Official Report 1012KB pdf
Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and Parliamentary Business
Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio question time, and the first portfolio is constitution, external affairs and culture, and parliamentary business. I invite members who wish to ask a supplementary question to press their request-to-speak buttons during the relevant question.
International Development and Humanitarian Aid
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how its work on international development and support for humanitarian aid is being used to ensure the safety and security of those who are fleeing war and persecution. (S6O-04346)
Through its humanitarian emergency fund, the Scottish Government continues to respond quickly and decisively to overwhelming humanitarian crises across the world by providing much-needed financial support that enables the operations of agencies and charity organisations in conflict regions to deliver services to reduce the threat to the lives and wellbeing of communities that are affected by conflict and persecution. The Scottish Government works with our standing humanitarian emergency fund panel and the Disasters Emergency Committee to ensure that the prioritisation of funding is based on urgent need and is established on the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality in support of peace in regions that are affected by conflict.
Yesterday’s announcement by the United Kingdom Labour Government that it will slash its aid budget by £6 billion and spend that money on so-called defence is an outrage. More than 300 million people around the world are in dire humanitarian need right now. The UK’s colonial past creates a particular moral responsibility to those who are still paying the price of imperial exploitation, and we should not give money to those who profit from genocide. Does the cabinet secretary agree that now is the time to step up and tackle global poverty, conflict, insecurity and climate precarity, and will he commit to seeking new ways to use our public money for peace rather than war?
I welcome the UK Government’s commitment to increased defence spending at a time of such acute need across Europe. Having said that, I am deeply disappointed at the cut in overseas aid, which involves the lowest percentage of UK finance being spent on aid in a quarter of a century. Globally, we all need to step up to support the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the world. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting our partner countries through international development and climate justice funding while responding to global humanitarian crises as a responsible, compassionate and good global citizen.
Film and Television Production
To ask the Scottish Government how it is working to increase the number of film and television productions created in Scotland. (S6O-04347)
We are committed to the growth of our screen sector, with more Scotland-originated productions showcasing the incredible talent that we have in Scotland. We support Screen Scotland, our dedicated public agency for screen, through grant-in-aid funding. In 2025-26, we will increase its budget by £2 million to £11.25 million overall. That will allow it to continue its excellent work to nurture locally originated content, develop skills and training opportunities and education for the next generation, and increase inward investment.
We continue to urge the public service broadcasters and Ofcom to ensure greater support for Scotland-based productions. I recently met Ofcom and the BBC to set out our clear expectations for fairer investment and representation in Scotland.
A recent report claimed that the BBC show “The Traitors” was classed as a Scottish commission despite most production staff being based outside Scotland. Such practices concentrate jobs in London and south-east England, forcing Scots to leave for better opportunities or to quit the industry entirely. Will the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government is incentivising production companies to choose Scotland, and will he update us on the discussions that he has had with stakeholders on the made-in-Scotland rules?
I commend the content and tone of Foysol Choudhury’s question. We need to recognise that the direction of travel in relation to Scottish productions, especially for public service broadcasters, has been to increase their number, which is a good thing.
Having said that, there are rules to make sure that we get the maximum value in support of our screen sector in Scotland. Foysol Choudhury raised a very specific case, which has prompted me to hold meetings directly with Ofcom and the BBC to ensure that the rules, and the spirit of the rules, are upheld. I am delighted—as, I assume, Mr Choudhury is—that there is cross-party support for that. I hope that the BBC and Ofcom are listening very closely to what Foysol Choudhury has said and to what I have said.
There are a number of supplementary questions. I will try to take all of them, but they will need to be brief.
A related area where Scotland has strength is the production of advertising. A number of agencies, including in my constituency, have reported to me that there are concerns about both Scottish Government advertising and private advertising being procured out of Scotland. I would be grateful if the cabinet secretary could engage on that issue. He will know that I have written to him on it in recent times.
I acknowledge that Edinburgh Northern and Leith is a centre for the creative industries and that some very prominent and successful advertising agencies are based there.
I am entirely focused on making sure that, right across the screen sector—whether it is advertising, television or film—we get maximum value in relation to the industry heading in the right direction. The most recent studies have shown the industry to be worth about £635 million in gross value added a year, and it has the potential to become a billion-pound industry by 2030.
I would encourage advertisers, those who commission TV programmes and those who want to film for the big screen to do so in Scotland as much as possible.
