Chamber and committees

Public Health Scotland (PHS) releases statistics, as part of the monthly Stage of Treatment (SoT) publication, covering waits for new outpatient appointments under the 12-week standard, and for inpatient and day case admissions covered by the 12-week Treatment Time Guarantee (TTG). The latest statistics are published up to 31st July 2026 and can be found using the link below:

https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/stage-of-treatment-waiting-times/

Quality assured data relating to the number of additions and removals to the waiting list outside of Scotland for a new outpatient appointment, or for inpatient and day case admission, have been published since 31 December 2012 onwards and can be found using the links below.

https://publichealthscotland.scot/media/40088/newop_jul26-data-file-up-to-30-june-2026.xlsx

https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/media/40087/ipdc_jul26-data-file-up-to-30-june-2026.xlsx

It is important to note that there are minimal data quality checks carried out on the location of treatment. Neither Scottish Government or PHS hold accurate information on the number of referrals to NHS commissioned independent sector providers outside of Scotland.

Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), set out below, provides a breakdown of the domicile of students studying dentistry at Scottish universities, rounded to the nearest 5. HESA have published Official Statistics up to 2024-25, with 2025-26 data to be published in the winter.

The Programme for Government set out our commitment to a three month period of intensive dialogue with partners in local government, across Parliament, and with stakeholders including representatives from local communities, to agree a clear and shared direction for the future of local governance in Scotland. As part of this process, Ministers are keen to engage with a wide range of stakeholders who may wish to come forward with proposals that deliver on our public service reform ambitions.

This period of dialogue began with the publication of the Programme for Government on 1 September. It will build on discussions already undertaken on the need for reform and will help ensure real and lasting improvements to public services. As part of this process, the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and I attended a special meeting of COSLA Leaders on 11 September 2026 to discuss the Programme for Government's commitments on reform to our public services.

As part of this process Ministers are keen to engage with a wide range of stakeholders who may wish to come forward with proposals that deliver on our Public Service Reform ambitions.

When procuring and managing contracts Procurement Services ensures compliance with all legal requirements and procurement principles including in relation to employment and modern slavery. Our conditions of contract require all SPCB contractors to comply with Environmental, Social and Labour Law obligations and allow for immediate termination in the case of failure to comply with these obligations. Where suitable, we use collaborative agreements placed by the Scottish Government to benefit from economies of scale; these agreements also contain clauses requiring compliance with the law. Procurement Services continues to monitor and comply with Scottish and UK Government guidance and advice in this area.

Ministers and officials undertaking overseas travel are required to ensure that such travel represents value for money, supports the delivery of government priorities and complies with the Scottish Ministerial Code and relevant Scottish Government travel policies. Decisions on international engagement are based on the anticipated benefits to Scotland rather than the cost of any single journey in isolation.

The First Minister's visit to the United States took place during Scotland's first FIFA World Cup appearance in 28 years and provided an excellent opportunity to advance the four priorities of Scotland's International Strategy: economy, climate, equality and stronger international relationships. The programme secured engagement with investors, promoted Scotland's export and investment opportunities, strengthened political, academic and cultural partnerships, supported key sectors including food and drink and clean energy, and helped maximise the significant international profile generated by Scotland's participation in the tournament.

This has become more important in the aftermath of the UK leaving the European Union. That has left the UK more isolated, made business more difficult, removed rights from UK citizens and costing taxpayers tens of billions of pounds. That has had a significant impact on Scottish institutions, businesses and citizens making our international engagement vital as one of the means of seeking to overcome some of that damage.

The Scottish Government recognises the vital role that independent and community sector care at home providers play in delivering high-quality care and support across Scotland.

As social care reforms are developed and implemented, we will continue to engage closely with providers, people with lived experience, local government and other partners to explore opportunities to create a more cohesive, sustainable and effective social care system. The Scottish Government is approaching this work with an open mind and no specific measures have been ruled in or out at this stage.

Consideration of how best to support a diverse, sustainable provider landscape, including independent and community sector providers, will be considered as part of this ongoing work. Any specific measures will be considered as reform proposals are developed.

The Scottish Government does not hold this information. Workforce management and deployment are operational matters for the Chief Constable, with oversight by the Scottish Police Authority.

The Scottish Government committed to begin engagement on the Rural Renewal Bill within our first 100 Days, commencing on 18 June as the First Minister announced at the Royal Highland Show. Over the summer we have engaged with people, communities and organisations across rural Scotland to understand priorities and experiences.

Consultation will continue to take place throughout the Bill process. The Government’s future legislative programme will be announced as part of the Programme for Government.

Universities are autonomous institutions that are responsible for their own admission procedures, including offer-making, and the Scottish Government therefore does not hold the information requested.

Places at Scottish dental schools are highly sought after with applications far exceeding places, and the selection process is extremely competitive. An assessment of UCAS published data suggests the numbers of Scottish-domiciled students leaving Scotland to study dentistry are very low, with UCAS data showing that in 2025, only 15 Scottish students aged 18 and under left Scotland to study either Medicine or Dentistry.

The Scottish Government is committed to engaging collaboratively with local government, providers, people with lived experience, the workforce, trade unions and other key partners as this work develops.

The arrangements for this dialogue, including how different stakeholders will participate, are currently being developed. The Scottish Government recognises the important contribution that providers of all sizes, including small and micro care at home providers and community organisations, make to the delivery of care and support across Scotland, and will consider how relevant voices can be reflected as plans for engagement are finalised.