Chamber and committees

I cannot currently give an estimate of timescale for the planned feasibility study into improvements to the A75. While funding is confirmed, it has not yet been allocated or received. My officials are working with the UK Government officials on the legal and financial mechanisms of securing this funding. Once these are completed, we will then be able to set a draft timetable for the design development to progress.

This kind of work can take a number of years, for which the outcome is a preferred route announcement.

My officials are taking every step necessary to have this work ready to commence next financial year. They are already beginning to prepare procurement documents to appoint a technical advisor. Once funding formalities are complete, they will immediately progress procurement of a technical advisor to undertake the necessary design and assessment work.

The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Scotland) Regulations 2018 provide that:

A contractor must provide its registered patients with—

1. an online appointment service;

2. an online repeat prescription service; and

3. an online repeat prescription information service,

in a manner which is capable of being electronically integrated with the computer systems of the contractor’s practice and using appropriate systems authorised by the Health Board.

Health Boards are responsible for contracting with GP practices. The Scottish Government does not hold information about how many practices currently provide online booking systems.

Expected travel time improvement and other benefits of the proposed bypass schemes can only be confirmed after the conclusion of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Options Assessment work.

This planned work will assess the necessary evidence and data to determine the preferred configuration and layout of any bypass, however, until this work is completed it is not possible to confirm at this time as to what the potential time savings will be.

It is not currently possible to give an estimate for when construction work could start at Crocketford and Springholm because a detailed design development and assessment phase will need to be completed first.

We are obliged to follow due process which includes securing statutory consent to deliver the scheme.

Delivery of the scheme could only commence following successful completion of the statutory process. Thereafter, a timetable for construction can be set in line with availability of funding.

As highlighted by the Deputy First Minister in her letter to the Public Audit committee on the 21 November 2023 and during the pre-budget speech, the Scottish Government is facing a real terms cut in our capital budget.

The flat and falling funding trajectory from the UK Government will and has significantly impacted our ability to deliver on our capital infrastructure commitments. The UK Government have not inflation-proofed their Capital Budget which is forecast to result in 9.8% real terms cut in our capital funding over the medium term between 2023-24 and 2027-28. We are therefore having to make tough decisions on our infrastructure projects pipeline to ensure we spend within our means while delivering for the people of Scotland.

Development of the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) delivery plan is underway. This takes account of the current financial climate and is examining existing schemes across all modes in addition to the STPR2 recommendations. This is a complex piece of work, with consultation ongoing across the Scottish Government, including with Statutory Bodies and Exchequer officials. This exercise will allow for the timeline for the publication to be confirmed and confirm any statutory requirements, which of course, Parliament will be informed of at the earliest opportunity.

The funding will cover initial assessment of options for improvements to the A75, specifically around Crocketford and Springholm up to conclusion of Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Stage 2.

While funding is confirmed, it has not yet been allocated or received. My officials are working with the UK Government officials on the legal and financial mechanisms of securing this funding. Once these are completed, we will then be able to set a draft timetable for the design development to progress.

This kind of work can take a number of years, for which the outcome is a preferred route announcement. My officials are taking every step necessary to have this work ready to commence next financial year. They are already beginning to prepare procurement documents to appoint a technical advisor. Once funding formalities are complete, they will immediately progress procurement of a technical advisor to undertake the necessary design and assessment work.

The Scottish Government provides annual funding to Energy Saving Trust (EST) who are an independent organisation working to address the climate emergency, EST then deliver the Used Electric Vehicle Loan on behalf of Scottish Minister.

Since the used electric loan scheme launched in September 2020 we have (i) received 3,885 applications and (ii) approved and paid 2,207 claims. Information on the value of loans paid each month is detailed in the following table:

The 22 National and Territorial NHS Boards have received a total of £148.8 million of Capital Formula in the year 2023-24. In addition to formula capital, NHS Boards are anticipating further funding of £283.9 million which will allow all major projects in construction to be completed - Baird and ANCHOR in Aberdeen, Parkhead Health and Social Care Centre in Glasgow, National Treatment Centres in Forth Valley and the Golden Jubilee, continued support for the national replacement programmes for Ambulances and Radiotherapy equipment and other small scale investments. The final outturn has yet to be finalised, but it is currently forecast to be £432.7 million in total in 2023-24.

As set out in our draft budget the capital funding position is extremely challenging, with a UK Government cut of some 10% in our capital budget over the next five years. Nonetheless, this settlement allows formula capital to be maintained at 2023-24 levels in the year 2024-25. Additional in-year capital allocations will also be provided, but these have not been finalised at this point.

This information is not held by the Scottish Government.

Scottish Dental Access Initiative applications are first submitted to NHS Dumfries and Galloway for initial processing and approval.

NHS Lothian has received £24.7 million of Capital Formula and the latest forecast indicates that by the year end a further £10.7 million in allocations will be provided for a total of £35.4 million in capital funding in 2023-24.

As set out in our draft budget the capital funding position is extremely challenging, with a UK Government cut of some 10% in our capital budget over the next five years. Nonetheless, this settlement allows formula capital to be maintained at £24.7 million 2023-24 levels in 2024-25. Additional in-year capital allocations will also be provided, but these have not been finalised at this point.