I understand this term primarily relates to the impacts of external factors, referenced in your letter Scottish Ministers, special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG www.gov.scot The annual consideration of spending plans by the Scottish Government is an established feature of the Budget Bill process, with all spending decisions subject to the approval of Scottish Parliament on a yearly basis.