Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio questions, and the first portfolio is constitution, external affairs and culture. I remind members that questions 1, 3 and 6, as well as questions 2 and 8, are grouped. I will therefore take any supplementaries on those questions after the questions themselves have been answered. Any member who is looking to get a supplementary question in should press their request-to-speak button during the relevant question. I make the usual appeal for brevity in questions and answers.
Constitutional Futures Division (Scottish Independence)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on any work that its constitutional futures division is doing to further the case for Scottish independence. (S6O-02616)
In common with the wider civil service, the constitutional futures division continues to support the Scottish Government’s programme of activity, including the articulation of the case for Scottish independence.
Perhaps the minister might give us some clarity on where we are. In the past few weeks, we have had three different positions from the Scottish National Party on the question of a de facto referendum. First, the SNP said that it needed a majority of votes cast in an election. It then said that it simply needed the most seats in an election. It has now said—I think—that it just needs to get a majority of seats in a general election. The SNP is effectively saying that even if it lost 20 seats in a general election—seats lost to the Conservatives or to Labour, or even to the Liberal Democrats—it would take that as a mandate for independence. Does it really expect people to take this nonsense seriously?
I thank Mr Fraser for taking such a great interest in the SNP’s manifesto for the forthcoming election. Our prospectus is clear: we have had a full debate at our conference—something that I know is anathema to the Conservative party in terms of its internal democracy—and we have laid out our position. We will take that to the electorate and seek their support. I suggest to Mr Fraser that he would do better to be rather more concerned about his own party’s prospects than the SNP’s prospects at the election.
Scottish Independence
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its work to further the case for Scottish independence. (S6O-02618)
The Scottish Government will continue to provide information about the opportunities of independence through its “Building a New Scotland” series of papers and various other engagements. We will build on the plans that we have already set out on the economy, the currency, a written constitution and citizenship in an independent Scotland with further proposals, including on migration, pensions, social security, defence, the European Union and the transition to net zero. The next paper is planned for publication shortly.
Last week, Scottish Labour made a humiliating choice to abstain from voting on devolving more powers to the Scottish Parliament, despite promising a “fresh start” in its recent campaign. Does the minister agree that Scotland’s only opportunity for a fresh start is to become an independent country with full control over all the policies that can improve the lives of everyone in Scotland?
Of course, I fundamentally agree with the premise of the question, but I would welcome the opportunity to see further powers devolved to this place. We have had that debate in the past, and I understood it to be the case—certainly it was articulated to me—that the Scottish Labour Party’s position was to support the devolution of employment law, something from which it is now desperately retreating. We do not know where the Labour Party stands on these matters, but let us be clear about where this Government stands: it is independence that can secure a better future for the people of Scotland.
Scottish Independence (Spending)
To ask the Scottish Government how much public money it plans to spend in this financial year and in 2024-25 on any work designed to further the case for Scottish independence, including the costs of publication of any independence-related documents. (S6O-02621)
The civil service will continue to work on Government commitments on the constitution, including independence. Following the publication of each “Building a New Scotland” paper, we routinely publish the cost of having done so, and we will continue with that approach.
Emergency workers in our police, fire and healthcare services all say that they need more resources. With ministers trying to fill a £1 billion black hole in the budget for next year, does the minister not believe that that money would be better spent elsewhere?
To be abundantly clear, the cost of each paper that we have published thus far has been less than £20,000. With the enormous benefits and opportunity that independence brings, I think that that money is well worth expending. Of course, we will continue to invest in public services, but the question could equally be posed to the United Kingdom Government. In the past year, the Scotland Office has spent £1.1 million on communication staff alone. It has four special advisers in one UK Government department, which—let us face it—does not have much work to do. Therefore, let us also have some answers in relation to the UK Government’s approach in these matters.
Could the minister explain to Murdo Fraser and Sharon Dowey that freedom from London rule has been a huge success for Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries, including Ireland, which has a huge budget surplus at the moment?
Frankly, it is probably beyond my best efforts to explain anything to Murdo Fraser and Sharon Dowey, but I will continue to do my best. Inherent in the question is an idea that I very much agree with—we do not need to look too far beyond these shores to see the benefits of independence. For example, Ireland is about to launch a sovereign wealth fund, which it hopes will be worth €100 billion by the middle of the next decade. Norway, Denmark and Finland—all countries of the same size as Scotland—are healthier, wealthier, fairer and happier than Scotland and the UK. What could be more important than creating a happier society? Independence would allow us to do that.
Cultural Investment (Rural Communities)
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the announcement by the First Minister that it will more than double investment in Scotland’s arts and culture over the next five years, how it is ensuring that rural communities benefit from current and future cultural investment. (S6O-02617)
I take this opportunity—at the first culture questions since the announcement—to welcome the appointment of Anne Lyden as the next director general of the National Galleries of Scotland. I am sure that, across the chamber, we wish her well.
