Chamber and committees

The 2025-26 budget for Health and Social Care provides record funding of £21.7 billion and whilst service delivery remains the responsibility of receiving partnerships, the Scottish Government has continued its investment of £3.5 million per annum, to be used to enhance access to dementia Post-Diagnostic Support services. This funding is allocated in accordance with the standard NRAC formula and thereafter each IJB will receive delegated funds from the relevant Health Board.

Commissioned by the Scottish Government, the 2025-26 independent evaluation of dementia Post-Diagnostic Support will work closely with Health and Social Care Partnerships and those with lived experience to evidence the value and impact of Post-Diagnostic Support to date, helping to inform future policy, service planning and practice.

This is one of a number of strands of work being undertaken to improve the dementia experience, and people’s access to appropriate services and supports. As part of the first 2-Year Delivery Plan for the Dementia Strategy for Scotland, we have aimed to:

• Increase access to support following a diagnosis. That includes investment of £4.35m this year to increase direct support to dementia community groups and settings across Scotland, and to continue efforts to increase the number of people who benefit from our commitment to 12 months’ Post-Diagnostic Support.

• Build the understanding and evidence we need to make the changes necessary to improve people’s dementia experience. That includes working with research, academia and national partners to build a comprehensive understanding of who is providing them care and support (and the skills and education they need), enhancing the data we have on how many people are living with a diagnosis and accessing support, and commissioning evaluations on future service delivery.

• Challenge people’s preconceptions of dementia. That includes a national Rethink Dementia campaign that saw over 73% of those engaged commit to continue to be there for those in their lives receiving a diagnosis, and how this can help them stay well for longer, and taking forward efforts to understand how we can promote the link between healthier lifestyles and reducing your dementia risk.

Despite this, I recognise the challenges that Health and Social Care Partnerships are facing in balancing budgets during current financial pressures.

Whilst the Scottish Government has overall responsibility for health and social care support policy in Scotland, it is for local authorities and health boards to work with the Health and Social Care Partnerships to ensure that social care support services are in place to provide people with the appropriate support. The Scottish Government does however expect that whenever changes are set to take place, all stakeholders are consulted and that services continue to offer the necessary support required.