Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-35936

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 14 March 2025
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Ivan McKee on 17 March 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to address skills in Scotland’s planning system and planning services.

I can advise Parliament, that today, I’m launching the roll out of a new National Planning Skills Commitment Plan. This involves a co-ordinated skills and recruitment drive for the planning sector, being led by the Scottish Government and underpinned by a partnership approach across the built and natural environment. Over 100 people, across almost 60 organisations, will collectively contribute to the delivery of the Commitment Plan.

Delivery will take place through a range of actions to be progressed for, and by, people from a broad range of sectors and interests. In supporting skills development, industry representatives are contributing their time and knowledge to participate. The Commitment Plan also adopts a more direct approach to recruitment to attract the next generation of planning professionals. That will include steps to help modernise the image and reputation of the planning profession, as a positive force for delivery of investment in the high quality development that Scotland needs now and for years to come.

Taking forward the committed actions, each month will have a dedicated theme for both skills development and recruitment. For example, in March 2025, housing is the key focus topic for training through webinars and hands-on learning. Meanwhile, to boost future recruitment, the Scottish Government is currently taking forward a Future Planners scheme, for 18 Post Graduates, and is about to launch an expanded Bursary programme, trebling the number from 10, last year, to 30 this year.

I believe that all sectors have a vital role to play in addressing the skills and capacity challenges in planning. Professionals are moving forward with a shared ambition to strengthen resilience across Scotland’s planning system and public services.

Details of the National Planning Skills Commitment Plan

https://www.ourplace.scot/resource/training-and-recruitment-opportunities.

Question reference: S6O-04471

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 March 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 20 March 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what support there is for the parents or guardians of children and young people with additional support needs who require a specific school placement.

Question reference: S6O-04385

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 26 February 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 5 March 2025

To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to further support Gaelic at a local level, in light of the announcement of North Lanarkshire’s first ever local Mòd, which will take place this September.

Question reference: S6W-34437

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 04 February 2025
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 24 February 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Scottish Assembly of Parents and Carers report, Parental Involvement Survey – Findings Report, which found that local authorities and the Scottish Government could provide more support to allow parents and guardians to be more involved in their child’s education.

The Scottish Government is committed to strengthening the involvement of parents and carers as we reform the education system, which is why we provided £60,310 of funding to the Scottish Assembly of Parents and Carers in 2024-25. We welcome the publication of this report and encourage all local authorities to meet their statutory duties to promote the involvement of parents, carers and families in their child’s learning as set out in the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006.

We continue to listen and work with stakeholders to ensure this engagement is further strengthened, which will remain a central focus of our work.

Question reference: S6O-04376

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 27 February 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support school pupils with dyslexia.

Question reference: S6W-35012

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 14 February 2025
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Angela Constance on 17 February 2025

To ask the Scottish Government how support for the social work profession will progress, following the decision not to proceed with part 1 of the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill.

We have agreed to establish a National Social Work Agency to support the social work profession. This will be an executive agency of the Scottish Government, and will be established by spring 2026.

The Feeley Review recommended a specific agency, and the social work sector and the workforce have told us change is urgently needed.

The National Social Work Agency will work in partnership with COSLA and Social Work Scotland, and wider sector partners. This is our opportunity to make a difference in our health and care system, to advance the social work profession and enhance support for people across our communities. We are committed to a skilled, supported and sustainable social work workforce in Scotland.

Question reference: S6W-34353

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 31 January 2025
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 13 February 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on plans to reduce the speed limit on most urban roads to 20mph.

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.

Question reference: S6O-04329

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 February 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 19 February 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the action that it is taking to support people with long COVID.

Question reference: S6O-04290

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 29 January 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 5 February 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the finance secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding infrastructure investment plans for the building of new schools, in light of the recent Audit Scotland report, which noted that further borrowing will be needed to invest in these.

Question reference: S6W-33972

Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 23 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress of the review of the home education guidance.

Scottish Government committed to reviewing the home education guidance in December 2019. This has now been updated following thorough consultation with stakeholders and the general public.

The updated guidance will be published on 23 January 2025 on the Government website here https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836911357

The updated home education guidance reflects the changing context in which home education takes place in Scotland and sets out a child’s rights-based approach to home education.

Scottish Ministers want all those involved in a child’s education to be informed and equipped regarding home education, to better understand the circumstances and choices made by parents, and the responsibilities that parents take on when choosing to home educate.

With this updated guidance, Scottish Ministers continue to encourage local authorities and parents to work together to develop trust, mutual respect and a positive relationship that functions in the best educational interests of the child.