In answer to Karen Adam’s question, our investment in culture and the arts is nationwide and our funding reflects the diverse communities across the country. The First Minister’s announcement last week is a vote of confidence in Scotland’s culture sector. The increase in funding for culture and the arts—by £100 million per year by 2029—will drive up opportunities for participation in creative pursuits, support the production of new works and ensure that Scotland’s cultural output has platforms across Scotland and abroad.
If I may boast a little bit, the north-east has some of Scotland’s most extraordinary cultural talents, and artists across Banffshire and Buchan Coast are putting my constituency on that cultural map. For two decades, organisations such as North East Open Studios have been ensuring that the work of artists in my constituency and the wider north-east is reaching communities locally, across Scotland and beyond.
With that example in mind, what is the Scottish Government doing to ensure that rural and remote artists get the recognition and support that they so thoroughly deserve?
As a matter of course, Scottish Government ministers and the Scottish Government will promote and support artists the length and breadth of the country. I am delighted to hear North East Open Studios being so well promoted by its local member of the Scottish Parliament.
Specifically in relation to the funding of cultural organisations, everybody in the chamber recognises that that largely takes place through Creative Scotland, an arm’s-length organisation that makes funding decisions. I am sure that it will listen closely to the points that Karen Adam has made, because it sees it as an important part of its work that there is funding and support for arts organisations the length and breadth of Scotland.
Cultural Organisations in Rural Areas (Financial Support)
To ask the Scottish Government what financial support is available to cultural organisations that are operating in rural areas. (S6O-02623)
Our culture strategy makes it clear that we want everyone in Scotland to have access to cultural opportunities, regardless of where one lives. That is why we fund a range of organisations that provide access to culture in rural communities. For example, via our regular funding to Creative Scotland, we support 12 organisations across the Highlands and Islands, including Atlas Arts on Skye and the Highland Print Studio in Inverness.
Organisation such as the Lyth Arts Centre in Caithness and An Lanntair in Stornoway in my region are central to their communities. They reduce isolation and improve mental health alongside and through their arts work. I welcome the recent announcement by the First Minister to increase the budget for art and culture by £100 million by 2028. How will the newly proposed funding address the long-term funding challenges for cultural organisations in rural areas?
Ms Burgess is right to highlight the importance of ensuring that our increased arts and culture budget is distributed in a way that benefits all communities in Scotland and supports the resilience of cultural organisations in rural areas. Although decisions on how the additional budget will be allocated will be subject to the budget process, I assure members that that will be taken fully into account.
There are a lot of supplementary questions, and I will get in most, if not all, as long as they are brief.
The National Museum of Scotland has said that it is facing its toughest financial crisis ever, with fears over the ability to pay staff to maintain the museum. Without a proper plan in place, the solution might involve having to cease some operations. What further measures can be put in place to maintain, retain and sustain such operations for Scotland?
I will begin by saying how sorry I was to learn about the death of Donald Cameron of Lochiel. I extend condolences via Alexander Stewart to his colleague Donald Cameron MSP, who is not in his place today for very obvious reasons, and to Donald Cameron’s family at this sad time.
In answer to Alexander Stewart’s question, I give him an absolute guarantee that all organisations and agencies that work in the cultural sector that are funded by and work with the Scottish Government are seized of any particular problems that are being faced in venues or organisations. As we know, there have been extraordinary pressures—I do not need to list the number of organisations in Scotland or elsewhere in the United Kingdom that have been feeling those pressures—and I encourage any member who is aware of any distress, financial or otherwise, that is being felt by organisations to ensure that there can be timeous intervention so that we maintain and support cultural infrastructure the length and breadth of Scotland.
Before I invite the next supplementary question, I remind members that the question is focused on arts and culture funding in rural areas.
As has been mentioned, the First Minister has announced his intention to double the arts and culture budget over the next five years and increase it by £100 million. However, £175 million is currently allocated in the Scottish Government’s budget for Creative Scotland, other arts, cultural collections and the national performing companies. Will the cabinet secretary explain how he can possibly double a budget of £175 million with only £100 million?
I listened very closely to what Neil Bibby had to say. The one word that I did not hear him say was “welcome”. I do not know what it is about the Scottish Labour Party in relation to culture and the arts that makes it difficult for it to welcome the fact that the Scottish Government has committed to doubling the culture spend. That has been welcomed right across the culture sector, and I hope that the Scottish Labour Party will join the Scottish Government in supporting the increase in the budget.
The budget-related matters will be subject to the standard budget procedure, which will include the scrutiny that will be exerted through the Scottish Parliament’s committees. I look forward to giving evidence to explain the decisions that are made in relation to the fantastic increase that the Scottish Government has committed to in the culture and arts sector. Perhaps Neil Bibby can find it in himself, either during these questions or the debate later this afternoon, to use the word “welcome”.
I wonder whether I might encourage the cabinet secretary to visit one of the jewels in the cultural crown of rural Scotland, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, which has a magnificent record of artistic production in rural Scotland. There might be a suitable opportunity with its upcoming production of “Sunshine on Leith”, which is not quite in Edinburgh Central, to be controversial, but is certainly close to the cabinet secretary’s heart.