The proposed development in Stirling would create one of the largest film studio campuses in Scotland, which would be a game changer for film and television productions. What is the Scottish Government doing to ensure that the project becomes a reality and has the potential to filter down to the wider supply chain, paving the way for a major economic benefit throughout the region?
I again commend the questioner for the tone and content of the question. Alexander Stewart has hit on some of the latest good news that we have in the screen sector. Over recent years, we have gone from having very limited studio capacity in Scotland to having significant studios right across the country.
The project in Stirling is, indeed, a game changer. That is why I visited the site and why Screen Scotland is intimately involved in supporting the development of the site. I have very high hopes that it will be but the latest good news story in the general direction of travel for the screen sector in Scotland, which we should do everything to support.
The BBC has described IMG Media, the production company behind more than 1,000 multi-hour episodes of Scottish-qualifying snooker programmes from the BBC, as a Scottish production company. IMG is based in Chiswick, west London. It rents a cupboard within BBC’s Pacific Quay base in Glasgow. Now, those thousands of hours of TV are regarded as Scottish. In a world where we cannot even see the Scottish national football team on national terrestrial television, what engagement has the cabinet secretary had with regard to the BBC defining such output as Scottish?
I will answer in the same way as I have answered other colleagues who have shared a concern that I have, and that the Scottish Government has, that the letter and the spirit of the rules in terms of commissioning in Scotland should be upheld. I met Ofcom and the BBC to stress that there is growing unease about certain decisions supporting certain commissions and the apparent lack of Scottish involvement in them. It has become problematic, which is why I have held those meetings. I know that it has been the subject of evidence sessions at committee, and I know that the BBC and Ofcom know that that questioning will continue.
Local Authorities (Support for Arts and Culture)
To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving to local authorities to maintain arts and cultural programmes. (S6O-04348)
Local authorities are accountable to the public who elect them and have the financial freedom to operate independently. I am in contact with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities’ spokesperson for community wellbeing, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, whom I met last month. I will work with culture conveners throughout 2025 on how local and national organisations can work together to support and promote culture.
Arts and culture are a key part of the identity of my constituency of Midlothian North and Musselburgh. The Brunton theatre in Musselburgh holds a special place in that town’s heart. How might last month’s announcement of Creative Scotland funding help to secure the future of the Brunton theatre?
I pay tribute to Colin Beattie for the leadership that he has shown on the issue. I recognise how disappointing East Lothian Council’s difficult decision to close Brunton theatre is. As I have previously advised, it is the responsibility of individual local authorities to manage their own budgets, and it is also necessary to ensure that the building is safe.
I welcome the fact that the Brunton has already managed to continue to operate through other locations across East Lothian and the excellent recent news that it was successful in its application to Creative Scotland’s multiyear funding programme, with an award of £130,000. I look forward to seeing its plans for the use of that funding.
As the cabinet secretary may be aware, the community in Peebles is very concerned about the future of the Eastgate theatre, which is a wonderful local arts venue.
Creative Scotland is moving towards a three-year funding model. What provision can be put in place, in addition to long-term funding, where individual creative or arts venues face unexpected or short-term financial shortfalls, particularly when councils—which have been underfunded by the Scottish National Party Government for a number of years—are forced to reduce or withdraw funding that they give directly or through alliance?
I acknowledge the challenge that organisations in the culture sector still face, notwithstanding the record increase in culture spending, which I commend Parliament for voting for yesterday. Mr Hoy voted against that.
In answer to his question, I point his attention to the fact that there have been a number of announcements about the Scottish Government’s provision of funding in addition to multiannual funding, for resilience and the development of different organisations. If he wishes to write to me about that issue specifically, I would be happy to enter correspondence with him on the matter.
It is welcome that a number of cultural organisations will see their funding increase. However, there is a general concern that money that is given by one hand could be taken away by another through increased rents, given the knowledge of the increase in their funding. Does the cabinet secretary agree that all providers of premises to cultural organisations, including local authorities, should not seek to take advantage of any uplift and should therefore limit the proposed increase in rents and other building costs?
Frankly, the biggest concern that I have about one hand taking away while the other is giving relates to the Labour Government’s increase in employer national insurance contributions. I have made my point, and I will underline that point, because that is the biggest single challenge.
On local authorities and the provision of rentable property, I am delighted that Parliament passed the budget, which will provide local authorities with extra resources that may go some way towards obviating the challenge that Mr Bibby identifies. I point out to the chamber that Mr Bibby abstained on the question of whether local authorities should have more money and, indeed, whether the culture sector should have its record increase in funding.
