliament that the Government expects the Care Inspectorate to undertake the most significant degree of scrutiny to learn lessons from that particular case, which has caused such suffering and distress to so many families in the Fife area.
Earned Settlement Scheme
Last week, the United Kingdom Labour Government announced a series of proposed changes to earned settlement for migrants in the UK, causing many of my constituents to feel very fearful and insecure about their futures.
Independent analysis commissioned by the no recourse to public funds partnership tells us that if the route to settlement for skilled workers is extended to 10 years, as currently proposed, half of all children of migrant workers in our public services, our schools and our hospitals could be forced into poverty by 2029.
Will the First Minister join me in condemning the proposals, commit to assessing their potential impact on child poverty in Scotland and set out what action the Scottish Government will take to protect all children and families in Scotland, including new Scots, from being pushed further into poverty?
I share the concerns that have been set out by Kate Nevens, because the issues that she raises will inevitably have an effect on the work that the Government takes forward—for example, on tackling homelessness and the levels of child poverty in our society. The proposals also ignore the opportunities for us to gain economic benefit from individuals who are living in this country and who are able, potentially, to contribute to our economy as taxpayers, and would then be able to fund and support their families.
I agree with the concerns that Kate Nevens raises. As she will know, the Government has regularly made representations to the United Kingdom Government about taking a more supportive approach towards migration that would result in us boosting the labour force in Scotland. That is one of our challenges, because we do not have a sufficiently large working-age population.
The points that Kate Nevens sets out are important, and the Government will take action where we have the ability and responsibility to do so to address the situation.
Universities (Promoting Scottish Culture)
The University of Edinburgh is currently conducting cuts to courses that disproportionately affect Scottish students, including cuts to courses in textiles, costume design, Scots and Gaelic. What role does the Government believe that our universities play in preserving and promoting Scottish culture?
Our universities have a very significant role to play in protecting, encouraging and enhancing Scotland’s culture and the expression of our cultural identity. Obviously, decisions that are taken by universities are statutorily taken by independent organisations, but Katherine Sangster’s point is an important one to reflect on in relation to the importance of our universities as centres for learning, creativity and encouragement of some of the fundamental aspects of the identity of our country. I hope that universities will consider those issues when taking their decisions.
Open Championship 2029
The news that the open championship will return to Carnoustie golf links in 2029 is a very welcome boost for Angus. Will the First Minister outline what impact he anticipates that that will have on our local economy?
I very much welcome the decision that has been taken to bring the open to Carnoustie links in 2029. It was a pleasure to meet Mr Melville in Carnoustie yesterday for the announcement. That has been accomplished through the investment that has been made in Carnoustie links by its current owners and through the collaboration between the Government, VisitScotland, Angus Council, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and Carnoustie links.
The return of the open to Carnoustie represents a huge opportunity to enhance the major events programme in Scotland, which, as we saw in the summer, was enhanced by the Commonwealth games. The open is coming to St Andrews in 2027, we have the grand départ of the Tour de France, the European championships in 2028, and now the open in 2029.
This is a fundamental part of the Government’s major events and tourism strategy, and I am delighted that Carnoustie and Angus will benefit from that investment in 2029.
Tackling Rural Crime (Police Station Closures)
Eight properties were broken into in Lockerbie and the surrounding area this weekend, with thieves taking a haul that included vehicles, trailers, tools and fuel. What more will the First Minister and the Scottish Government do to support rural communities in tackling crime, particularly considering the disproportionate impact on rural areas of the 180 police station closures between 2013 and the end of 2025?
It is unacceptable when individuals are the victims of crime in the way that Mr Langan has set out. Police Scotland is engaged with communities the length and breadth of the country to ensure that it is positioned to support them, to address any issues of criminality and, crucially, to follow up on those examples of criminality. Police Scotland will be focused on addressing the specific circumstances that Mr Langan has put to me today, which are unacceptable and need to be the subject of criminal pursuit.
Public Bodies (Reporting of Bullying)
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests.
In the past few days, we have had reports of bullying at Crown Estate Scotland and in the Scottish Prison Service. At Historic Environment Scotland, an independent review had already found that staff had little trust in senior management. There is something rotten in too many of our public bodies. It is a chronic problem. People are frightened of what will happen to them if they report bullying. The First Minister is responsible for changing that culture. Will he commission an urgent review into setting up an independent office of the whistleblower so that staff can speak up without fear and know that someone will act?
I deprecate any examples of bullying in relation to behaviour that is undertaken in any aspect of our public services. A number of arrangements are already in place in a number of different public bodies for the provisions that Mr Kerr seeks. I want to make sure that members of staff can air the concerns and issues that they have at all times.
Fundamentally, this is a cultural issue. It is about how people behave towards one another in the workplace. I want to make sure that we have the highest standards, whereby members of staff who are concerned about issues can raise those concerns in the appropriate way, be listened to and have their concerns addressed.
