Chamber and committees

We welcome Audit Scotland’s report on Scotland’s colleges. It recognises the opportunities coming from reform of post-school education, as signalled in the Purpose and Principles for Post-School Education, Research and Skills published on 28 June 2023, which can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/post-school-education-research-skills-purpose-principles/ .

Transport Scotland remains in positive dialogue with Ambassador Living (the developer for Forthview Housing Development) to reach an agreement on the use of Ferrymuir Gait as an access. This is following a legal process in order to finalise matters, which Transport Scotland hope to conclude by November 2023.

We have developed core standards for mental health services with a focus on adult secondary services. These include transitions and outline an expectation that people will receive help as close as possible to home. The core standards also aim to reduce unnecessary delays in transitions and improve information sharing, including with carers and their families. The standards emphasise the importance of the continuity of care and the need for follow-up support after discharge. We will publish these standards in Autumn 2023 and we will work with our partners in the Standards Implementation Advisory Group to implement these.

The Scottish Government is committed to delivering the Coming Home Implementation Report recommendations to reduce inappropriate out-of-area placements and delayed discharges experienced by people with learning disabilities and complex care needs.

This includes working with the local bodies that have statutory responsibility for providing and commissioning services to ensure that the appropriate planning is in place for people who are receiving care and treatment in an out-of-area placement.

ScotRail is committed to supporting its staff and this is evidenced by its well-established Mental Health Support Policy, which covers all employees. ScotRail’s Line Managers have an important responsibility for the policy and have an extensive Mental Health Toolkit they can refer to for guidance.

The total number of Warmer Homes Scotland referrals in process was 4429 as of 18 September 2023. Some of these are awaiting eligibility checks so the final number of eligible applications at that point will be lower. Assessments and installations will proceed at pace when the scheme re-commences as of 2 October.

The Scottish Government places great importance on sports and leisure facilities and believes everyone should have access to these services locally.

We recognise the challenging financial circumstances faced by operators in the maintenance and operating of facilities, including the increase in insurance premiums.

It is vital that partners at a local level work together to explore all avenues and approaches to support local sport and leisure facilities.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-18660 on 13 June 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

Since 2016, the Scottish Government have provided approximately £5M each year for high-quality, high demand advisory services in Scotland.

We cannot confirm funding beyond each financial year, due to Scotland being removed from the EU, and the UK Government refusing to offer long term funding guarantees.

Despite these challenges, we have consulted on the need to maintain delivery of advisory services.

Based on progress to date, NHS Scotland Assure has informed the Scottish Government that the surveys of the 254 properties can be completed by November 2023.

We recognise the financial challenges facing colleges and understand the need for greater flexibility in college sector funding. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) implemented a series of flexibilities for colleges in both academic years 2022-23, and 2023-24.

The Scottish Government and SFC are working with the sector to explore whether there are further flexibilities that could assist the sector in the short to medium term, while ensuring robust public accountability is safeguarded.