I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-43190 on 28 January 2026. 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.

The Scottish Government recognises that councillors are elected representatives and that local authorities are independent, statutory bodies with their own powers and responsibilities, separate from the Scottish Government.

The Ethical Standards Framework sets out the high standards of conduct expected of councillors while acting in that capacity, helping to underpin public confidence in local democratic decision making.

It is for Health Boards and their planning partners to design, resource and provide services that meet the needs of local people in line with national policies, frameworks and best practice. This includes ensuring that patients have access to the continence products that they require when they need them.

In 2026-27 the proposed Budget increases core funding into the college sector by £70m, with an additional £61.4 million in resource funding and an extra £8.2 million in capital funding. For clarity, those figures do not include college specific infrastructure projects, such as Dunfermline Learning Campus.

The total budget for colleges increases from £694 million in last year’s budget to £764 million in 2026-27, with the aim of providing stability for the sector and space to consider reforms which will help deliver sustainability in the future.

Work is underway by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) with the sector - including with Dundee and Angus College, Forth Valley College and West College Scotland - to consider future infrastructure needs and funding for specific infrastructure projects.

The Scottish Government has today published its analysis report and response to the Heat in Buildings Bill Consultation, available at this link Delivering net zero for Scotland's buildings - Heat in Buildings Bill: consultation analysis.

The consultation responses have directly informed the development of the draft Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill, which I intend to introduce as early as possible in the next Parliament, subject to the outcome of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election and UK Government action to reduce the cost of electricity. We will also shortly consult on proposals for heat network installation and maintenance licences.

The responsibility for the balancing of grid lies with the National Energy System Operator (NESO). Constraint payments are one component of the total costs the system operator incurs to keep the electricity system in balance. More information including data on balancing costs can be found here: Balancing costs | National Energy System Operator.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-43267 on 29 January 2026. 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.

The third sector continues to play a key role for families in providing access to perinatal mental health support. In 2019, the Scottish Government established the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health (PIMH) Fund, administered by Inspiring Scotland.

Between October 2024 and March 2026, we are investing £1.5 million through this fund to support third-sector organisations delivering vital (non-clinical) mental health support during pregnancy and the early years. This funding has been distributed to 16 organisations, geographically spread across Scotland, including rural areas such as the Scottish Borders, Western Isles and Dumfries and Galloway. Inspiring Scotland’s most recent reporting PIMH Progress Update: April - September 2025 - Inspiring Scotland shows that the Fund continues to have a resoundingly positive impact.

Subject to Parliamentary approval of the 2026-27 Scottish budget, we have committed to continue to fund these vital supports in the coming financial year.

In 2019, the Scottish Government established the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund (PIMH), administered by Inspiring Scotland. Between October 2024 and March 2026, we are investing £1.5 million through this fund to support third-sector organisations delivering vital (non-clinical) mental health support during pregnancy and the early years.

Inspiring Scotland’s most recent reporting PIMH Progress Update: April - September 2025 - Inspiring Scotland shows that the Fund continues to have a resoundingly positive impact. Subject to Parliamentary approval of the 2026-27 Scottish budget, we have committed to continue to fund these vital supports in the coming financial year.