Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government's approach to media buying is to ensure that channel selection is driven by evidence of what most effectively reaches and engages target audiences, rather than by specifying particular media channels within contracts.

The Scottish Government has not held discussions with Community Radio Scotland regarding the use of community broadcasters in national public information campaigns.

Broadcasting is reserved and we believe it should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The proportion of Scottish Government advertising expenditure that has been allocated to community radio in each of the previous five years is as follows:

Broadcasting is reserved and we believe it should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Government recognises the valuable role of community radio in delivering local news and important information to our communities right across Scotland. We believe that it is vital that there is a network of radio operations to expand and enhance the service provision for Scottish listeners and we will continue to champion a stronger broadcasting sector in Scotland to ensure a diversity of voices in communities across Scotland.

The Scottish Government recognises that Multiple Sclerosis is a lifelong condition which can affect people differently and can progress over time.

Our person-centred approach accounts for fluctuating and progressive conditions. Adult Disability Payment reviews are tailored to people’s circumstances, making sure they receive the appropriate support for their level of need. Existing information is considered, along with any new information gathered at review, to support the right decisions being made first time.

We have also introduced indefinite awards for people with the highest level of needs which are highly unlikely to change. This helps to avoid the stress and anxiety associated with reviews while providing long-term financial security.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-00433 on 9 June 2026 which sets out our planned enhancements to the disability benefit review process. 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.

While the Scottish Government currently has no plans to introduce a national grant scheme for the reinstatement of traditional shopfronts, we continue to support the regeneration of town centres through significant investment. In 2026-27, up to £40 million capital investment will support regeneration activity, including the repurposing of vacant buildings, revitalisation of town centres and initiatives to accelerate town centre living.

There are currently no plans to ring-fence regeneration capital funding specifically for façade improvements to commercial properties in town centres.

As part of our broader commitment to regeneration, in 2026-27 up to £40 million capital regeneration investment support the repurposing of vacant buildings, revitalise town centres and accelerate town centre living.

Since 2014, Glasgow City Council has received more than £96 million in regeneration capital investment from the Scottish Government. This funding has supported a wide range of projects, including façade improvements. For example, investment in Possilpark's Saracen Street enabled the restoration of 10 shopfronts, reinstating their original Victorian character and contributing to the wider regeneration of the area.

The Scottish Government does not currently provide funding specifically for retail improvement schemes and, as a result, there is no associated national guidance. Any grant schemes delivered by local authorities or other local bodies are likely to operate within their own frameworks and to be subject to locally determined eligibility criteria and funding conditions.

The Scottish Government engages regularly with the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) regarding the operation of social security appeals, including Adult Disability Payment appeals. These discussions cover a range of operational matters including appeal volumes, processing times, hearing arrangements and adjournment rates.

A second or subsequent hearing may be required when the Tribunal determines additional information is needed before a decision can be reached. This can include obtaining further supporting information, seeking clarification of information presented during a hearing, or allowing additional time to secure representation.

Social Security Scotland has not undertaken a specific assessment of delays resulting from appeals that require second or subsequent hearings. However, it continues to engage with SCTS on appeals performance and the efficient operation of the appeals system.

Decisions about the management of appeals, including whether to adjourn a hearing and when any further hearing takes place, are matters for the independent First-tier Tribunal for Scotland and administered by Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.

We continue to work with NHS Ayrshire and Arran to reduce pressure across its acute hospitals by improving patient flow and ensuring people access primary and community care services when appropriate, allowing hospitals to focus on emergency and specialist care.