The cabinet secretary will have heard this morning—as I did—at the museums and galleries strategy symposium, concerns about the future of local museums. Further to Craig Hoy’s point about the Scottish National Party’s cuts in funding for local authorities and the non-statutory nature of the funding of museums, what more can the cabinet secretary do practically to ensure the survival of important local collections, which are vital assets in our communities?
The provision of funding through Museums and Galleries Scotland helps in the provision of support for museums and galleries right across Scotland. I am sure that Mr Kerr did not want to inadvertently mislead Parliament by suggesting that the amount of funding for local government is going down. As a result of the budget that was passed yesterday—which he voted against—funding for local government is going up.
If Mr Kerr wishes to draw any specific issues to my attention, he knows that I am a big supporter of protecting museums and galleries the length and breadth of Scotland. If there is any way in which Creative Scotland or other parts of the Scottish Government can intervene to protect our cultural infrastructure, I am happy for them to do just that.
Dumbarton Castle
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for Dumbarton Castle. (S6O-04349)
As the lead public body for the historic environment, Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for the plans and care of Dumbarton castle. I will ask Historic Environment Scotland to write directly to Jackie Baillie with the answer to her question. As I said to members in December, I am happy to take up the invitation to visit Dumbarton castle with Jackie Baillie, and I confirm that the arrangements for that visit are in hand.
I will not rehearse the importance of Dumbarton castle in the history of Scotland. I am pleased that the cabinet secretary will join me on a visit to Dumbarton castle.
However, since I last raised the issue in the chamber, I have had a productive meeting in the constituency with Historic Environment Scotland, friends of Dumbarton castle, and West Dunbartonshire Council. We discussed the range of improvements that the castle requires, and Historic Environment Scotland agreed to set out a strategic plan for the future, including addressing repairs and conservation, attracting more visitors and returning some of the collection for display. Can the cabinet secretary set out a timetable for the plan to be implemented?
I praise the ingenious way in which Jackie Baillie has invited me to publicise a plan from an arm’s-length organisation that I do not manage on an operational basis. However, I will reflect on the very encouraging update that she has given to Parliament. I look forward to her and Historic Environment Scotland briefing me more when we visit Dumbarton castle. I do not need to rehearse the history of Dumbarton castle—I know how important it is. I look forward to working with Jackie Baillie and other members, including regional members of the Scottish Parliament who represent Dumbarton, on making sure that the castle is presented and supported in the way that she and everybody else would expect.
Creative Scotland (Funding for Cultural and Creative Programmes)
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the announcement by Creative Scotland that it will provide multiyear funding to deliver cultural and creative programmes. (S6O-04350)
As I outlined in my statement to Parliament on 30 January, Creative Scotland’s multiyear funding provides a basis for Scotland’s cultural sector to look to the future with optimism. A total of 251 cultural organisations will receive funding from 2025-26, and a further 13 organisations will have the possibility of joining from 2026-27.
Creative Scotland has been able to support every organisation that met the funding criteria because of the level of funding that the Scottish Government has been able to commit. I reiterate my congratulations to all the organisations that have secured financial support.
Will the cabinet secretary share how the Scottish Government, through Creative Scotland, will support smaller festivals that take place away from the central belt and are created by the community, such as the Stranraer oyster festival, Kirkcudbright festival of light and the Big Burns Supper?
I completely agree with Emma Harper about the importance that she places on supporting festivals in all corners of the country. That is why I initiated a strategic partnership for Scotland’s arts festivals, thereby ensuring that we can support them to flourish.
Through the conversations that I have had across the culture sector, my focus has been on turning intent into delivery. The budget reflects that intent by providing £4 million of additional support for Scotland’s arts festivals, which includes a £3 million expansion of the expo festival fund to enhance the work that has been undertaken by existing expo fund recipients and to broaden the scope of the fund across the country.
The loss of festivals in Dumfries and Galloway has had a big impact on the region, especially when funding streams such as the winter festivals fund have been removed by the Government. In his role as chair of the strategic partnership for festivals, will the cabinet secretary meet me and representatives of festivals in the region, including the Big Burns Supper, to discuss how we can best support re-establishment of some of the important festivals in the region?
I am happy to give a brief answer. Yes—I would be delighted to meet Colin Smyth to hold such discussions.
