Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-24444 on 22 January 2024. 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 .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-24444 on 22 January 2024. 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 .

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.

Transport Scotland were informed on 2 February of Peel Ports decision to close the Irish Berth permanently.

The Advisory Group is expected to offer expert advice and provide assurance on activities being taken forward to progress the implementation of the recommendations of the Allied Health Professions Education and Workforce Policy Review and, although is not expected to exist in perpetuity, will continue until such time as systems, processes and activities are embedded that can demonstrate that progress is adequately assured..

This is likely to mean at least 4 quarterly meetings and meetings are currently scheduled until October 2024.

The group is chaired by Professor Carolyn McDonald, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, who will report progress towards the implementation of the recommendations to the Chief Nursing Officer and Scottish Ministers as required.

I can confirm that the Scottish Government has secured a commitment from the UK Government for multi-year funding of £8 million for improvements to the A75. This money comes from the Union Connectivity Development Fund and was successfully secured following approval of the previously noted business case to undertake design development work on the A75 to bypass the villages of Springholm and Crocketford.

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.

The final design and configuration of any bypass will depend on the results and recommendations of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Options Assessment work. Therefore, it is not possible to confirm what configuration the road layout will look like at this point in time.

The Scottish Government is currently unable to develop a national integrated public transport timetable as it does not possess the powers to do so across all modes.

The majority of bus services in Scotland are commercially operated and the Scottish Government does not have control over their timetables. Where local authorities are subsidising a bus service, there are opportunities to influence the timetable for the parts of the service they are subsidising, however, this would depend on individual contracts. There are also opportunities to influence bus timetables through franchising and Bus Service Improvement Partnerships.

Where there are opportunities for Scottish Government influence, such as through contracted or managed ferry and rail services, we encourage development of integrated timetables where feasibly possible. An example of this is CalMac ferry timetables which includes details of connecting ScotRail services. We also encourage operators to engage with the public and stakeholders on proposed changes to timetables. For example, ScotRail launched a consultation in September 2023 on timetable options for the new Levenmouth Rail Link, and CalMac are required to consult twice-yearly with communities on changes to timetables.

Finally, to support integrated journeys, new Digital Travel Data Services (DTDS) have been procured that will enhance the data systems that sit behind Traveline Scotland and other journey planner providers, so that passengers can be more informed about their journey options. The new services will provide accurate, up-to-date and extensive public transport and travel information, helping passengers stay more informed about their journey options and costs across modes and operators.

Transport Scotland, working on behalf of Scottish Ministers, have no B roads, single track roads or unclassified roads in the Highlands and Islands region under its responsibility.

The local road network is the responsibility of local authorities and they will allocate resources on the basis of local priorities. The vast majority of funding to local authorities from the Scottish Government is provided via a block grant and we do not stipulate how local authorities should utilise their individual allocations. It is therefore the responsibility of each local authority to manage their own budget and to allocate the financial resources available to them on the basis of local needs and priorities, having first fulfilled their statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities.