Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-30519 on 4 November 2024. 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

It is the Scottish Government’s understanding that ScotRail has adjusted its proposals to take account of feedback from its previous consultation, including consideration of equalities impact assessments. This is an operational matter for ScotRail as the train operating company and the Member may wish to contact ScotRail directly.

ScotRail advises, it currently has no plans to increase service levels at Carstairs. ScotRail monitors passenger demand closely and wherever possible, adjusts service levels where it is required.

The option of a separate freight-only service to and from Islay has been considered. However, the Government is investing in two new vessels for Islay that will, together, provide 55% more space for Heavy Goods Vehicles than the two current vessels and are expected to meet growing demand in the coming years. We will continue to consider and discuss with key stakeholders provision of freight-only options which balance the roles and responsibilities of business and government.

Projected spending on the National Care Service up to 2032 is focused on strategic improvement of the sector, including improving standards for our workforce. The NCS Board will improve oversight, accountability and transparency on the delivery of integrated health and social care across Scotland. Allowing for greater consistency across local areas and helping frontline workers deliver their services to the best of their ability. We have already implemented Fair Work measures, including paying our commissioned social care workforce at least the real living wage of £12 an hour from April 2024 and improving standards through the NCS will make the sector a more attractive career.

There are currently no imminent plans to make any further amendments to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) system, following the amended Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) regulations which were introduced in November 2021.

The Scottish Government will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders including the local authority sector, Police Scotland and business and active travel representatives to understand any issues that arise from the various road order processes.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-30701 on 4 November 2024. 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 welcomed Transport Focus’ objection to the Department for Transport’s proposals to close the vast majority of its tickets office. It is equally welcome that these draconian proposals were subsequently dropped by the DfT. Unlike this situation, there are no plans to close any ScotRail ticket offices.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-30519 on 4 November 2024. 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

ScotRail has adjusted its proposals to take account of feedback from its previous consultation. It’s important to note that Ticket Office opening hours haven’t changed for 33 years while ticket office sales over that period have reduced from 78% to 14%.