Scottish Opera has received backing from the international touring fund, which is very beneficial in supporting its activities abroad. However, only events outside the United Kingdom qualify for ITF funding, which seriously restricts the viability of performances before audiences in London and elsewhere in the UK. Will the cabinet secretary say what work is being undertaken to widen the fund’s scope to enable Scottish Opera to perform in other UK nations?
The Scottish Government is providing an uplift of £1 million in funding across our five national performing companies in 2025-26, which includes a boost to the international touring fund. That investment takes our core funding to its highest level since 2011-12.
The Scottish Government continues to engage regularly with Scottish Opera and the other national performing companies on evolving consensus on how the shared international touring fund can best be utilised to contribute to their touring ambitions and enhance the reputation of brand Scotland on the global stage. My officials recently met all five national performing companies and welcomed their views on the purposes of the international touring fund, which officials are taking forward in their discussions.
There is a brief question from Stephen Kerr.
My question relates to the review of Creative Scotland by Dame Sue Bruce. When will the cabinet secretary be in a position to spell out in detail the exact remit of that review? We know that the review report is due to be published in the summer, but will he also spell out a timetable for the review?
I call the cabinet secretary to answer that, in so far as it is relevant to the opening question.
I am reminding myself of the original question, which was on multiyear funding. Nevertheless, Dame Sue Bruce will, no doubt, in addition to looking at the impact of multiyear funding on the creative sector, be looking more broadly—as I have asked her to do—at the workings of Creative Scotland. I have already outlined the timescale for that, but I would be happy to write to Stephen Kerr on the scope and remit of the review, on which I am being advised by Dame Sue Bruce.
Virtual Libraries
To ask the Scottish Government how it supports virtual libraries. (S6O-04351)
The Scottish Government funds the Scottish Library and Information Council’s public library improvement fund, which supports both the physical and the virtual library offers. The fund has supported multiple local authorities to access equipment, training and resources to take library services online. In Mr Coffey’s constituency, the “On the road to digital success” project provides digital access and assistance to communities across East Ayrshire. The Scottish Library and Information Council is committed to blending the digital and the physical spaces to create an offer that is responsive to evolving needs.
The digital revolution makes it possible for anyone on earth who has a connection to access all the richest material and knowledge that we have ever gathered in human history. Virtual libraries play a key part in opening up that access. Does the Scottish Government see a continuing role for such libraries, so that our wonderful Scottish resources and archives of the written and spoken word, music and art can be digitised and made accessible for the benefit of everyone from my constituents in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley to people in the furthest corners of the globe?
Yes—we are supportive of digitisation efforts to ensure that Scotland’s cultural assets are accessible to domestic and global audiences. I will give just two examples. The National Library of Scotland is already undertaking extensive work to digitise its collection, with a third of it now being in digital format. That includes thousands of maps, moving images, books, newspapers and journals. Historic Environment Scotland provides access to extensive digital resources, which range from curated online exhibitions to interactive online maps that show archaeological and historical sites, as well as modern and past land use across the country.
Questions 7 and 8 were not lodged, so that concludes questions on the constitution, external affairs and culture portfolio.
Justice and Home Affairs
The next portfolio is justice and home affairs. As ever, members who wish to ask a supplementary should press their request-to-speak buttons during the relevant question. Again, there is quite a bit of demand for supplementaries, so brevity in both questions and responses would be appreciated.
National Strategy for Community Justice
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its national strategy for community justice, including the delivery of the sustainable housing on release for everyone standards across all local authorities. (S6O-04354)
The third update to the delivery plan is in development and will cover April to December 2024. Local authorities have a legal duty to provide assistance to people, including prison leavers, who are at risk of, or are experiencing, homelessness.
In November 2024, a refreshed version of the sustainable housing on release for everyone—SHORE—standards was completed, which aims to ensure that the housing needs of people in prison are addressed at an early stage. Work to embed those standards across all Scottish Prison Service establishments and local authorities is on-going and includes a pilot project involving South Lanarkshire Council and HMP Addiewell to improve access to housing on release for people on remand.
I thank the cabinet secretary for that information. The SHORE standards require prison and local authority staff to work together to support new prisoners to manage their tenancies, prevent the accrual of debt and avoid homelessness on release. Those are important interventions that help to reduce reoffending.
