I am sorry that I missed that.

The cost of living crisis has had a significant impact on the culture sector, specifically on infrastructure and maintenance, with increased costs being compounded by disrupted supply chains. We are having to work within the most challenging budget that has been delivered under devolution. The situation is particularly acute in our capital budget, with the block grant for capital funding expected to reduce by 8.7 per cent in real terms between 2023-24 and 2027-28. That will be a cumulative loss of more than £1.3 billion, based on the latest forecast after the spring statement.

The scale of the challenge should be obvious to everybody. That does not mean that we will not try to be as supportive as we can be, but the level of constraint needs to be better understood.

I acknowledge Paul Sweeney’s sincere interest in the matter, which is a concern for members across Glasgow. The Scottish Government was involved in discussions that were held yesterday on funding for the Glasgow Citizens Theatre. If we can participate in other fora in order to secure a solution to the funding challenges, I am open to those, and I am happy to discuss the matter further with Paul Sweeney.

As part of normal management relations with directly funded public bodies, Scottish Government officials regularly meet Creative Scotland, with the latest meeting having taken place on 18 June. I last met Creative Scotland on 22 May, and my next meeting is scheduled for next Monday.

I am happy to give Mr Balfour that undertaking. The timing of his question is very good—if he wishes to get in touch with me before Monday, I will be happy to raise that issue. I am aware that services that are provided by the likes of Euan’s Guide are very helpful for people with disabilities in allowing them to better understand which facilities are accessible. I give Mr Balfour a commitment that, if he gets in touch with me before Monday, I will raise the issue that he has raised in the Parliament today.

The Scottish Government is not considering any reduction in funding to the arts sector. The First Minister has reaffirmed the commitment to growing investment in culture and screen by £100 million over the coming years. We want to ensure that people who are motivated to realise their aspirations of a career in the creative sector are supported to do so. A wide range of support is already in place and being delivered by our agencies, including Creative Scotland, Screen Scotland and the enterprise agencies.

The distribution of humanitarian aid to Gaza could be more efficient and effective if Palestine were universally recognised as an independent state, because that would facilitate more robust diplomatic relations and establish clear legal frameworks for the operation of international agencies. It could also provide a Palestinian state with more control over its borders and open the door for direct development aid and investment from other countries.

We will continue to push the next UK Government to use its influence to bring about an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unfettered access for humanitarian aid going into Gaza.

The Scottish Government has been in regular discussion with Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre regarding the future of the redevelopment project and the significant challenges that it is facing. We have invested £6 million in the redevelopment, in recognition of the importance of the Citizens Theatre as one of Scotland’s leading cultural institutions both locally, through its community engagement in Glasgow, and internationally. Sadly, since it got under way, the project has been hit by an unprecedented combination of events, from Brexit to the pandemic to high inflation costs, following the war in Ukraine, which has led to soaring costs.

I thank Annie Wells for her timely question. Only yesterday, there was a meeting of funders that are involved in the project. I assure her that the people who sat around that table are extremely committed to Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre. On the other hand, we all need to be aware and have an understanding of the scale of the financial challenge that is faced.

The Scottish Government has sought clarification on the shortfall that exists. I know that there has been an issue to do with accessing levelling up funding during the election period. Everybody is very invested in trying to find a solution, but I put on the record our recognition of the seriousness of the challenge that is faced by the Citizens Theatre and of the fact that a significant financial gap remains.

Sarah Boyack is aware of the normal Scottish Government funding procedures that take place in the Parliament. The Government has already committed to a £15.8 million uplift in this financial year and to providing an additional £25 million next year. Discussions with Creative Scotland and the rest of the sector about additional financial support will continue.

I would be delighted to have the support of other political parties for the £100 million uplift in culture funding. That stands in contrast with the decline in funding in England under the United Kingdom Conservative Party and the cut to funding for culture and the arts in Wales by the Labour Party.