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The requested information is shown in the following table:

Table 1: Total number of free prescriptions provided in the Clackmannanshire and Stirling local authority area for financial year 2024-25.

All planning applications should be determined in accordance with the terms of the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise, with each proposal being considered on its own merits. Where a proposed development would create a direct need for certain infrastructure or facilities, which could include housing, this need could be met by use of a planning condition or obligation. However, any condition or obligation to be imposed on a planning permission must fairly and reasonably relate to the development to be permitted and therefore cannot be a mandatory requirement.

The Scottish Government is committed to working in partnership with our recognised trade unions. The decision on the revised hybrid policy was informed by a working group which included trade union representatives. Following a decision being made by the Executive Team, full consultation took place with the recognised trade unions ahead of the revised policy coming into effect, for core Scottish Government directorates, in October 2025. While PCS initially entered into a dispute with regard to the Executive Team decision on hybrid, this dispute was resolved through further detailed consultation and ahead of the new policy coming into effect.

In 2025-26, NHS Boards have received increased investment in their baseline funding, with NHS Forth Valley receiving over £751 million.

This represents increased investment of £92.9 million from 2024-25, including additional funding for pay and vital frontline services.

NHS Forth Valley received a 3% baseline uplift of £21.7 million – this represents a 0.6% real terms increase compared to 2024-25.

Individual Board service provision would be a matter for NHS Forth Valley.

We expect Health Boards to plan for their workforce in conjunction with their responsibilities under the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019. The Act places duties on Health Boards to ensure that at all times suitably qualified and competent individuals are working in such numbers as are appropriate for the health, wellbeing and safety of patients, the provision of high-quality care and the wellbeing of staff.

On 29 October I announced the establishment of the Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce. The Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce will complement the existing audit and inspection system in place in Scotland, and provide support and expertise on implementation of policy, service standards, and improvement activity across NHS Boards. It will be chaired by the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health.

The Scottish Government is also taking action as part of the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce (NMT) to drive lasting change to improve retention and attraction into these professions. The NMT recommended actions are designed to have a meaningful and lasting impact on workforce wellbeing. They aim to address key issues such as workload, professional development, and workplace culture—to create a more supportive and sustainable environment for Nurses and Midwives to work.

There is an in-principle agreement between the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Fire Brigades Union on role expansion for Scottish firefighters. However, the actual uplift in pay would be subject to detailed negotiation. The cost would therefore be dependent on the outcome of those negotiations.

Decisions on non-domestic rates policy for 2026-27 including reliefs are considered in the context of the Budget in line with other government priorities and will be set out on 13 January 2026.

Decisions on the location of fire stations and appliances and the most appropriate crewing system to provide fire and rescue cover are operational matters for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). The Scottish Parliament can choose to scrutinise SFRS is a variety of ways including through debates.

The Scottish Government are not intending to ask for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to submit a disposal and marketing plan for the category A-listed East House at Gartnavel Royal Hospital for residential conversion. The Scottish Government will however continue to engage with NHS GG&C on the issue and if circumstances change, a disposal and marketing plan could be requested.

Draft rateable values for the 2026 revaluation were published on 30 November 2025 but may be subject to change. The final valuation roll will come into effect on 1 April 2026 and the Scottish Government will publish its report on changes in rateable values once final valuations are available.