Chamber and committees

Our population strategy, published in 2021, includes a more balanced population component, which is focused on a sustainably distributed population. Localised population growth has been discussed at the joint Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities population round-table meeting, which includes representatives from all local authorities.

The ministerial population task force has considered exploratory research about the factors that drive population growth and its impact on public service planning and delivery.

At a future round-table meeting, we expect COSLA to bring forward an overview of local challenges that stem from population growth to inform the work of the task force and further collaborative delivery of the population strategy.

I thank Christine Grahame for putting her question on the tensions that are faced in the areas that she represents.

Each local authority receives its fair share of the total funding that is provided by the Scottish Government. The needs-based distribution methodology is kept under constant review and is agreed each year with COSLA on behalf of local authorities. Although the formula takes into account a range of factors, it is primarily based on population. It follows that, all other factors being equal, if the population of a council area grows faster than those of other local authority areas, it will receive an increased share of the available funding.

The Scottish Government is always open to suggestions to improve the funding formula. However, the proposals must come through COSLA in the first instance, as is correct.

I confirm that the Scottish Government received the final evaluation of the fund to leave pilot from Scottish Women’s Aid in August 2024. That will inform a wider assessment of the pilot, which will consider how it delivered against its objectives, how it improved housing outcomes for women and/or prevented their homelessness and what lessons were learned during it.

The assessment stage is near completion, and we will then be in a position to set out the next steps.

I thank Finlay Carson for highlighting the plight of women who are facing such atrocious circumstances in the face of domestic violence. Our delivering equally safe fund is providing £7 million this year to local women’s aid groups to support services for women and children. We have introduced provisions in the Housing (Scotland) Bill that, if passed, will put a duty on social landlords to develop and implement a domestic abuse policy outlining how they will support their tenants who are at risk of homelessness, including by protecting the rights of women to stay safe in their own homes. We will work closely with the housing and violence against women and girls sectors to develop statutory guidance to accompany that duty.

As I referred to in my previous answer, as soon as the assessment stage is completed, I will be in a better position to update Finlay Carson and everyone else.

I thank the cabinet secretary for bringing this debate to the chamber and I welcome members’ contributions, which underline our unwavering support for Ukraine and its people. I also welcome the members of the AUGB Edinburgh community who are in the public gallery.

As we sit in this chamber of democracy, it is almost incomprehensible to envisage the atrocities that are being inflicted on the Ukrainian people as a result of Putin’s aggression. We watch the news daily and see the heartbreaking impact of war on families and communities. We are in absolute admiration of the Ukrainian people’s bravery and resilience in their fight for sovereignty, freedom and democracy. The people of Scotland are united and we stand with Ukraine, as we do with all those who seek refuge within our borders.

I will take a moment to respond to the comments of my colleagues around the chamber. I listened carefully to Meghan Gallacher, who eloquently reminded us of the plight of the children and the fact that, for generations, they will be recovering from the trauma of their lost education, childhood and hope. On her comments about the supersponsor scheme, I remind members that current visa holders can apply for an 18-month extension through the Ukraine permission extension scheme, which provides Ukrainians with potentially up to four and a half years of residency in the UK. The scheme will open to applications in early 2025.

Paul O’Kane commented on the importance of a collaborative and cohesive cross-governmental response. I agree with that and we will continue in that spirit with the new UK Government.

Patrick Harvie was right to highlight the need to change the narrative around refugees and asylum seekers from being about their burden to being about our privilege. That was very well put.

With regard to his comments regarding a letter that he and Ross Greer sent to the First Minister on 14 August, the First Minister replied to Patrick Harvie on 18 September to clarify the Scottish Government’s constraints. We cannot impose a blanket ban on Scottish Government support based solely on the fact that companies are on the UN database. Additionally, the letter clarified that no two conflicts are identical and that we have to take decisions against the specific circumstances.

I thank Colin Beattie for his work as convener of the CPG and I thank all of its members. I also thank him for highlighting the efforts of the Scottish Government in supporting Ukrainians by opening not only our hearts but our country. As other members have mentioned, since the war began, 27,000 Ukrainians have been sponsored in Scotland either by individuals or by the Government—twice as many per capita as have been sponsored in other parts of the UK.

My colleagues Alexander Stewart, Foysol Choudhury, Stephen Kerr, Alex Cole-Hamilton and Edward Mountain highlighted beautifully the spirit and resilience of Ukrainians and re-emphasised our standing with Ukraine against Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and its people.

Claire Baker highlighted the role of churches, which I thought was particularly poignant. It is something that we often forget to mention. As places of sanctuary, it is natural that churches would open doors for communities to congregate, get support and solace, and reduce social isolation at times of need.