I thank John Swinney for extending that invitation. I would be delighted to return to Pitlochry. It gives the opportunity to highlight the fantastic cultural and arts venues and organisations in Perthshire, Tayside and right across rural Scotland. If members across the chamber feel that there is anything more that can be done to help to promote cultural and arts organisations across rural Scotland, I, ministerial colleagues and others will be keen to support them as much as we can.
In collaboration with the Tate artist rooms, Shetland Amenity Trust is hosting a photographic collection from renowned American photographer Diane Arbus. How will the welcome extra funding that has been announced be disbursed across Scotland’s arts and culture sector to make sure that events such as that one that is currently taking place in Shetland, as well as those in other island and rural areas, which often come with much higher hosting and delivery costs, can continue, and be disbursed in a way that ensures that the breadth and depth of what the sector has to offer reaches all parts of Scotland?
I can confirm one thing for certain: since last week, there has been no shortage of cultural and arts organisations welcoming the proposed uplift in cultural and arts spending and making proposals for support for local organisations, as the member has just highlighted.
Of course, we already have a cultural and arts organisation—Creative Scotland—that is responsible for disbursing funding in large part, but we also have national performing companies and a range of funding streams, so I would encourage any member or party in the chamber that has particularly strong feelings about the best way in which funding can be disbursed to make their case. I am open to their suggestions about how we can ensure that we disburse the £100 million of additional funding—a doubling of the culture budget, which I hope the Scottish Liberal Democrats welcome—to ensure that it reaches all parts of the country and has a profound and positive impact on the future of the culture and arts sector.
Public Interest Journalism
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on public interest journalism. (S6O-02619)
I declare an interest as a past career journalist and as a past long-standing member of the National Union of Journalists.
The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring the sustainability of the public interest journalism sector. A free independent press is the bedrock of every well-functioning democracy, and local news publications play a crucial role by empowering and informing communities and by holding institutions to account.
In January 2021, the Scottish Government set up the public interest journalism working group, which published recommendations later that year. We responded in June 2022, and, following that, we convened a round table at which a steering group, independent of Government, was formed to progress work towards a strong and sustainable future for the sector.
In June, the Welsh Government announced a £200,000 package of funding for public interest journalism in Wales. That has meant new investment in research, training and in 10 local news outlets. Is the Scottish Government prepared to provide any pump-priming funds for a Scottish public interest journalism institute, which its own working group proposed nearly two years ago? Does the cabinet secretary agree that the urgent need for that is highlighted by the current industrial dispute at National World—including at The Scotsman—where recent cuts mean that just eight journalists are left to produce 19 local weekly titles, and where local and national journalists have had a real-terms pay cut imposed on them by an owner who is making a whacking great profit?
There is quite a lot in Richard Leonard’s question, and I am sure that you would wish me to concentrate my reply on public interest journalism, Presiding Officer.
There are a number of ways in which the Scottish Government can support an emerging institute. I am open to all suggestions to bring that about, because I would wish it success. Richard Leonard is right to highlight that there are different models in different places and that there are different circumstances. I am sure that he would agree with me—I hope that he agrees with me—that it is really important that public interest journalism is separate from Government and separate from any sense that there is Government interest or influence on its independence. Notwithstanding that, I am interested to learn how we can best support the emerging institute. If the member or colleagues who are involved in the steering group have suggestions, I am very open to considering them.
The cabinet secretary mentioned the public interest journalism working group. That was a vital platform at which to discuss the challenges that the sector faces. One of the challenges that is of particular concern is disinformation and misinformation. What work is the Scottish Government conducting to combat disinformation and misinformation, and to support public interest journalism in doing so?
That is one area in which an institute could play a really important role. I think that all parties are aware that the issue of misinformation is a live one, and that public information about it is extremely important.
A number of countries take the issue extremely seriously—not least, our Nordic and Scandinavian neighbours. We have much to learn from them. I would be very supportive of the institute playing a significant role in helping to explain—to the new generation of young voters, in particular—why misinformation is a fundamentally challenging and dangerous development. I would wish to see the institute playing a leading role in that.
Creative Scotland (Funding for 2023-24 and 2024-25)
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Creative Scotland about funding for financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25. (S6O-02620)
I attended the Creative Scotland board meeting on 27 September, where I discussed current and future funding. Scottish Government officials have regular formal discussions with officials in Creative Scotland, including with regard to budgets, as part of their normal sponsorship role, since Creative Scotland is a public body. Those discussions cover budgets for this and the next financial year. My officials will discuss funding for the next financial year with Creative Scotland as part of the budget process.
I know, because he kindly wrote to me about it, that the cabinet secretary is aware that as a consequence of those discussions, Lammermuir Festival in East Lothian has lost its funding from Creative Scotland. Its award-winning festival, which has been around for a number of years, is facing the real possibility of closure. How can the enhanced funding that has been promised for the future do any good if the quality, expertise and institutional memory of an award-winning festival such as Lammermuir Festival’s are lost in this financial year?
