Chamber and committees

While structural change will support long-term financial sustainability, the greatest benefits will come from service redesign, better planning and reducing variation in health care and outcomes across Scotland. The costs and benefits of reform will be set out through the programme's business case and developed in partnership with NHS Boards.

This work will complement existing plans to improve financial sustainability and support Boards in returning to financial balance. The programme will be supported by a clear benefits framework and ongoing monitoring to assess whether it delivers improved outcomes and value for money. Decisions on final service structure models and their locations will be worked through during this design phase.

This work will be underpinned by the Scottish Government’s Fair Work principles, and our ongoing commitment to no compulsory redundancies.

Any future workforce changes will be done in full partnership with NHS Trade Unions in a structured and managed way, in line with existing NHS Scotland policies which have been agreed in partnership with trade unions.

Over the next three months, we will undertake an intensive programme of engagement with local government and partners to consider how health, social care and wider public services can work more effectively together, make best use of public investment and improve outcomes for people and communities. Partnership working across local government, health, social care and community planning organisations will remain essential. Detailed arrangements will be developed as part of wider public service reform.

The Detailed Options Appraisal (DOA) for the St Andrews Transport Appraisal was submitted to Transport Scotland by the StARLink group in March 2024.

The appraisal looked at both light rail and heavy rail options for reconnecting St Andrews to the rail network via Leuchars. Following its review, Transport Scotland concluded that there was not enough evidence to justify taking either rail option forward at this stage.

However, the appraisal found that improving connections between rail and bus services at Leuchars station could benefit passengers travelling to and from St Andrews.

As with any regional transport proposal, the appraisal could be reviewed again if there is a significant change in circumstances or new evidence becomes available. Since the East Coast Arc proposals are still at an early stage, it is currently too soon to determine whether they would have a sufficient impact to justify revisiting the appraisal. Any decision to update the St Andrews Transport Appraisal to reflect the potential effects of the East Coast Arc would be a matter for the StARLink group, or another interested organisation, to consider and progress.

While structural change will support long-term financial sustainability, the greatest benefits will come from service redesign, better planning and reducing variation in health care and outcomes across Scotland. The costs and benefits of reform will be set out through the programme's business case and developed in partnership with NHS Boards.

This work will complement existing plans to improve financial sustainability and support Boards in returning to financial balance. The programme will be supported by a clear benefits framework and ongoing monitoring to assess whether it delivers improved outcomes and value for money. Decisions on final service structure models and their locations will be worked through during this design phase.

The Scottish Government notes the Report. We recognise that it is very important that the prescription and administration of Electroconvulsive Therapy is subject to the highest possible standards.

Through the national audit process all NHS Boards have been informed of their status against key indicators as well as issues with compliance of national audit standards. NHS Boards are required to submit investigative reports and action plans to consider any relevant factors and actions that will improve compliance with national standards. Mandatory training has also taken place for all NHS Board data leads to support understanding and compliance.

The Scottish Government regularly engages with NHS Boards on matters relating to mental health services.

Across Scotland Electroconvulsive Therapy has been subject to national audit standards. NHS Boards have all been informed of their status against key indicators as well as issues with compliance of national audit standards. In April 2026 the Scottish Government was informed about NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Borders, Fife and Tayside’s level of compliance with the indicators. These NHS Boards have submitted the requested investigation reports and action plans which were assessed by the national steering group and are monitored via agreed processes.

Around 9 million passenger journeys were made in the Highlands and Islands region in 24-25 of which over half were concessionary travel and a significant proportion of the remainder were under £2 in cost. It is estimated that between 2.5 million and 3 million journeys will benefit from the cap during the financial year 26-27. This is subject to considerable uncertainty.

NHS Tayside is reforming Mental Health and Learning Disability services to provide more person-centred, accessible and community-based support. Following recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Mental Health Services in Tayside and subsequent oversight reviews, NHS Tayside has brought mental health and learning disability services under a single leadership structure, strengthening governance, accountability and partnership working. A new mental health and learning disability model of care is being developed which aims to improve access to help, provide support closer to home, strengthen support in the community and make sure care is shaped around people's individual needs and rights.

Scottish Government officials continue to closely monitor the progress of this and the overall performance of mental health services in NHS Tayside to ensure the needs of the local population are met, including those who experience auditory, visual or other sensory disturbances.

Individual portfolio areas keep their work under review to ensure continued focus on delivering the Government’s priorities.

The Programme for Government outlines our ambitions for the five years of this Parliament. This marks a new approach that strengthens the connection between priorities, delivery and outcomes. Each portfolio area contributed to the programme and will ensure effort remains focused and shaped by our wider work on strengthened strategic decision making.

Local authorities do not have a statutory duty to provide funded ELC to children who reside outside their area, however they have the power to do so under section 23 of the Education (Scotland) Act (1980) and are encouraged through joint Scottish Government and COSLA guidance to treat children from neighbouring authorities the same, wherever possible.

While the Scottish Government is not currently planning to legislate to create a statutory duty, Ministers remain open to exploring all potential routes to improving families’ experiences.