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The draft Budget set out yesterday ensures the estimated revenues raised from non-domestic rates in 2026-27 will be 6% lower in real terms than pre-COVID, using the Consumer Price Index, and introduces the lowest Basic Property Rate for 2026-27 since 2018-19. It decreases the Basic, Intermediate and Higher Property Rates in 2026-27, delivering the lowest Basic Property Rate since 2018-19.

The information which you have requested is as follows:

As set out in my answer to question S6W-42639 on 14 January 2026, I am pleased to be able to confirm that the review of the housing adaptations system, a commitment in our Housing to 2040 strategy, is underway.

My officials are currently finalising a project plan and contacted stakeholders in December to formally invite them to participate in the advisory group. Formal engagement will begin in early 2026.

We aim to publish a short report in the autumn of 2026, that sets out the future of adaptations in Scotland.

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.

In September, I committed to begin work on the review of the housing adaptations system by the end of 2025. This review will make recommendations on how best to improve and streamline the system and better target resources.

I am pleased to be able to confirm that this work is underway and my officials are currently finalising a project plan and contacted stakeholders in December to formally invite them to participate in the advisory group. Formal engagement with the group will begin in early 2026.

This preparatory work will ensure that the needs of all older and disabled people in Scotland, including ethnic minorities and those with protected characteristics, will be represented and considered as part of the review and that we have a system that is fit for purpose for anyone who needs to use it.

The draft Budget, published on 13 January, does reduce the non-domestic property rate that retailers will be liable for, delivering the lowest Basic Property Rate since 2018-19. As a result of the decisions in the Budget, it is estimated the revenues raised from non-domestic rates will be 6% lower in real terms in 2026-27 than pre-COVID and 0.3% lower in real terms than the revenues collected in 2010-11, using the Consumer Price Index.

Following Lord Bracadale’s resignation as Chair of the Sheku Bayoh Inquiry on 21 October last year, I am pleased to confirm that Lord Colbeck, a current Senator of the College of Justice, has agreed to chair the Public Inquiry.

I am confident Lord Colbeck will be an excellent Chair. He was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Courts in May 2023, having previously served as Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin from September 2016 and as Vice President of the Sheriff Appeal Court from May 2022.

The Scottish Government remains committed to the Public Inquiry into Mr Bayoh’s death, to ensuring it is concluded thoroughly and that meaningful lessons are learned. The appointment of Lord Colbeck as Chair will enable the Inquiry to complete its work and it is in everyone’s interest that it proceeds to deliver its findings without further delay.

The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) have not conducted an audit. They worked jointly with the Student Loans Company (SLC) to conduct a reconciliation exercise. This identified a small number of customers whose loan balances required correction. This exercise relates to the correction of historic Tuition Fee Loan data, and not the creation of new liabilities. The corrective action taken ensured that loan records accurately reflect what customers had borrowed and was due to be repaid under existing loan terms in the declaration signed by the student.

SAAS recognises the sensitivity of retrospective corrections and is working closely with SLC to ensure that affected borrowers are treated fairly, clearly informed, and supported where adjustments are required.

Scottish Ministers are accountable for the use of public resources and the way in which public funds are spent. This includes payment of student loans and repayment of outstanding balances.

The Scottish Government Offshore Wind Hub in Aberdeen/the North East comprises a multi-disciplinary team including expertise in consenting, planning and offshore wind development. The aim is for the hub to provide a single Scottish Government front-door for developers who are bringing forward applications for offshore wind development as well as associated onshore infrastructure and supply chain opportunities.

Work is progressing on hub activities related to engagement with offshore wind farm developers and wider stakeholders on consenting and planning, including providing guidance and seeking feedback on our processes.

The principle fund for Local Authorities to develop Active Travel routes, including routes to schools, is the Active Travel Fund Infrastructure Fund (ATIF), in particular Tier 1 formerly known as Cycling Walking and Safe Routes. Since 2021 North Lanarkshire Council have received £10,866,076 and South Lanarkshire Council have received £9,937,001 from this funding route.

Additional awards have been granted to both Lanarkshire Local Authorities from other tiers of funding which have contributed to improving active travel routes to schools, these are set out below;

In 2023-24 £1,230,000 was awarded to North Lanarkshire Council to deliver active travel links that improved school active travel connections in Airdrie and Wishaw through the Active Travel Transformation Fund.

In 2024-25 £420,000 was provided to North Lanarkshire Council through ATIF Tier 2 for pedestrians improvements around Motherwell Train Station with cycling and walking improvements on Oakfield Road, Watsonville Park, Camp Street and West Hamilton Street, creating safer corridors to schools.

In 2025-26 £1,074,898 has been awarded to North Lanarkshire Council for two additional projects. The first in Orbiston on key school routes that will upgrade crossings, lighting and drainage, with improvements to bus stops and cycle by-passes. The second in Wishaw aims to create high quality accessibility links between the train station, sports centre and hospital, benefits the whole community, including pupils journeying to school.

Design funding has been award for 2025-26 for South Lanarkshire Council, partnering with Strathclyde Passenger Transport. £65,2220 will be used to plan a safer route from Glespin to Douglas.

The Scottish Government recognises that care in non-standard areas, sometimes referred to as “corridor care,” is not acceptable as a routine practice. This arises from acute capacity pressures and poor patient flow, which we are working hard to address.

Through the NHS Scotland Operational Improvement Plan, we are investing £220 million in 2025-26 to improve hospital flow, reduce waiting times and minimise delayed discharges. This includes expanding Hospital at Home services, strengthening Same Day Emergency Care, and providing additional social care capacity to relieve pressure on emergency departments.