Questions and answers

Question reference: S6W-41351

Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison on 11 November 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how much the increase in employer national insurance contributions will cost the business sector in Scotland in the financial year 2025-26.

Scottish Government analysis shows that changes to employer National Insurance Contributions will disproportionately impact on businesses in industries such as hospitality where almost 4,000 jobs have been lost since March, hitting lower paid and part-time staff. Additional analysis suggests that the increase will result in an average additional cost of £850 per employee, with total costs per affected business estimated at approximately £24,500.

Question reference: S6W-41349

Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison on 11 November 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how much the increase in employer national insurance contributions will cost each local authority in Scotland in the financial year 2025-26.

The Scottish Government have published an estimated increase of £240 million for local authorities in Scotland in the financial year 2025–2026, following the UK Government’s hike in employer National Insurance Contributions. This estimate was provided by COSLA, and includes teachers.

The Scottish Government have provided record funding of over £15.1 billion through the Local Government Settlement, including £144 million to specifically contribute to the increased cost of employer National Insurance Contributions.

This government has consistently made the case to the UK Government to fully fund the additional costs to public services of its increase in employer National Insurance contributions. Despite our calls for full reimbursement, it’s clear that the support to meet these costs from the UK Government will fall over £400 million short of what is required.

Question reference: S6W-41350

Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison on 11 November 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how much the increase in employer national insurance contributions will cost the third sector in Scotland in the financial year 2025-26.

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has estimated that the UK Government’s hike in employer National Insurance will cost Scottish voluntary organisations £75 million per year.

This government has consistently made the case to the UK Government to fully fund the additional costs to public services of its increase in employer National Insurance contributions. This includes the vital services provided by third sector organisations. Despite our calls for full reimbursement, it’s clear that the support to meet these costs from the UK Government will fall over £400 million short of what is required.

Question reference: S6W-41347

Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison on 11 November 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how much the increase in employer national insurance contributions will cost each integration joint board in Scotland in the financial year 2025-26.

We are engaging with the Integration Joint Boards and COSLA to understand the cost impact caused by the UK Government’s hike in employer National Insurance contributions.

This government has consistently made the case to the UK Government to fully fund the additional costs to public services of its increase in employer National Insurance contributions. Despite our calls for full reimbursement, it’s clear that the support to meet these costs from the UK Government will fall over £400 million short of what is required.

Question reference: S6W-41348

Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison on 11 November 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how much the increase in employer national insurance contributions will cost each NHS board in Scotland in the financial year 2025-26.

We are engaging with NHS boards and COSLA to understand the cost impact caused by the UK Government’s hike in employer National Insurance.

This government has consistently made the case to the UK Government to fully fund the additional costs to public services of its increase in employer National Insurance contributions. Despite our calls for full reimbursement, it’s clear that the support to meet these costs from the UK Government will fall over £400 million short of what is required.

Question reference: S6O-05151

Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 05 November 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 13 November 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has revised the funding model for higher and further education and apprenticeships, to ensure it reflects current requirements.

Question reference: S6O-05102

Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 5 November 2025

To ask the Scottish Government how it will determine where the 15 pilots for the planned GP walk-in centres will be located.

Question reference: S6O-05083

Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 30 October 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on when the Heads of Terms agreement for the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour from Peel Ports will be signed.

Question reference: S6O-05019

Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 2 October 2025

To ask the Scottish Government, as part of the work of its Ministerial Population Taskforce, what action it will undertake to support people to have larger families, should they want more children.

Question reference: S6O-04951

Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 18 September 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with ScotRail regarding an increase to the service frequency on the Largs to Glasgow Central route.

Chamber and committees