Question reference: S6W-23754
- Asked by: Mercedes Villalba, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 13 December 2023
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Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 9 January 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any impact of the reported 40% real-terms reduction to NatureScot's funding since 2010-11 on the agency’s ability to carry out its statutory duties.
Answer
The Scottish Government works closely with NatureScot on its development of corporate and annual operating plans and Ministers meet regularly to discuss progress. This assessment process is therefore continual and NatureScot is ultimately accountable to the Scottish Parliament.
We continue to work with all of our public bodies to drive out efficiencies, finding new and better ways of working, creating best value for the Scottish taxpayer.
NatureScot, along with other environment bodies, has taken a leading role in recent years in leading Scotland’s response to the nature and climate emergencies. As a result, the organisation has managed significant additional project funding for peatlands, nature restoration, visitor management and more.
The budget settlement for 2024-25 announced on 19 December recognises the increasing level and quality of work being delivered by NatureScot which is why despite such challenging financial circumstances, NatureScot will benefit from an 8% uplift to its core funding, bringing its core budget to £63.2m in 2024-25.
More information on the budget announcement can be found here: Scottish Budget: 2024 to 2025 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)