However, I supported a constituent who did not receive the support that he should have received under the SHORE standards. After his housing benefit was stopped as a result of his sentence, he left prison with an avoidable £3,000 of debt, which included rent arrears for a council house that he did not want. Will the cabinet secretary provide an update on developments in the past few years since my constituent experienced those issues in relation to the SHORE standards, including the on-going work to ensure that relevant support is provided to help prisoners to deal with tenancies to avoid them racking up avoidable debt?
We will need to have shorter questions.
I am very sorry to hear of the problems that Ms Stevenson’s constituent experienced, and I thank her for raising them in the chamber today.
The SHORE standards provide that the SPS, local authorities, housing staff and relevant third sector organisations should work together to support persons in custody to end or sustain their tenancy, as appropriate. As I mentioned earlier, work is on-going to embed the SHORE standards across the prison estate and local authorities to ensure that there is consistency in how people are supported, from the point at which they enter custody to the point at which they are released.
Partners should work collaboratively with individuals from five days after entry to custody to inquire about housing circumstances and, thereafter, to plan for suitable accommodation and provide on-going support as part of the case management approach.
I know that the cabinet secretary agrees that, as part of the strategy, we need to improve throughcare services. The Wise Group recently advised me that one of the big issues for offenders who leave prison is the fact that they will have lost their place on their general practitioner’s list. That is one of the stumbling blocks in getting them resettled back into the community.
Will the cabinet secretary consider finding a way round that, perhaps by freezing the place of offenders on GP lists, so that it will be much easier for them to see their GP when they leave prison?
The short answer is that I will give that very serious consideration. Work is being done to improve the connectivity between prison healthcare services and the healthcare services that people are entitled to on release. I will pursue the matter and will keep the member updated.
Child Sexual Abuse Images (Online Availability)
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the justice secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding action to counter the reported proliferation of child sex abuse images online. (S6O-04355)
The issue that the member raises is a deeply concerning one. We are raising awareness of how to stay safe online and are providing support to help young people to navigate online spaces and use screen time in a safe way and to help parents and carers to ensure that they have the information that they need to guide young people and recognise risks.
The Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise and I have formed a new online safety task force to operate alongside the strategic group, which will identify actions to address online harm. As part of that work, last month we wrote to the United Kingdom Government to urge it take more action to protect children. We also supported the establishment of the national child sexual abuse and exploitation strategic group to increase cross-sectoral working to address the risk of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The minister will be aware that more than 3,000 crimes involving images of child sexual abuse have been recorded by Police Scotland over the past five years. In the past two years alone, those reports have reached record levels—more than 700 such offences have been recorded in each of the past two years. Last year, Childline delivered to young people 903 counselling sessions relating to blackmail or threats to expose or share sexual images online, which was a 7 per cent increase on the figure for 2022-23.
The Scottish Government needs to take a bold stance against perpetrators of such crimes and to provide sufficient deterrent to ensure that would-be perpetrators think twice. What specific actions is Police Scotland taking to keep our children safe from harm?
I recognise the concerns that have been raised about the increase in crimes related to indecent images of children. It may be helpful for me to highlight some of the things that Police Scotland is doing in relation to the recommendations from a strategic review of its response to online child sexual abuse, which was published in February 2020.
Progress has been made; the key achievements include the introduction of a single corporate name for online child sexual abuse and its use as a standard flag on common computer applications and databases, alongside the introduction of a national crime recording system. Dedicated analytical capacity has also been provided to examine online child sexual abuse. Clearer internal strategic governance has been put in place, and strategic threat assessments of online sexual abuse have been produced, increasing responses to investigation.
What response has the minister had from the UK Government to the letter that was sent in January on improving online safety for children, including through legislation?
We have not yet received a response to our letter to the UK Government ministers. I hope that we will receive one soon and that we can meet to discuss the issues outlined in our letter.
Keeping our children safe online is an issue that both Governments have concerns about. We want to work constructively with the UK Government to tackle this growing threat to our children’s wellbeing. One issue raised in our letter was the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which provides increased protection—more than is provided by the UK-wide Online Safety Act 2023.
In the meantime, Scottish Government and UK Government officials have met to discuss the issues raised in the letter.
Football Matches (Pyrotechnics Use)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on Police Scotland’s work to tackle the issue of uncontrolled pyrotechnics at football matches. (S6O-04356)
The misuse of pyrotechnics is a serious issue that will require collective and concerted effort to eradicate. Police Scotland, football authorities and Scottish Government officials have been working in partnership to develop a cohesive response to the issue. That includes joint participation in the pyrotechnics at football short-life working group that was established by Police Scotland and me. I look forward to hearing about the progress that the group makes.