I pay tribute to Martin Whitfield, who has been a doughty campaigner for Lammermuir Festival. He is right to acknowledge that we have been in correspondence about the matter. It will be no surprise to him that I repeat the point—which I have made a number of times during this question session—that financial decisions by Creative Scotland in relation to specific organisations or events are for Creative Scotland, and it is not for Government ministers to be directly involved in them.
That said, Martin Whitfield is absolutely right to point out—although I am not sure whether he was welcoming it—that the Scottish Government is proposing to double the culture budget. That should be hugely welcome in all corners. I encourage Lammermuir Festival and all others that are in such circumstances to make clear their plans, hopes and aspirations to Creative Scotland for forthcoming funding decisions.
How will the Foreign Secretary’s recent indication that he will withdraw Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for Scottish Government ministers impact on our ability to promote Scotland’s culture at the international level?
That question is not directly related to Creative Scotland’s budget, but does the cabinet secretary have anything to add briefly?
I am keen that we work as well as we can to promote Scottish culture internationally. We have a forthcoming cultural diplomacy strategy, which will be published in full. I make it extremely clear that we should use each and every opportunity to promote Scottish culture internationally. I certainly hope and expect that the United Kingdom Government will not pursue any measures that would undermine that strategy, to the detriment of the culture sector in Scotland.
Gaza (Humanitarian Assistance)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to support the provision of humanitarian assistance for the civilian population of Gaza. (S6O-02622)
We have all looked on in horror at the escalating humanitarian catastrophe that is unfolding in the middle east. Our condolences go to all those who have lost loved ones on both sides of this conflict.
We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist attacks that have been committed by Hamas. Israel, like every other country in the world, has a right to protect itself from terror. However, that must be done within international law. As the number of civilians displaced in Gaza increases and their supplies are restricted, innocent people are being affected and conditions continue to deteriorate.
Last week, I announced that we will make a £500,000 contribution to the United Nations’ flash appeal in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Those funds will support the immediate food, health, shelter and protection needs of people who are seeking safety. We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and for the creation of a safe humanitarian corridor that allows such much-needed supplies in and innocent people to leave.
—[Inaudible.]
I am sorry, Mr Dornan, but we are unable to hear you. I do not know whether it is to do with your microphone or whether it is an IT issue.
It is not mine.
Do you want to start again, Mr Dornan?
Certainly.
I am sure that the minister will agree that the First Minister has led politicians across the UK in the thoughtful way that he shows care and compassion for the victims of the horrendous attacks by Hamas, while reminding Israel and others of the need to show the innocent civilians in Gaza the same compassion as they demand elsewhere. Given the desperate need to protect those who are affected during and after the on-going onslaught of Gaza, will the Scottish Government reiterate its call for a worldwide refugee programme and refugee resettlement programme?
A ceasefire by all sides is needed in order to allow the creation of a secure and sustained humanitarian corridor to ensure protection of innocent civilians and delivery of essential supplies including food, fuel, water and medical provisions. Currently, 1.4 million people are displaced within the Gaza strip.
We know that many Palestinians will wish to stay in their homeland; they must be supported to do so with urgent humanitarian aid. However, for people who choose to leave, the Scottish Government is also calling on the international community to commit to a worldwide refugee programme for the people of Gaza. The First Minister has called on the UK Government to take urgent steps to use the existing UK resettlement scheme and to ensure that it is aligned with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees—the United Nations’ refugee agency—to provide those who want to leave with all the support that they require. Scotland stands ready to work with the UK Government to create and implement a resettlement route for the people of Gaza.
I welcome the Scottish Government’s response to the crisis. Given that aid is currently not getting into Gaza, how does the minister expect the money that has already been committed to be used? What work is being done to look at further support that could be given, in light of the siege and the worsening conditions?
Katy Clark echoes concerns that we all feel. To answer her question directly, I note that the flash appeal that we contributed to is a UN appeal. United
Nations Relief and Works Agency staff remain on the ground in Gaza; the money will be channelled through their work. They are currently protecting 600,000 internally displaced people in 150 UNRWA facilities, and they tell us today that they are running out of fuel and might therefore have to leave the area. We do not want that. We want the aid money to get to UN people on the ground, and support to be given to the people who need it most.
That concludes portfolio questions on constitution, external affairs and culture. There will be a brief pause before we move on to the next item of business.
Justice and Home Affairs
The next portfolio is justice and home affairs. I remind members that, if a member wishes to ask a supplementary question, they should press their request-to-speak button during the relevant question or indicate by entering the letters RTS in the chat function during the relevant question.
