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I have committed to updating the Scottish Parliament on Phase 3 of the Learning Estate Investment Programme by the end of October.

SQA’s approach to grading the exams in 2023 was based on its established awarding processes. Using ‘grade boundaries’ – the marks needed to achieve an A, B or C grade in each course – SQA checked that each assessment was set at the right standard or level of difficulty.

During the grade boundary setting process, SQA appointees – experienced course teachers and lecturers who are subject experts in each course – determined the grade boundaries by looking at all the available assessment evidence and course information, including the impact disruption and course modifications had on how young people performed in the assessments. For example, I understand that evidence indicated there had been particular challenges seen across the cohort around developing listening skills in modern languages. In recognition of this, adjustments were made to grade boundaries.

This process ensured fairness for this year’s students while maintaining national standards. Adjustments to grade boundaries were smaller this year than in 2022, reflecting the continuing recovery in skills, knowledge and understanding on the part of students.

I have met with all the trade unions representing staff at both the SQA and Education Scotland. Most recently, I met with SQA unions on 13 September, and with Education Scotland unions on 14 September. In addition, my officials are in regular contact with staff and unions at both bodies on matters related to reform.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-12962 on 22 December 2022. The Scottish Government does not hold this level of service detail for Rape Crisis Centres. Rape Crisis Centres are independent charitable organisations which hold their own information on their waiting lists. It is for individual local centres, or Rape Crisis Scotland as the umbrella organisation, to provide this information.

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

As advised in the previous answer, the information requested is not routinely gathered or held centrally by the Scottish Government. Any outstanding liabilities to settle equal pay claims will be reflected in a local authority's annual accounts. Information of this nature can be obtained by approaching individual local authorities or COSLA accordingly.

Audit Scotland conduct annual audits of the financial reports of local authorities in Scotland. In addition, Best Value audits ensure that a local authority is delivering its duty of best value and operating in a prudent and sustainable manner. The audit and assurance and best value frameworks are overseen by the Accounts Commission and any risk of bankruptcy should be identified at an early stage.

The Scottish Government also captures and scrutinises local authority financial data and would identify any financial concerns through this process.

The Cross-Sector Working Group on RAAC remains our main forum for engagement with key stakeholders in the private sector. The minutes of the meetings of that group are published on The Scottish Government Website.

Outwith those meetings, officials will also continue to engage with organisations on a one-to-one basis.

Any indications of concern would be raised with the local authority. The Scottish Ministers would consider how best to support the local authority including and may seek assurance that action would be taken to address concerns.

In a case of serious financial failure, such as bankruptcy, the Scottish Ministers may make use of legislative powers to ensure appropriate steps are taken to remedy the situation.

The Scottish Government published its Autumn Budget Revision on 28 September 2023. The Autumn Budget Revision document provides a detailed breakdown of how all additional funding has been allocated, including £265 million of additional funding being provided to Local Government.

The Verity House Agreement sets out our joint vision with COSLA for a more collaborative approach to delivering our shared priorities for the people of Scotland. We have agreed three shared priorities - tackling poverty, just transition to net zero and sustainable public services - and recognise that local flexibility will be required to maximise impact.

The Agreement also highlights the importance of mutual trust and respect and promotes the maxim of "local by default, national by agreement" whilst recognising the benefits that consistent national approaches can bring for people and communities.

Ultimately, it is for locally elected representatives to make local decisions on how best to deliver services to their local communities and how to manage their own budgets within this national framework.