Chamber and committees

Strategic objectives for the Bond Programme were published in December 2023. These are:

1. To ensure the Scottish Government can access diverse and cost-effective sources of capital funding and enhance Scotland’s fiscal sustainability;

2. To raise Scotland’s profile to financial investors; and

3. To develop Scotland’s institutions and fiscal disciplines.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-02130 on 17 August 2026. 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.

All proceeds from a future bond issuance would be used exclusively for capital investment in line with the capital borrowing powers outlined in the Fiscal Framework agreement between the Scottish and UK Governments.

The Scottish Government is working closely with its appointed bookrunners to assess market conditions and achieve the most favourable terms available.

Releasing information on the criteria underpinning a potential bond issuance prior to execution could prejudice the Government's position in the market. Such disclosure may shape investor expectations, constrain pricing flexibility and adversely affect the terms on which borrowing can be secured. To do so before a transaction has taken place could therefore risk higher costs to the taxpayer and poorer value for money.

The Scottish Government is responding to ongoing cost of living pressures being felt by households acros , and we are working towards a consultation on the price cap on essential food items within 100 days of this Government.

We continue to invest in free income maximisation support, welfare and debt advice and have maintained investment in the Scottish Welfare Fund, at £41 million this year, alongside £25.5 million of additional investment over the previous two years, helping ensure the Fund remains a vital safety net for households.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01604 on 22 July 2026. 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.

There are already extensive permitted development rights for mobile telecommunications infrastructure. These facilitate the deployment of such infrastructure across Scotland without the need for a planning application. The permitted development rights were significantly extended in 2020 following public consultation.

There are no specific plans to further amend the existing permitted development rights at the current time. However, the Scottish Government is engaging with stakeholders to explore how the planning system can act as an enabler of economic growth and investment. This engagement will inform the scope of this Government’s planning reform programme

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01602 on 22 July 2026. 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.

Helping people with the cost of living is a top priority of this government and we will be taking forward a full consultation on this proposal within the first 100 days. Potential unintended consequences are and mitigations being fully considered as part of the policy development process, informed by engagement and consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01602 on 22 July 2026. 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.