Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21029 on 13 September 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

We consulted on powers required to realise the Vision for Agriculture. The Scottish Government has repeatedly made clear that there will be no funding cliff edge for our farmers and crofters.

We do though face the reality that EU Exit means that we no longer have long-term certainty of funding.

The level of support available is dependent on the UK Government responding to our numerous requests for confirmation of the level of future funding that will be provided to replace current support. HM Treasury have provided yearly allocations for the current UK Parliamentary term, but as of yet, there is no funding commitment from 2025.

The Scottish Government fully understands the frustration expressed by stakeholders over the lack of future budget clarity, and the impact this has on the development of future policy.

Revenue from Council Tax is retained in full by councils and is not part of the Scottish Government’s funding allocation to local government. Council Tax is expected to contribute around £2.9 billion towards the funding of local public services in 2023-24. The consultation has closed, the responses will be considered carefully along with the analysis and no decisions have been taken.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21029 on 13 September 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

I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:

The table below details the average number of purposeful activity hours per week for convicted prisoners across the prison estate, in each financial year that incorporates 2021, 2022 and 2023:

The new Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy sets out our vision to improve mental health and wellbeing – including the role of other key areas such as poverty, housing, employment and our communities. The Strategy recognises that in order to address the wide-ranging factors that impact people’s mental health and wellbeing, a cross-government, cross-sector approach is required.

A range of work is already taking place throughout the Scottish Government to promote positive mental wellbeing, prevent poor mental health, and provide support, care and treatment where needed. In addition we are working closely with our stakeholders, including Public Health Scotland, to develop and embed a collaborative health-in-all-policies (or HiAP) approach, which takes consideration of key health issues into decision-making at national and local level. As part of this approach, we will promote a more robust, efficient and effective use of impacts assessments across government.

Out of all pupils recorded with an additional support need in the 2022 pupil census:

(a) 8% were reported as having language or speech disorder as reason for support

(b) 5% were reported as having communication needs as reason for support

(c) 5% were reported as having learning disabilities as a reason for support

(d) 11% were reported as having autism spectrum disorder as a reason for support

Note that each pupil may be recorded as having multiple reasons for support.

Statistics on additional support needs are published in the pupil census supplementary statistics, available on the Scottish Government website: https://www.gov.scot/publications/pupil-census-supplementary-statistics/

Ministers were provided with an interim analysis on 23 February 2023 prior to a finalised report being provided on 4 May 2023.

The Scottish Government does not hold this information. Building safety is a matter for the owner - who in this case would be individual local authorities - acting in accordance with the relevant health and safety legislation. Moreover, health and safety legislation is not devolved to the Scottish Government.

It is imperative that there is transparency around the schools where RAAC has been identified and the mitigations that are in place. This is why, on 8 September, a list of the 16 local authorities where reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been found in some schools was published in a Scottish Government news release ( Local authorities publish RAAC data - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) ).

Scottish Water does not record groundwater levels or infiltration routinely, however, infiltration may be investigated where an issue is identified at any of their assets. This is due to complexities in how infiltration can be accurately captured on an ongoing basis, bearing in mind the length of the sewer network and number of variables involved.

New technology being trialled will give the company real-time insights into how its network is operating and enable it to be more proactive in how it responds to issues and solve problems before customers and the environment are affected.