Police Buildings (Closures)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide an update on the timelines for, and locations of, the planned closures of up to 30 police buildings. (S6O-02624)
Overall responsibility for managing the police estate is for the chief constable, under Scottish Police Authority scrutiny. As approved by the SPA, it is for Police Scotland to consult on and announce the details of any proposed estate changes. The Scottish Government is aware of the Police Scotland estate strategy, which seeks to deliver modern and fit-for-purpose police buildings that are co-located with strategic partners and which meet the needs of 21st century operational policing. To date, more than 60 co-locations have been delivered.
Can the cabinet secretary advise when she was made aware of the plans to close the 30 police buildings, three of which are, of course, in Rutherglen and Hamilton West? Are any of the planned closures in L division in my area? Does the cabinet secretary back these plans? Can she also advise whether she is concerned by comments from the Scottish Police Federation, which warned that “People may die” as a result of the cuts in police officer numbers?
As I have previously advised the chamber, I am, of course, well sighted on the 2019 Police Scotland estate strategy and the work that flows from that to modernise the police estate, but I reiterate that such decisions are for the chief constable.
We are aware, as everybody in the chamber is, of what has been reported in the press. I cannot give Ms Baillie any direct information about her constituency, but I would be more than happy to follow up on any information on her behalf and to be as helpful as possible.
The Government has a good record in investing in Police Scotland and, although there are challenges ahead, we can continue to have confidence that policing is a priority for the Government and that policing will continue on a safe and secure basis.
I have received a number of requests to ask supplementary questions, and I intend to take all three.
Eighteen months ago—well before the latest financial crisis that the Government has visited on Police Scotland—13 stations in Aberdeen and the shire were scheduled to be closed. Given the current situation, can the cabinet secretary confirm that there will be no further station closures in the north-east, or can my constituents anticipate that there will be even fewer buildings in the future?
At the risk of repeating myself, I note that such matters are for the chief constable and are scrutinised by the Scottish Police Authority.
On resources, only this financial year, the Government increased investment in policing by £80 million, which represents a 6.3 per cent increase. It is imperative that members look at the 2019 police estate strategy, in which Police Scotland is up front about modernising and, where appropriate, rationalising its estate. When Police Scotland has sold off premises, the money has been reinvested in its estate, because it wants to ensure that policing and the police footprint are effective, efficient and fit for the future and that the estate provides a good place for police officers and staff to work in. The estate should also be appropriately visible to members of the public and allow for collaboration with other public services.
Can the cabinet secretary outline some of the benefits of co-location, and will she reaffirm the Scottish Government’s commitment that policing will always be embedded in our communities?
I recently met the newly appointed chief constable, and I am sure that all members will welcome her to her post. I can, of course, reassure members that police services will always be visible and at the heart of our communities.
A well-established example of co-location can be found in Livingston—in my constituency, by chance—where Police Scotland is one of seven partners in the West Lothian civic centre. It works alongside the local authority, the Crown Office, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the health and social care partnership.
Co-location with suitable partners makes best use of the public sector estate and, most importantly, offers the opportunity for increased visibility, closer working and increased collaboration between Police Scotland and its partners, which will deliver better outcomes for individuals and our communities. It is to Police Scotland’s credit that it has, on 64 occasions, moved to co-location, with plans for a further 22 such facilities.
I am sure that the cabinet secretary will have been following the public inquiry into the M9 crash that resulted in the loss of Lamara Bell and John Yuill. She will also have noted the comment from the Scottish Police Federation’s David Kennedy that any further cuts could result in a similar tragedy. I do not get the sense from the cabinet secretary’s responses today that she understands the severity of the claims that are being made. Does she get it, and will she stop cuts in the future?
Let me repeat once again that the Government has not cut police services. Investment has increased year on year since 2016.
People are, of course, well entitled to debate the appropriate level of resource for the future. In the meantime, the Government will continue to work very closely with all our partners, whether that is the Scottish Police Federation, the SPA or Police Scotland, to establish their future needs. We are, of course, just at the start of our annual budget process.
With regard to the M9 tragedy that Mr Rennie referred to, my sympathies remain with the families affected by that tragic incident. Members will be aware that there is an on-going fatal accident inquiry, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment on that. However, since those tragic events in 2015, Police Scotland has made a number of significant improvements to how it assesses and responds to the needs of the public and, in particular, its contact assessment model ensures that.
Fund to Leave Pilot (Domestic Abuse)
To ask the Scottish Government how the recently announced £500,000 fund to leave pilot will support women experiencing domestic abuse. (S6O-02625)
Leaving an abusive partner can be a dangerous and difficult time. It is vital that women are able to access the support that they need when they need it. We know that women who are experiencing domestic abuse face many challenges and that financial barriers can make it even more difficult to leave abusive partners. The fund to leave pilot will help to reduce the financial burden on women, as they will be able to receive up to £1,000 to pay for the essentials that they and their children need, including rent and clothing.
South Lanarkshire Council, which is the local authority for my Rutherglen constituency, has the second highest presentation of homelessness applications by women due to domestic abuse across the country. As such, I am grateful to the Government for including the council as one of the five pilot areas for the fund to leave. Can the cabinet secretary outline how women, particularly those from South Lanarkshire, can apply for assistance through the fund?