Business Rates Relief
I am hearing from increasing numbers of local businesses, including bakeries and coffee shops, which are finding it hard to expand their businesses because they already have two or maybe three sites but, if they open one more location, they will lose the entirety of their business rates relief. Will the First Minister conduct an assessment of the economic benefits of removing or moving the cap on exemption from business rates so that Scottish businesses can grow?
We have a review under way of non-domestic rates, and those are legitimate issues to consider as part of that exercise.
A balance has to be struck; fundamentally, some of the measures that we have put in place are designed to support the growth and development of small businesses. That has been a successful part of our non-domestic rates approach. However, as businesses grow, we must be able to encourage and incentivise that growth as well, so those are legitimate issues that will be considered as part of the non-domestic rates review.
Forth Valley Emergency Care (Delays)
What urgent action is the Scottish Government taking to tackle the unacceptable and persistent delays experienced by patients attending the emergency department at Forth Valley royal hospital? What assurances can he give patients that they will receive the safe, timely and appropriate emergency care that they rightly deserve?
The performance of accident and emergency departments around the country is an issue that is causing concern. I understand that point. The situation in Forth Valley is exacerbated by the significant demand that is being placed on services, which is being dealt with and responded to by staff. I assure Amanda Bland that the issues around A and E performance are the subject of regular discussion between me, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care and the leadership of the national health service, because we want to make sure that individuals are able to access the type of care that they require.
One point that I will make is that there are a range of different healthcare services that individuals can attend—from general practitioner walk-in services to the pharmacy first service or their own GP services—before they consider attending accident and emergency. If we are able to encourage and motivate people to use the range of different healthcare services that are available around the country, we will reduce the presentation of demand at A and E departments, which is a significant challenge at the present moment.
National Health Service Community Staff (Mileage Rates)
The First Minister will recall that, during Covid and at the start of the war in Ukraine, when fuel prices increased significantly, an interim payment was made to NHS community staff to help to cover additional mileage costs. Has the Government given any consideration to providing funding to do the same now, given the extra fuel costs that are being experienced by health visitors in my constituency and beyond?
The mileage rates for agenda for change staff were increased in 2022. Currently, agenda for change staff have access to the highest mileage rates in the United Kingdom. I should point out that, since the levels were increased in response to the higher fuel costs in 2022, they have stayed at that higher level. Those issues have been raised by staff, and I understand that the employers and staff-side representatives have been working together to agree an updated approach to mileage reimbursement for agenda for change staff that will be responsive to motoring costs. The results of those discussions are expected to be announced shortly.
Non-domestic Rates (Devolution to Regions)
On Saturday, I joined OnPath Energy, Muirhall Energy and Scottish Renewables to call, in The Herald, for the devolution of non-domestic rates to the new regional councils as part of the Government’s expansive public service reform programme. By allowing regions to keep the non-domestic rates that they collect, we could put local government at the heart of driving economic growth and ensure that communities benefit directly from energy projects. Does the First Minister agree that Scotland’s regions are key to a prosperous future? Will devolution of non-domestic rates be on the table as part of public service reform?
Non-domestic rates are retained in full by local authorities. Distribution of non-domestic rates income and the general revenue grant is carried forward under a needs-based formula, which includes population and deprivation indicators.
Mr Kerr makes an important point about the empowerment of regional authorities in Scotland. As I and other ministers have set out to Parliament on a number of occasions, we are enthusiastic about strengthening that level of governance in Scotland, alongside strengthening community authorities to give people in local areas more control over the decisions that affect their lives. The suggestions that Mr Kerr has made can be part of that discussion, and I welcome that.
Community Asset Transfer (Support)
On Friday, I met the Dalavich Improvement Group, which has been invited by Forestry and Land Scotland to make an expression of interest for the community asset transfer of An Suidhe wind farm, which is due to be repowered. That presents an incredible opportunity that could be transformative for the community. However, realising that opportunity presents serious challenges in relation to resources and expertise in the community, which will be needed to ensure that it is successful. What support can be offered to such community-led consortiums to ensure that they can be successful?
I welcome the suggestion that has been taken forward by Jenni Minto’s constituents. There are two areas in which I suspect that assistance can be made available. The first is the advice that can be provided through the Development Trusts Association Scotland, which can provide business planning and business concept development support for organisations such as the Dalavich Improvement Group. The Scottish land fund provides community groups with funding to purchase assets across Scotland, and a number of significant and successful examples of that have been put into practice.
Places of Worship Fund
Scotland’s places of worship fund has opened with a budget of £1 million and on a pilot basis, compared with a £92 million four-year fund in the rest of the United Kingdom. I have had discussions with the diocese of Motherwell, which hoped to invest £600,000 in St Bride’s in Bothwell and St Mary’s in Coatbridge, followed by a £2 million investment in Motherwell cathedral. Given the importance of those buildings to the parishes and the wider communities, which use them for far more than worship, can the First Minister give a guarantee that the quantum of that fund will be evaluated and guaranteed for future years?
