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We are aiming to publish the International Culture Strategy in March 2024.

To support work with refugees, people seeking asylum and local communities, the Scottish Government provides funding to organisations such as the Scottish Refugee Council to ensure that all people seeking refugee protection in Scotland are welcome, where women, children and men are protected, find safety and support, have their human rights and dignity respected and are able to achieve their full potential.

The following table contains a list of funding and objectives provided to the SRC since 2019.

There is no record of funding being provided by the Scottish Government to “Nairn Trust” since 2019.

As confirmed to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee on 26 January 2024, Edel Harris OBE has been appointed as Chair of the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment, following the conclusion of an open competition recruitment campaign in December 2023.

This appointment marks the beginning of the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment, which delivers on a 2023-2024 Programme for Government commitment.

No payments or funding have been provided from the Scottish Government to the Poverty Trust since 2019.

There are no additional social security benefits specific to autism however when someone is diagnosed with a long-term condition which may mean that they need a range of support they should contact Social Security Scotland for advice.

Social Security Scotland’s Local Delivery colleagues can guide people through the benefits they may be entitled to as well as helping people to apply for these benefits in a way which suits them best.

For Disability Payment applications, Social Security Scotland requires one piece of supporting information on an individual’s condition or disability to help them understand the impact the condition has on a person’s daily life.

Information to support an application often comes from medical professionals, both in the NHS and in the private sector, as long as they are familiar with the individual and their conditions, disability or needs in a professional capacity. Supporting information can also come from other professionals, such as those in health and social care, education, local authorities or the third sector. For example, if someone regularly sees a counsellor, physical therapist or support worker, they could be a better source of supporting information than a medical professional they may not have contacted for some time. Examples of supporting information include a diagnosis letter, a referral letter, a prescription list, a social work report, an additional support needs plan, a child’s plan or equivalent, this list is not exhaustive.

Social Security Scotland treats supporting information from professionals and the clients wider support network equally when they look at applications.

Social Security Scotland works with individuals and disability organisations to design services so that everyone who may be eligible for benefits understands how they can apply for and receive them.

Social Security Scotland is committed to continuously improving to deliver benefits for the people of Scotland based on dignity, fairness and respect.

The Scottish Government is continuing to develop the business case for the Aberdeen to Central Belt Enhancements project. This will be considered in in the coming months and within the context of the funding available for rail enhancements.

We remain firmly committed to infrastructure investment as a key factor in securing economic growth and high-quality public infrastructure across Scotland, including spending over £1.6 billion to operate, maintain and improve Scotland’s railway.

Decisions on the return and re-use of loaned equipment are made at Board level and the Scottish Government do not have access to this information.

It is clear that the High Speed Trains will need to be replaced as an early priority within a ScotRail fleet replacement programme. Work is currently underway, funded within existing rail budgets used for project development, to examine the business case of different options for replacement of these trains. Discussions continue to be held with railway unions to ensure that railway staff are properly engaged.

Officials at Transport Scotland meet regularly with Scottish Rail Holdings, who manages and oversees ScotRail services on behalf of the Ministers, to discuss various matters, including safety.

The Member may wish to note that accessibility is a matter reserved to the UK Government.