Referrals to the fund will be accepted from a range of points, including, but not limited to, self-referrals, local authorities, trusted agencies and third sector organisations. Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire is one of the partners involved in delivering the fund. I urge women who need assistance from the fund in the five local authority pilot areas to contact their local Women’s Aid group. I strongly encourage anybody who requires support to contact Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234.
We welcome the fund, which we hope will help many women. However, organisations such as Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid highlight other barriers that women face when looking to escape from abusive partners. Those include the lack of available accommodation and the fact that housing benefit rates are sometimes not high enough to cover the cost of a refuge. Will the Scottish Government seek to explore ways to improve the availability of safe housing for women who are experiencing domestic abuse?
Ms Clark has raised important points. There are other barriers to women leaving an abusive partner and a dangerous situation. Finance is part of that, but I recognise that it is only one of the barriers. Ms Clark might be interested to know that the group that was commissioned by the Scottish Government was co-chaired by Scottish Women’s Aid and the Chartered Institute of Housing. The point that she has made about the availability of accommodation and other parts of the welfare state pulling their weight in meeting other burdens and costs is important.
I welcome the initiative and note the positive outcomes of similar pilots. As the cabinet secretary indicated, the point at which a woman tries to leave a perpetrator of domestic abuse can be the most dangerous time of all, as the abuser might feel their grip weaken and try to further ramp up their control. What action can be taken to protect and keep safe those who are seeking financial support from the pilot as they escape the control of the perpetrator?
There are well-established supports that are funded through the delivering equally safe fund, and there are legislative protections that can be utilised to provide other forms of wraparound support. We hope that the pilot will be able to support between 450 and 950 women, and it will provide invaluable learning with regard to the safety of women across Scotland, including in Beatrice Wishart’s constituency.
Bonfire Night (Preparations)
To ask the Scottish Government what preparations are being made for the bonfire night period. (S6O-02626)
The minister joins us remotely.
We all want everyone to have a safe bonfire night this year. As part of the preparations, I met our emergency services gold commanders for operation moonbeam on 5 October. Operation moonbeam is the multi-agency response to the potential challenges of the bonfire night period and has been activated to ensure a swift and co-ordinated response to any serious incidents.
Through our partnerships, we are delivering public awareness campaigns that focus on firework safety and preventing bonfire night attacks on the emergency services. A significant amount of multi-agency partnership work by our community safety partners is continuing at local level, including awareness raising in schools, targeted work to prevent antisocial behaviour, trading standards activity with retailers and a range of measures to reduce the risk of bonfires and wilful fire raising.
I thank the minister for her answer and her helpful letter to all MSPs on 17 October. I commend all those who are involved in operation moonbeam and in operation crackle here in Edinburgh, who are preparing and planning for the bonfire night period.
The minister is aware of the Fire Brigades Union’s concerns about the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s recent operational changes, which came into effect in September. I appreciate the financial considerations that they involve, but has the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service provided assurance that the fire service will have the capacity to respond to any increased demand during the bonfire night period, including here in Edinburgh?
The firework control zone guidance was co-designed with a number of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which fully supports the new powers. The legislation empowers local authorities to introduce control zones. I have written to encourage all council chief executives to consider how those powers might be applied in their areas and to set out the support, including financial support, that is available to them—a point that I made in my letter to MSPs, which Ben Macpherson referred to.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will continue to respond to every incident with the appropriate level of resources. In partnership with Police Scotland, it is well prepared for any additional demand during bonfire night.
The Scottish National Party Government says that bonfire night safety will be improved by its new fireworks law, a key part of which gives councils the power to impose firework control zones. However, via freedom of information requests, I have established that at least 28 of Scotland’s 32 councils—including those in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee—have no plans to introduce zones. The legislation has been shunned by SNP councils. Will the minister explain why this rushed legislation has turned into such a damp squib, as my party warned?
It is for local authorities to utilise the discretionary firework control zone powers on the basis of their assessment of their areas’ needs and communities. However, it is untrue that local authorities are not interested in using the discretionary powers; my officials continue to engage with local authorities on using them. I can confirm that we have received a number of early expressions of interest from local authorities that are exploring designating a zone in their area.
It is important to highlight that firework control zones have been developed to support a long-term cultural change in relation to fireworks, not a quick fix. Although such zones will not be in place this year, local authorities across Scotland have a wealth of knowledge about and experience of preventing, planning for and responding to issues that involve fireworks, through a multi-agency response and approach.
Many parts of Scotland—including Glasgow, the city that I represent—are plagued with antisocial behaviour because of fireworks, and firework control zones became an important aspect of the then Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill. Given what other members have asked, and given that we have established as a result of Russell Findlay’s question that 28 authorities have not applied control zone legislation, does the minister now think that the amendment that Scottish Labour argued for, to enable community groups to apply for control zones, should have been made to ensure that, if a local authority did not apply, there was another way for the legislation to protect communities? With hindsight, the minister could at least assure me that she will monitor the situation to ensure that the legislation is used.
