Chamber and committees

Scottish Government is committed to minimising disruption to scheduled surgeries and is working in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD) and NHS Boards to ensure appropriate clinical pathways are in place to meet demand, and ensure patients are seen at the right place, right time.

I refer the member to the answer to the question S6W-33259 on 11 February 2025. 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

Where a patient deemed ready for discharge refuses to leave hospital, there is a clearly defined procedure in place:

In addition to existing policies in place that address situations where patients who are deemed ready for discharge refuse to leave hospital, the Scottish Government continues to meet with NHS Boards to understand what actions can be taken to inform policy development and seek assurances on the implementation of Discharge without Delay and Home First principles, and reduce instances of patients refusing to leave hospital after being deemed fit for discharge.

Scottish Water publishes details of interest paid in its annual report and accounts, routinely laid in Parliament, and available online at https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Document-Hub/Key-Publications/Annual-Reports.

Discounts, exemptions and reductions for household water and sewerage charges are funded by the wider household customer base.

Roughly 50% of households receive a discount on the published rates. These include status discounts which apply to Council Tax (e.g. single occupant) and reductions for those in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. This helps to ensure that charges remain progressive and protect those on the lowest incomes.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that 20 mph speed limits are implemented on all appropriate roads by the end of 2025.

All local authorities are committed to meeting the 2025 deadline and have developed their own plans designating their own streets and £4m has been provided to 21 local authorities this financial year to aid implementation. Transport Scotland has issued national guidance to support local authorities with the roll-out of 20mph speed limits on appropriate roads.

Early feedback from Borders and Highland Councils, as early adopters, has been positive with a recognition by local communities that this initiative can significantly reduce road casualties, encourage sustainable travel, and foster safer, more vibrant communities.

I refer the member to the answer to the question S6W-34080 on 13 February 2025. 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 the question S6W-34080 on 13 February 2025. 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

Existing policies and practices are in place to address situations where patients who are deemed ready for discharge refuse to leave hospital.