Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government does not hold data on how many missed GP appointments there have been in each year since 2021, broken down by NHS board.

PHS publishes information relevant to this question using GP encounters data as part of the General Practice in-hours activity visualisation publication. Encounters are not the same as appointments as not all encounters will be recorded on an appointment booking system. Further information on the limitations of this data can be found on the publication website.

Social Security Scotland publishes expenditure and caseload statistics for the benefits it administers. However, expenditure information is not routinely collected or published by age group and benefit type.

As a result, information on welfare payments made to 16 to 24-year-olds in each of the last five years, broken down by benefit type, is not available.

Decisions on council tax levels and charges for local services are a matter for Councils to determine locally.

The Scottish Government encourages Local Government to consult with their communities to inform decisions and consider the potential impacts of charges or taxation, particularly on low-income households and vulnerable groups. However, as long as they act lawfully, it is up to each local authority how it manages its day-to-day business and decision-making processes.

Social Security Scotland does not collect employment information as part of the Adult Disability Payment application process because it is a non-means tested benefit intended to help people with a disability or long-term health condition that affects their everyday life. Eligibility is not linked to whether someone is in work.

The aim of consolidation legislation is to bring together, restate and simplify existing legislation, not to review or change the underlying policy framework or levels of protection afforded to particular species.

The Scottish Government has therefore not asked the Scottish Law Commission to consider strengthening or harmonising protections for different species as part of their consolidation of nature legislation project.

The Scottish Government’s legislative programme will be agreed by Ministers and announced to Parliament in due course in the usual way.

The Scottish Government will shortly publish a summary of responses to the compulsory purchase reform consultation, and associated analysis of the questions on compulsory sale and compulsory lease orders, and will provide an update on next steps in line with our commitment for the first 100 days of government.

The Scottish Government recognises the continued pressures facing Police Scotland’s ability to support abnormal load movement requirements for the energy industry and continues to meet regularly with Police Scotland and industry.

The escorting of abnormal loads often requires traffic to be stopped and directed and in Scotland such action can only be undertaken by police officers. The legislation which underpins this requirement is reserved to the UK Government.

The Scottish Government is working closely with the UK Government to identify workable solutions. However, any legislative change in this area would require action by Westminster.

It is vital to note that achieving consent is only one of several interconnected factors that determine deliverability and the Scottish Government has not analysed the impact of consenting in isolation. Grid availability and a route to market through Contracts for Difference are key factors outwith the Scottish Government’s control.

The Scottish Government is aware, however, of concerns regarding planning timescales and as set out in the 100 Days of a New SNP Government document, we are consulting with partners to ensure that the planning system acts as an enabler to economic growth and investment.

The Updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy is expected to be adopted in Summer 2026.

Significant progress has already been made since our consultation on the draft Plan last year, including completion of the Appropriate Assessment, consultation with Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, and ongoing work to identify compensatory measures for seabird impacts.

The remaining work relates primarily to finalisation of the Plan and its associated impact assessments including Habitats Regulations Appraisal processes. These documents are currently being finalised and will be submitted for Ministerial consideration in the coming weeks. This includes consideration by UK Ministers.

Subject to Ministerial approval, the Plan will be adopted and all supporting documents will be published.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the offshore wind opportunity for Scotland is realised, maximising economic growth and creating well-paid jobs in communities across Scotland.

Including the Scottish National Investment Bank's investment in the Port of Ardersier, more than £150 million has been invested in projects to strengthen port infrastructure and supply chain capability. This is leveraging up to £675 million in private investment and £70 million from UK public finance institutions into projects that have the potential to support up to 5,000 jobs.

A list of announced investments can be found on the Scottish Government website.