I assure Pauline McNeill that I will monitor the situation closely, as I want the provision to be implemented in all local authorities, because there is a desire for that in communities. The legislation came into force in June and guidance was produced in time for consultation, although it was up to local authorities to use the discretionary firework powers on the basis of their decisions. Moving forward, I will monitor the situation, and I am happy to keep Ms McNeill updated.
Domestic Violence (Support for Migrants)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support any migrants living in Scotland who have experienced domestic violence. (S6O-02627)
Domestic abuse is abhorrent. It is a blight on our society and has no place in the Scotland that we all want to live in.
Through the delivering equally safe fund, we will provide approximately £12.5 million in 2023-24 to domestic abuse support services, including women’s aid organisations, that provide specialist support and access to temporary accommodation. We have been clear that anyone experiencing domestic abuse who has no recourse to public funds should be offered the same level of support as anyone else in Scotland and should not face disadvantage or discrimination because of their immigration status.
I thank the minister for her dedication to supporting all victims of domestic violence. I welcome the recent Scottish Government pilot fund to enable women who are experiencing domestic violence to access essentials. That will go a long way to helping victims to be financially independent. As we know, that is a huge barrier to women being able to flee.
Migrant victims of domestic abuse might face unique problems such as immigration status or a lack of access to social security benefits because of the United Kingdom Government’s no recourse to public funds policy. Does the minister agree that the UK Government’s hostile environment policies are particularly harmful to migrant women who are affected by abuse?
Yes—I agree. The UK Government’s hostile environment policies and no recourse to public funds restrictions limit the support that people, including migrant women experiencing domestic abuse, can access at a time of crisis. The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities developed the ending destitution together strategy to prevent and mitigate the effect of destitution that arises from the no recourse to public funds policy. The strategy also presses the UK Government to extend the destitution domestic violence concession to make it available to anyone who is in the UK as a dependant as a result of someone else’s visa or protection status.
Retail Crime
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce retail crime. (S6O-02628)
The Scottish Government recognises the disruption and the harm that retail crime causes to businesses and the individuals who work in them. As the First Minister made clear in the chamber on 5 October, the Scottish Government supports the innovative Scottish partnership against acquisitive crime strategy. The partnership is led by Police Scotland and includes other organisations such as retailers. It outlines a partnership approach to prevention, deterrence and enforcement in relation to a range of crimes, including shoplifting. I urge anyone who is affected by such incidents to report them to the police.
The latest survey of more than 7,500 shop workers by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers found that incidents of violence, threats and abuse had doubled since 2016. That shows the challenging reality that retailers and their workers face daily.
The Scottish Grocers Federation has approached the Scottish Government to fund a renewal of its Don’t Put Up With It campaign, which encourages retailers to take a zero-tolerance approach by reporting all offences. Will the minister support that request from the federation?
The Scottish Government recognises the vital role of retail workers in our society and wants to ensure that they are protected, just like everyone else. Retail workers should be safe at work and should never have to experience abuse or violence when simply doing their job. The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021, which came into force in August 2021, created a statutory offence of threatening, abusing or assaulting a retail worker. That specific offence highlights the seriousness of such behaviour.
There is already access to advice, guidance and financial support through a wide range of organisations across the public sector. That is available to private businesses anywhere in Scotland and to social enterprises, the third sector and community-based organisations.
What analysis has the Scottish Government undertaken of why retail crime, including incidents of violence against staff, has risen?
It is correct to mention that a significant rise in recorded shoplifting is being seen throughout the whole United Kingdom. Our figures and those that were released recently by the Office for National Statistics confirm the existence of a similar trend across England, Wales and Scotland for the year ending in June.
We know that cost of living pressures can influence shoplifting, although they might not be the driver in all cases. The Scottish Government is finalising two pieces of research that consider the relationship between economic performance and crime and the number of crimes that have been recorded under the 2021 act. Those pieces of research are due for publication in the coming months.
Recruitment of Police Officers (Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support the recruitment of police officers in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. (S6O-02629)
As the recruitment and deployment of resources is a matter for the chief constable, it is for Police Scotland to determine recruitment approaches both locally and nationally.
Thanks to the additional £80 million of funding that the Scottish Government provided for 2023-24, Police Scotland has invested in its workforce. Since the beginning of 2022, it has recruited around 1,480 new officers. Scotland has more than 350 more police officers than it did in 2007, and more per head of population than England and Wales do—Scotland has 30 officers per 10,000 population, whereas England and Wales have 25 officers per 10,000 population.
I understand that V division in Dumfries and Galloway is struggling to meet the demands of its large rural region with the current number of officers. As the cabinet secretary will know, Police Scotland relies on officers and staff doing more overtime to keep the service operating and to keep people safe. In addition, V division has raised concern with me about a lack of experienced officers coming into the region. What specific action is being taken to recruit police officers to rural areas such as Dumfries and Galloway as a priority?