In addition, we provided stop and search powers under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. We are exploring options, including for how existing available measures such as football banning orders could be utilised to greater effect, and whether further measures are needed.
The Scottish Professional Football League Trust is developing a pyrotechnics education programme to be delivered through clubs to those with football banning orders or club bans for pyrotechnics misuse.
I thank the minister for that answer and for her letter to me of 11 February on similar subjects.
In the letter, the minister particularly mentioned prevention. Some of her answer just now suggested that there may be greater punishment after the event. Can we not do more to search for and stop pyrotechnics going into football grounds in the first place?
The stop and search powers came into effect in relation to possession in June 2023. We have asked Police Scotland and the pyrotechnics working group to give full consideration to the matter and to establish the effectiveness of the powers under the legislation. However, it is important to recognise that no single action will provide an easy resolution to the problem of pyrotechnic misuse at football matches.
Emma Caldwell (Public Inquiry)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the establishment of the Emma Caldwell public inquiry. (S6O-04357)
The First Minister and I met the Caldwell family on 21 January to hear their views on next steps, including on the appointment of a chair for the public inquiry, and on ways to progress the criminal investigation of the initial police inquiry.
The Scottish Government will ensure that the inquiry is set up and properly resourced to carry out its important work. Once a chair has been appointed, we will work alongside that chair and Emma’s family to set and agree the terms of reference for the inquiry. We will continue to liaise with the Crown Office to understand the implications of the criminal investigation for the setting up of the inquiry.
I thank the cabinet secretary for her answer and I know that she is absolutely committed to ensuring that fresh scrutiny is brought to bear on the case, given the gravity of the issues raised. Although, as a lawyer, I understand the legal hurdles that are still extant, can the cabinet secretary nonetheless give some indication of when the chair will be appointed, so that progress can be made in the meantime?
I thank Ms Ewing for her question and for her interest and support. After discussing the chair appointment with the family, we are in agreement that the most important thing is that the person who leads the inquiry has the confidence of the family. I assure Ms Ewing that discussions are progressing and that we will continue to listen carefully to the family’s views. I will update Parliament when a decision has been taken.
Police Scotland (Mental Health Illness Absences)
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that the number of police officer and police staff working days lost due to mental health illness has risen in recent years. (S6O-04358)
Although this is an operational matter for the chief constable, I welcome her commitment to the wellbeing of police officers and staff. Police Scotland has made a £17 million investment in its employee assistance programme, which will focus on mental health support.
Police Scotland has signed up to the mental health at work commitment and standards, and the 2024 His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland report on front-line wellbeing recognised that Police Scotland is good at supporting officers at points of crisis.
Police Scotland currently provides a comprehensive range of services to officers and police staff. That includes a 24/7 employee assistance programme and direct access to occupational health services to support mental wellbeing.
That is certainly welcome, but the reality is that the number of staff days lost has increased significantly. Since 2019, almost half a million days have been lost because of mental ill health. Keeping communities safe starts by supporting those at the heart of policing, which I am sure that the cabinet secretary would agree with. Despite all the promises, why is mental health plummeting? Will the cabinet secretary at least agree to having regular staff surveys and a mental health first aider installed in every police workplace?
I recognise that, every day, Scotland’s police officers and staff are dedicated to keeping our communities safe and supported. Very often, officers and staff run towards and place themselves in front of danger to protect the public.
The issue of regular staff surveys has been discussed with the chief constable in our regular meetings, and she is very committed to those surveys. When I next meet the chief constable, I will discuss Willie Rennie’s suggestion about mental health first aiders being readily available.
The cabinet secretary will be aware of the interest that the Criminal Justice Committee has taken in officer and staff mental wellbeing. Although it is clear that a lot of progress has been made in that area, will she outline any further detail on access to support for officers and staff that is of a more specialist nature and that goes beyond the early preventative role?
There are two points to make in relation to Ms Nicoll’s question. There is the support that is absolutely necessary when officers find themselves in danger in protecting others or are witnesses to very traumatic circumstances. In that regard, there is the trauma risk management programme.
I am also mindful of the point that His Majesty’s chief inspector of constabulary made when he spoke about the day-to-day demands on the job and how they can have an impact on the mental health of serving police officers. That is why the £17 million investment in and focus on mental health support and access to enhanced occupational health services are of particular importance.