She also commented on the war of communications and the value of having trusted sources of reporting and journalism. I pay tribute to the journalists who work day in, day out to bring us accurate information, often putting their own lives at risk.

Karen Adam eloquently reminded us of the experiences of the people who remain in Ukraine and their humanitarian efforts for their neighbours in the middle of war zones.

Nicola Sturgeon reminded us of her welcome and very respected part in the supersponsor scheme. I emphasise the cabinet secretary’s comments on the reopening of the scheme, which remains under review. We carried out the latest review in July 2024, and we keep that open. There are seven criteria to make sure that, if we reopen the scheme, it is safe and deliverable.

I was glad to hear the stories of positive impacts that people from Ukraine have had on communities across Scotland. We have also heard of the challenges that are faced regarding qualifications and recognition of skills. I was reminded of, and will share a story about, a recent visit to a community centre in Ardrishaig, known locally as the egg shed, where I had the opportunity to meet a truly impressive lady from Ukraine. Like so many, her career was disrupted when she fled the war. In her case, she was a qualified teacher—but there is no bias there. However, once settled in Scotland, she was able to eventually continue her career, first working as a classroom assistant in a local school, before becoming a fully registered qualified teacher with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. She is now making a real impact in her community by not only helping inquisitive young Scottish minds but supporting the 12 Ukrainian children in that local school.

It is heartening to hear how those who have fled from Ukraine as a result of war are helping to shape our community and our workplaces. Their contribution to our economy, our cultural heritage and our communities supports Scotland as an inclusive, innovative and welcoming nation.

Ben Macpherson noted the forthcoming remembrance day. In a few days, on 1 October, the people of Ukraine will face a solemn day known as defenders day. It is a national day of remembrance for those members of the Ukrainian armed forces who have fallen, as well as a celebration of their veterans. I am honoured to share that I have been invited to take part in the defenders day service this Sunday, representing the Scottish Government, alongside members of the Ukrainian community at Glasgow cathedral.

I remind everybody that it is always a privilege to join our new Scots to not just share in moments of cultural and historic significance and take part in celebrations, but support one another through moments of remembrance and reflection. It feels pertinent that, ahead of a weekend when Ukraine reflects on those who have been lost and the great many sacrifices that have been made in the name of democracy, today, the Scottish Parliament stands together and says with one voice, “We stand with Ukraine and we stand with all those who need us.” [Applause.]

I thank the cabinet secretary for bringing this debate to the chamber and I welcome members’ contributions, which underline our unwavering support for Ukraine and its people. I also welcome the members of the AUGB Edinburgh community who are in the public gallery.

As we sit in this chamber of democracy, it is almost incomprehensible to envisage the atrocities that are being inflicted on the Ukrainian people as a result of Putin’s aggression. We watch the news daily and see the heartbreaking impact of war on families and communities. We are in absolute admiration of the Ukrainian people’s bravery and resilience in their fight for sovereignty, freedom and democracy. The people of Scotland are united and we stand with Ukraine, as we do with all those who seek refuge within our borders.

I will take a moment to respond to the comments of my colleagues around the chamber. I listened carefully to Meghan Gallacher, who eloquently reminded us of the plight of the children and the fact that, for generations, they will be recovering from the trauma of their lost education, childhood and hope. On her comments about the supersponsor scheme, I remind members that current visa holders can apply for an 18-month extension through the Ukraine permission extension scheme, which provides Ukrainians with potentially up to four and a half years of residency in the UK. The scheme will open to applications in early 2025.

Paul O’Kane commented on the importance of a collaborative and cohesive cross-governmental response. I agree with that and we will continue in that spirit with the new UK Government.

Patrick Harvie was right to highlight the need to change the narrative around refugees and asylum seekers from being about their burden to being about our privilege. That was very well put.

With regard to his comments regarding a letter that he and Ross Greer sent to the First Minister on 14 August, the First Minister replied to Patrick Harvie on 18 September to clarify the Scottish Government’s constraints. We cannot impose a blanket ban on Scottish Government support based solely on the fact that companies are on the UN database. Additionally, the letter clarified that no two conflicts are identical and that we have to take decisions against the specific circumstances.

I thank Colin Beattie for his work as convener of the CPG and I thank all of its members. I also thank him for highlighting the efforts of the Scottish Government in supporting Ukrainians by opening not only our hearts but our country. As other members have mentioned, since the war began, 27,000 Ukrainians have been sponsored in Scotland either by individuals or by the Government—twice as many per capita as have been sponsored in other parts of the UK.

My colleagues Alexander Stewart, Foysol Choudhury, Stephen Kerr, Alex Cole-Hamilton and Edward Mountain highlighted beautifully the spirit and resilience of Ukrainians and re-emphasised our standing with Ukraine against Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and its people.