The recruitment and deployment of officers is a matter for the chief constable, but I can inform the member that, according to Police Scotland figures for June 2023, officer numbers in V division were broadly similar to what they were at the same point in 2022—348 compared to 349. Where vacancies are identified in specific geographical areas, Police Scotland holds targeted recruitment events. Two such events were held in Dumfries and Galloway on 20 and 21 March this year, in Stranraer and Dumfries.
In addition, individual divisions can access specialist expertise at regional and national level to meet demand. That would not have been possible before the creation of Police Scotland in 2012.
Despite being the third-biggest region in Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway has the smallest number of local officers of all the local policing divisions—at the moment, it has just 320 officers, not the 349 that the cabinet reported it as having in June. It has much fewer officers than the 411 that it had in June 2020. That has led to community policing being dismantled in many parts of the region.
Given the recent warnings by Police Scotland’s deputy chief officer of more cuts to come, can the cabinet secretary give a categoric assurance to my constituents in Dumfries and Galloway that there will be no further reductions in the already low level of officer numbers?
Once again, I repeat that this Government has not implemented cuts to investment in police services—quite the reverse is true. We have increased resource year on year. Policing locally and nationally remains secure and stable. No one disputes the pressures on the public purse but, despite United Kingdom Government austerity, record levels of inflation and the fact that the Scottish Government’s budget has not kept up with inflation, we continue to focus on policing as a priority.
Question 7 has been withdrawn.
HMP Stirling
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress of the action plan put in place by the Scottish Prison Service to address reported concerns raised by local residents about HMP Stirling. (S6O-02631)
I thank the member for raising this important issue on behalf of his constituents, and I assure him that the matter is being taken seriously by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Prison Service.
Although addressing the issue is primarily an operational matter for the SPS, the SPS and the Scottish Government are very sympathetic to the impact on residents, and a range of infrastructure and operational measures are being explored to address the concerns. To date, six of the 10 recommendations in the SPS action plan have been implemented and progress continues to be monitored.
I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer and for the progress and, indeed, the discussions that she has held with me on this issue. As she will be aware from my most recent correspondence on the matter, I continue to receive contact from constituents who are being adversely affected by noise and incidents at the prison. Unfortunately, the SPS would not attend a meeting with my constituents to discuss the situation on Monday night, which was subsequently cancelled. I understand that the SPS has agreed to attend a future meeting, but does the cabinet secretary agree that the SPS, which says that it wants to be “a good neighbour”—I believe it when it says that—should meet local people and engage with them on these issues as a matter of urgency, to address their continuing concerns?
Mr Brown has written to me regularly and spoken to me on a number of occasions about his concerns. I am sorry to hear that residents are continuing to be affected by the situation and, of course, I agree with him that the SPS should continue to meet local people to hear their concerns. SPS officials have met the local councillor and residents on two occasions, including at a community meeting on 8 August to discuss their concerns regarding noise levels. I am aware that the SPS has offered to hold smaller engagements and discussions with concerned residents, and it will attend the public meeting that is being proposed.
I have received requests from two members to ask supplementary questions, and I wish to take both. Could I have brief questions and answers, please?
The facility cost more than £80 million. It was designed with a trauma-informed approach, but it would appear that the design is significantly flawed and not fit for purpose, given that residents’ lives are being disrupted on a daily basis. I ask the cabinet secretary to confirm what support is being provided to protect the inmates and support the local residents from this “living hell”, as they call it.
I am sure that the member is well aware that the prison is a first-class facility. It is a new facility that is newly populated and there are, of course, issues in and around the bedding down of the support for the women. I have met Mr Stewart to discuss that, and I know that he understands very much the vulnerability of the women concerned and the fact that they have a high level of needs. He is also aware of the six operational recommendations, which are very much about supporting the women to modify their behaviour in a way that is trauma informed, which is in the interests of the women and the residents.
The disturbances are deeply distressing for residents in Vale Grove. What kind of assessment of noise was conducted by SPS during the design phase, especially given the proximity of the residential wings to housing in the local area?
I have looked at the matter in close detail. Although all statutory obligations were met during the planning and construction processes for the new prison, an assessment of noise disturbance was not undertaken.
As the member may be aware, prisons, by their very nature, are predominantly located within or close to residential areas, and negative reporting from neighbouring communities continues to be the exception rather than a rule. A prison has been located at Cornton Vale site for nearly 50 years now, and the new prison remains committed to maintaining its positive relationship with its neighbours.
The level of noise that is being experienced is due, as I indicated to Mr Stewart, to some of the newness, particularly with regard to new women arriving. Prison staff are continuing to work very hard to ensure that staff and prisoners are becoming acclimatised to the new buildings and the very important operating procedures.
That concludes portfolio questions on justice and home affairs. There will be a very brief pause before we move on to the next item of business, to allow front-bench teams to change positions, should they so wish.
Air adhart
Storm Babet