Chamber and committees

Our published analysis of health board data on ME/CFS care has established a clearer picture of the variation in service provision around Scotland.

We are considering these findings in identifying areas where there is the potential to further explore or support aspects of service development, and the resource required to do this.

In doing so, we are seeking to ensure that learning from the introduction of models of care for Long COVID is used to benefit the management of other long-term and complex conditions, including ME/CFS, where appropriate.

To support future planning decisions, we accepted the review’s recommendation to develop an indicative capacity cap. It is important that any indicative cap is as robust as possible and developing such a cap is a significant piece of work.

For that reason, we are undertaking work to improve the quality of data on waste to support the development of an indicative cap. This includes, working with other governments of the UK to implement mandatory Digital Waste Tracking from April 2025, which will provide a step-change in the quality of Scottish waste data, and engaging with partners, including ZWS and SEPA, to draw together key waste composition, carbon and environmental impact data insights. In addition, the Strategic Research Programme 2022 to 2027, Theme C: Human Impacts on the Environment includes work on the circular economy. As part of this, a mapping exercise of the waste flows in Scotland is being undertaken by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

Together, these initiatives will provide invaluable data to support the accurate forecasting of Scotland’s waste infrastructure needs and the development of an indicative cap.

Further information on these developments can be found here:

Digital Waste Tracking Consultation Response.

Outcome of the Household Waste Composition Analysis.

Information on the Strategic Research Programme 2022 to 2027.

Our draft Circular Economy and Waste Route Map, due for publication shortly, will set out further detail and associated timescales on the steps we will take to minimise the environmental and climate impacts of waste, including the development of an indicative capacity cap.

The Parliament building closed to the public for one day, Friday 13 October. Unfortunately, on the day in question, there was a combination of staff taking pre-approved annual leave,  several staff who were too unwell to come to work, and a small number of operational vacancies. As this issue occurred during the October recess period there was no impact on parliamentary business therefore the decision was taken to close the building to the public.

The SPCB is satisfied that since this incident happened on 13 October, the Security Office has taken all relevant steps to ensure staffing levels are maintained by supporting staff in returning to work and employing new staff.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-23717 on 19 December 2023. 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 .

In relation to (a)

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of learning additional languages, as it equips our young people with the skills they need in an increasingly globalised world. This is why since 2013, we have invested over £50 m to support schools and local authorities to deliver language learning, including through provision of professional learning, one of the aims of which is to get children engaged with and interested in languages early.

Language teachers are clearly needed if schools are to be able to offer languages in secondary schools. Modern languages are classified as a priority subject for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) intakes by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). Both the Scottish Government and SFC have offered to work with universities to develop alternative routes into subjects which are classified as a priority subjects. The Strategic Board for Teacher Education, which is made up of a range of key education stakeholders, is also considering issues around the recruitment and retention of teachers in Scotland in detail.

In relation to (b) and (c)

Despite the Scottish Government facing the most challenging financial environment since devolution, we have continued to support our colleges and universities through almost £2 billion in annual investment.

Operational decisions on course provision are for individual colleges, however it is our expectation that this should be done with the needs of students, the local region and the wider economy, in mind. Universities, as autonomous institutions, are also responsible for their own course provision, and it is for them to decide how to distribute the allocation of funded places between faculties and courses. In line with our Purpose and Principles for the post-school education and skills system, Scottish Government will continue to work with the university sector to ensure that it delivers the best outcomes and impact for learners, the economy and society.

The latest available information on convictions is for the financial year 2021-22.

(i),(ii),(iii) The Scottish Government does not hold data that allows us to distinguish between rural and urban crime, or theft of specific items. These offences are likely to be charged under broader crimes of Attempted theft and theft and/or Theft of a motor vehicle.

(iv) Information on the number of people convicted for livestock worrying, by LA, is provided in the following table.

People convicted under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, section 1(1)&(6), where main charge, by Local Authority, 2021-22.

The Scottish Government is clear that access to learning modern languages is vital at all stages of education, to equip children and young people with the skills they need in an increasingly globalised world.

Universities, as autonomous institutions, are responsible for their own course provision, and it is for them to decide how to distribute the allocation of funded places between faculties and courses. In any reform of provision, Scottish Government expects the University of Aberdeen to adhere to Fair Work principles. This includes meaningful consultation and constructive dialogue with any staff affected by the proposals to reduce modern languages provision.

In line with our Purpose and Principles for the post-school education and skills system, the Scottish Government will continue to work with the university sector to deliver the best outcomes and impact for learners, the economy and society.

Table 1 shows total referrals, accepted referrals, total started treatment, total started treatment within 18 weeks of referral, and percentage started treatment within 18 weeks of referral at NHS Grampian for 2021, 2022 and 2023 (January to September, which is the latest published data).

The Scottish Government national standard is that 90% of children and young people should start treatment within 18 weeks of referral.

Table 1: Number of total referrals, accepted referrals, total started treatment, started treatment within 18 weeks of referral, and percentage seen within 18 weeks from referral to treatment, for calendar years 2021, 2022 and 2023 (January – September), NHS Grampian

Prison population levels change on a daily basis, as people move in and out of custody. Since late September 2023, the prison population has remained above 7,900. Up to the morning of 11 December 2023 the prison population had temporarily exceeded 8,000 in 2023 on the following dates:

• 7th November 2023
• 9th November 2023
• 21st November 2023
• 29th November 2023
• 30th November 2023
• 1st December 2023
• 5th December 2023

The Scottish Government has published guidance for local authorities and schools, Included, Engaged and Involved Part 1: Promoting and Managing School Attendance , as well as guidance for parents which reinforces the message that they should support children to attend school.

The guidance sets out how to promote engagement and motivation, including among those who may be at risk of poor attendance.

It also sets out action schools should take in response to a child’s or young person’s absence from school.

Earlier this year I asked Education Scotland to undertake work to better understand the current barriers and challenges experienced by schools, children and young people and their families which influence school attendance. Education Scotland published this report on 28 November.

We are currently reviewing the findings of this report and will consider the recommendations for any future work on addressing attendance in schools.

We are also considering the findings from our Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research, also published in November, which provides evidence-based information on the extent to which pupils are disengaging from learning. We are currently considering the findings of BISSR and plan to publish an action plan early in the new year.