Claire Baker highlighted the role of churches, which I thought was particularly poignant. It is something that we often forget to mention. As places of sanctuary, it is natural that churches would open doors for communities to congregate, get support and solace, and reduce social isolation at times of need.

She also commented on the war of communications and the value of having trusted sources of reporting and journalism. I pay tribute to the journalists who work day in, day out to bring us accurate information, often putting their own lives at risk.

Karen Adam eloquently reminded us of the experiences of the people who remain in Ukraine and their humanitarian efforts for their neighbours in the middle of war zones.

Nicola Sturgeon reminded us of her welcome and very respected part in the supersponsor scheme. I emphasise the cabinet secretary’s comments on the reopening of the scheme, which remains under review. We carried out the latest review in July 2024, and we keep that open. There are seven criteria to make sure that, if we reopen the scheme, it is safe and deliverable.

I was glad to hear the stories of positive impacts that people from Ukraine have had on communities across Scotland. We have also heard of the challenges that are faced regarding qualifications and recognition of skills. I was reminded of, and will share a story about, a recent visit to a community centre in Ardrishaig, known locally as the egg shed, where I had the opportunity to meet a truly impressive lady from Ukraine. Like so many, her career was disrupted when she fled the war. In her case, she was a qualified teacher—but there is no bias there. However, once settled in Scotland, she was able to eventually continue her career, first working as a classroom assistant in a local school, before becoming a fully registered qualified teacher with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. She is now making a real impact in her community by not only helping inquisitive young Scottish minds but supporting the 12 Ukrainian children in that local school.

It is heartening to hear how those who have fled from Ukraine as a result of war are helping to shape our community and our workplaces. Their contribution to our economy, our cultural heritage and our communities supports Scotland as an inclusive, innovative and welcoming nation.

Ben Macpherson noted the forthcoming remembrance day. In a few days, on 1 October, the people of Ukraine will face a solemn day known as defenders day. It is a national day of remembrance for those members of the Ukrainian armed forces who have fallen, as well as a celebration of their veterans. I am honoured to share that I have been invited to take part in the defenders day service this Sunday, representing the Scottish Government, alongside members of the Ukrainian community at Glasgow cathedral.

I remind everybody that it is always a privilege to join our new Scots to not just share in moments of cultural and historic significance and take part in celebrations, but support one another through moments of remembrance and reflection. It feels pertinent that, ahead of a weekend when Ukraine reflects on those who have been lost and the great many sacrifices that have been made in the name of democracy, today, the Scottish Parliament stands together and says with one voice, “We stand with Ukraine and we stand with all those who need us.” [Applause.]

I, too, would like to mark the passing of Councillor McLean, who was a councillor in my Glasgow Kelvin constituency and a friend.

The Scottish Government has engaged with LGBT Youth Scotland to determine the facts around the recent media reports and we have determined that no further action is needed at this stage. I refer the member to LGBT Youth Scotland’s recent statement, which reinforces how it has strengthened its safeguarding policies over the past five years to ensure that they are in line with legislation and meet national standards. The organisation continues to review its safeguarding polices annually to ensure that they are as comprehensive as possible.

The member has raised several points that I am not able to answer in such a short time. However, I would be happy to put further comments in writing.

We are committed to advancing equality and supporting LGBTQI+ young people, including through funding of LGBT Youth Scotland. That is particularly important at a time when we are seeing a rise in attacks against the LGBTQI+ community.

I point out that LGBT Youth Scotland is not under any criminal investigation. Recent media reports related to a convicted individual who was a young person when he attended the charity in 2009 but was not a volunteer or a paid employee.

I thank Emma Roddick for the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to doing everything that we can to ensure that Scotland is the best place to grow up for LGBTQI+ young people. As I said, that is particularly important as we are seeing a rise in attacks against that community.

We are providing £290,870-worth of funding to LGBT Youth Scotland for 2024-25, through our equality and human rights fund, to deliver a range of projects to support LGBTQI+ young people. We have also made significant progress in embedding LGBTQI+ inclusive education across the curriculum, rather than in specific LGBTQI+ lessons, to improve the learning environment for all children and young people.

I greatly value the expertise and advocacy provided by disabled people’s organisations including Glasgow Disability Alliance. We are absolutely committed to improving the lives of disabled people and furthering disability equality, and we will continue to work closely with them on the disability equality plan, which is aimed at tackling systemic barriers that affect the daily lives of disabled people.

We have already delivered progress by reopening the independent living fund to new applicants for the first time since 2010, investing £5 million of our equality and human rights fund to improve outcomes for disabled people, and working with energy suppliers on the co-design of a social tariff for energy.