I welcome the initiatives that have been taken by the diocese of Motherwell, which I know are complemented by a range of interventions in other parts of the country. I was pleased that the Government was able to make available that funding. Obviously, we are going through a budget process, and future years’ commitments will be the subject of announcements by the Deputy First Minister. However, I can say to Mr Griffin that we value the approach that has been taken by a number of faith organisations around the country. We will evaluate the success of the pilot and identify what future support can be provided, and that will be considered as part of the budget process.
Accident and Emergency (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)
The First Minister will be aware of a letter from A and E consultants in Glasgow warning that patient harm has become a “daily reality”. They said that corridor care is normalised, patients are being moved from resuscitation areas far too early and other patients are waiting 24 hours to be admitted to wards. It has been a year since the Healthcare Improvement Scotland report into A and E and conditions are still continuing to deteriorate. In the light of the damning statistics that were published today on long waits at A and E—that is before we have even got to the winter peak—does the First Minister believe that the Scottish Government’s response, which is that
“it is an operational matter”
for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, is adequate for those circumstances?
It is an operational matter for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and that is where engagement with clinicians needs to take place to ensure that the concerns that have been raised by clinicians are properly and fully addressed. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care has discussed those issues with Healthcare Improvement Scotland. As I answered in my response to Amanda Bland’s question, issues that relate to A and E performance are a regular subject of discussion between the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care and me, and the national health service leadership, so that we can ensure that higher standards of performance are being delivered.
Some measures have been taken by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, such as expanding access to services as an alternative to presentation at A and E. That measure has recently been put in place with regard to the Cardonald walk-in clinic, which is in close proximity to the Queen Elizabeth university hospital. A range of measures have been taken, but I want to ensure that the staff are being engaged with substantially in order to address the concerns that they have raised.
Dalzell Steel Plant
Ten years ago, the Scottish Government helped Sanjeev Gupta to buy the Dalzell steel plant, but the warning signs have been blaring ever since. There has been a two-year gap in production, pensions have not been paid since July and financial accounts have not been published for four years. We now hear reports that Mr Gupta is about to put the plant into administration. What will it take for the Scottish Government to intervene to save the plant?
Mr Rennie asks what it will take for the Government to intervene to save the plant. The Government intervened to save the plant 10 years ago, and Mr Rennie has spent years criticising us for doing exactly that. Mr Rennie knows that I have the utmost respect for him, but it is just a bit rich for him to come to the Parliament and demand that we intervene to save a plant when he has spent years criticising us for intervening to save it.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport is heavily engaged in discussions on the Dalzell plant to ensure that our motivation 10 years ago, which was to save employment, jobs and the plant, can be maintained 10 years later. I understand unreservedly the concerns that have been raised about GFG Alliance, Sanjeev Gupta and his conduct, but the Government acted in good faith 10 years ago to protect jobs, and I will make no apology to the Parliament for doing that.
I assure Mr Rennie that we will apply ourselves to try to find a solution and will work closely with the United Kingdom Government to try to address the concerns that have been raised. That is what the Government does on all occasions, but, as is obvious from the debate on this issue, that does not always attract universal support or agreement in the Parliament.
Stranraer East Pier (Regeneration)
This November marks 15 years since the ferries left Stranraer. When the now First Minister was the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, the Scottish Government committed to supporting Stranraer through the three Rs: roads, rail and regeneration. However, the east pier remains derelict. The South of Scotland Destination Alliance has now developed an ambitious vision to transform the future of the east pier that has received cross-party support. Will the First Minister meet the SSDA in Stranraer to discuss how the promises that were made almost a generation ago by the Scottish National Party Government to regenerate the pier can now be honoured?
We seem to be finding agreement on the definition of a generation nowadays. Mr Stephen Kerr helpfully gave some confirmation of the definition of a generation a few weeks ago, and now Senga Beresford has added to that. I am delighted that we are now reaching consensus. All that we need is for Jackie Baillie to add to the party and it will be complete.
On a serious note, I understand the issues that Senga Beresford has raised about Stranraer. I understand that a range of plans have been developed to support that development, and my recollection indicates to me that financial commitments have been made to parts of those proposals. I will happily ask the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport to engage with the group and to establish what further assistance we can put in place to try to advance the legitimate interests of people in Stranraer in seeing an improvement in the aftermath of the change to the location of the ferries.
Having been in the area recently, I know that there is a lot of private sector investment and buoyancy coming into the community, which I welcome. The development of the facilities would assist in reinforcing that progress.
That concludes questions to the First Minister from back benchers. I will allow a couple of minutes for members on the front benches to change places.
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