Chamber and committees

I wrote to the Secretary of State for Scotland on 29 June. That letter provided an update on the Scottish Government’s plans for returning a revised UNCRC Bill to the Scottish Parliament; highlighted the loss of coverage for children’s rights that are a consequence of how we need to amend the compatibility duty in the Bill; and underlined the need for the UK Government to incorporate the UNCRC into UK law to give children and young people the protection they deserve.

The Secretary of State for Scotland responded on 14 August saying that the UK Government will consider the Bill in the usual way once it has completed its Parliamentary passage and that the UK Government is currently giving careful consideration to the Concluding Observations from the UK State Party’s Constructive Dialogue with the UN Committee. However, he gave no indication of the UK Government’s willingness to incorporate the UNCRC into UK law.

The letters have been shared with the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee who may decide to share these on their webpage.

Building safety is an issue the Scottish Government takes very seriously and we are fully aware of significant issues with some Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). A survey programme across NHS Scotland is underway, to be completed by November, so we can all fully understand the scope of RAAC. The Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion will be surveyed as part of this prioritised discovery survey programme. NHS Lothian will continue to manage their Estate to provide a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.

Firstly, I’d reiterate that the Scottish Government is absolutely committed to making improvements to the A96 and the current plan is to fully dual the route.

The significant interest in the transparent, evidence-based review’s initial consultation generated 11,000 options to improve the corridor and it is only right that these were fully appraised. 

Transport Scotland is pushing forward a robust appraisal of the sixteen retained options alongside a Climate Compatibility Assessment, with outcomes expected to be ready in the coming months for final public consultation, before a final decision can be reached.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) have today published the first results from Scotland’s Census 2022.

For more than 200 years Scotland has relied on the valuable data the census provides and it remains the best way to gather vital information about Scotland’s people that data users in the public, private and third sectors need.

Today’s publication represents an historic moment for Scotland with the largest population ever recorded by Scotland’s Census of 5.4 million. An increase of 2.7 % since the previous census in 2011.

Crucially, today’s publication also confirms that the growth in Scotland’s population has been driven by migration, with fewer births than deaths registered in Scotland since 2011. As outlined by the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice in last week’s Programme for Government, the Scottish Government remains committed to responding to the challenge of depopulation through the publication of an ‘Addressing Depopulation Action Plan’, which will consider how we and partners respond to the wide range of drivers impacting population decline within some of Scotland’s communities.

We will also be introducing our 'Talent Attraction and Migration Service', providing immigration information and advice to employers looking to attract talent to Scotland, as well as supporting people considering Scotland, from across the UK and abroad, as a place to live and work. Scotland has a large, established migrant community and I welcome the contribution new Scots are making, and continue to make, to our economy and society.

The census data released today also demonstrates how the makeup of our population is changing. There are more people in the older age groups than ever recorded in Scotland's Census. There are now over a quarter of a million people aged 65 and over than there are under 15. In contrast, just a few decades ago, results from the 1971 census showed there were twice as many people under 15 than over 65.

We know this shift is not unique to Scotland, with most mature global economies seeing similar trends. Recent censuses in the rest of the UK and in several other G7 countries showed that their populations are ageing too. Understanding these changes in the population will allow local authorities and the government to adapt vital public services to better meet the needs of those living and working in Scotland. The Scottish Government has stated our commitment to engage with the 'Older People’s Strategic Action Forum' to identify and develop solutions to barriers faced by older people. However, with the population living longer on average, it is also vital to recognise the role that older people will continue to play in our society and the ongoing opportunities this provides for us all.

Census data released today also shines a light on our shifting household patterns. Since 2011, there has been a household increase of 5.8% - higher than the increase in the population (2.7%). We know that older people are more likely to live alone or in smaller households and that there is a related trend towards smaller households and more households overall. This trend further demonstrates the importance of our plan to take forward the delivery of 'A Connected Scotland', launched March 2023, and our continued support for organisations through the 'Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund'.

Geographically, there is also a range of insightful trends across Scotland within the data. Most of the council areas in Scotland’s central belt saw increases in their populations, particularly those around Edinburgh. These increases were driven by migration from within Scotland and from elsewhere. Most of the council areas that saw a decrease in population are in the west or south west. These decreases were driven by a higher number of deaths than births between censuses.

Following today’s publication, NRS will publish further results from Scotland’s Census 2022 from spring 2024 onwards. In summer 2024, a series of topic data reports will provide new and unique insights into the characteristics of Scotland's people, including information on ethnicity, religion, the labour market, education and housing. For the first time, it will also include data on armed forces veterans, sexual orientation and trans status or history.

The information published from Scotland’s Census will help to shape Scotland for future generations and is a vital asset for the whole of Scotland. I urge all members to engage with the data from Scotland’s Census 2022 and further explore the fascinating insight it provides on Scotland’s population.

Information on future releases of Official Statistics by the Scottish Government can be accessed at: Official statistics: forthcoming publications - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) . This shows that publication of the next set of results for the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS) has been pre-announced for November 2023. This is consistent with the recent answer to question S6W-18049 on 2 June 2023, which stated that the next SCJS results would be published in the autumn. We will publicise the exact date in November through both the aforementioned document as well as through the Scotstat network. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21068 on 14 September 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

The Scottish Government does not routinely gather or centrally hold information on the total number and value of contracts awarded by executive agencies to consulting companies. As executive agencies have a degree of independence from central government information of this nature will be held more locally and can be attained by approaching the bodies directly.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of biodiversity and nature restoration, and the urgent need for action at home and abroad to tackle the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. This is why our Global Affairs Framework makes clear that Scotland will play its full role, engaging with international networks on biodiversity protection and nature restoration to make positive contributions and cooperate with others.

Our biodiversity strategy sets out our vision to be nature-positive, halting biodiversity loss by 2030 and reversing declines by 2045. Achieving these goals will require significant efforts and – as part of these – we will continue to implement our international obligations, engage with international partners to cooperate and share best practice, and actively participate in multilateral fora where possible.

As set out in the Programme for Government 2023-24, the Scottish Government has committed £3,03m in 2023-26 to progressing the National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care, which is expected to launch in October 2023.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21068 on‎ 14 September 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers