To ask the Scottish Government regarding funding for long COVID services for 2025–26, (a) for what reason it was delayed, (b) when NHS boards were formally informed of the delay, (c) how much time they had to respond, (d) what impact the delay had on service delivery, staffing and patient care and (e) what urgent remedial action was taken to prevent disruption for people living with long COVID. I refer the member to the answers to question S6W-40743 on 25 September 2025 and question S6W-40895 on 21 October 2025.As set out, further to Parliament’s approval of the 2025-26 Scottish Budget on 25 February 2025, the Scottish Government engaged closely with NHS boards to support the allocation of resource for new specialist support for Long COVID, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and other similar conditions.NHS boards were contacted on 10 January 2025 inviting feedback by 22 January on activities which could be delivered and supported by single-year funding of £4.5 million allocated on a non-recurring basis in the financial year 2025-26.