Between 2020 and 2024, non-sexual crimes of violence were up 10 per cent, sexual crimes were up 11 per cent and crimes of dishonesty were up 16 per cent. As at June 2024, the number of police officers had fallen to its lowest level in 17 years, while many aspects of the estate and resources continue to decline.
If we accept that fewer officers dealing with rising crime using older resources—all matters that are within the ambit of this Government—will lead to harder workloads, greater stress, mental health challenges and more burn-out, what is the Government’s specific plan to make life easier for our officers?
The Government has a very robust approach through the £1.62 billion that will be invested in policing in Scotland, following the passing of the budget yesterday.
I am pleased that the latest official statistics show that, as of December, police officer numbers were at more than 16,500. The deputy chief constable, Alan Speirs, confirmed last month that police officer numbers were at 16,614.
We will also be wrestling with the demands that are created by the rise in employers’ national insurance contributions.
Although I do not dispute the changing nature of crime that Liam Kerr has highlighted, which requires being very focused, I remind him that the statistics that were published earlier this week show that there has been an overall 1 per cent decrease in recorded crime over the past year and that this country remains a safer place under our Government.
Antisocial Behaviour (City Centres)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it and its partner organisations are taking to tackle antisocial behaviour in city centres. (S6O-04359)
We support Police Scotland and local authorities to invest in prevention, early intervention and diversionary activities to reduce antisocial behaviour. In 2025-26, we have increased police funding to a record £1.62 billion. Our budget makes an additional £3 million available for Police Scotland to work alongside the retail sector to tackle shoplifting and other retail crime.
At national level, we fund initiatives and local multi-agency response work to target issues relating to violence reduction; such issues are also tackled through our cashback for communities programme.
I commissioned the independent working group on antisocial behaviour because I am committed to ensuring that there is a strong response to antisocial behaviour that puts victims and communities at the centre of support. Yesterday, the group published a wide-ranging report, and I am considering its recommendations along with our lead partners, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and Police Scotland.
In Aberdeen and other cities, there has been a rise in the number of masked individuals zooming around on e-bikes, often clearly engaged in illegal activity. Although the actual numbers might be small, their visibility is great and is creating serious concern for ordinary folk. What measures are being taken to tackle that menace?
We support Police Scotland and its partners in dealing with the misuse of vehicles, including e-bikes, and any nuisance and danger that is caused by it. Enforcement is a matter for Police Scotland, and local policing teams are best placed to identify misuse and to work to prevent future incidents. The police can enforce the law in relation to illegal riding on pavements using road safety, public disorder and dispersal powers, which include being able to seize vehicles, if appropriate.
Police Scotland seized 281 dangerous e-bikes between January and September 2024. Seizing vehicles as part of hard deterrence and enforcement action is happening nationally, with stepped-up patrols warning illegal and reckless bikers that their vehicles will be seized.
There are a number of supplementary questions. I will get in as many as I can but they will need to be brief.
Towns and villages across the south of Scotland also suffer badly from this issue. I routinely hear from shopkeepers about the fearlessness of violent thieves, many of whom are young people and many of whom have travelled from cities specifically to target smaller communities. The verdict from workers is always the same: the people responsible simply do not fear consequences, because there are none. What plans does the Scottish Government have to finally strike some fear into those reckless and dangerous individuals, so that they know that their actions will have consequences?
The offenders will be reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Although there has been an increase in the number of reports of theft by shoplifting, the detection rate has also increased, with charges being brought in for around 50 per cent of reported incidents. Police Scotland will continue to work closely with retailers through the Scottish partnership against acquisitive crime strategy to deter, prevent and investigate all reported crimes.
If the minister wants evidence of such behaviour, she need only walk to the Meadows, where there are tyre tracks left by masked individuals who were driving all-terrain vehicles in the early hours of Thursday. We need new standard operating procedures and equipment, because, without those, the police are incapable of intervening. Will the minister engage with the police so that those things can be put in place?
Yes—I have engaged with MSPs and the police on the issue this week.
I remind members that my wife is a police sergeant in Moray.
The cabinet secretary and the minister will surely be aware that a freedom of information request by The Northern Scot has shown that, between 2019 and 2024, antisocial behaviour at Elgin bus station has increased by 900 per cent. Of course, Elgin bus station was the location of the killing of bus driver Keith Rollinson a year ago. Does the minister agree that the multi-agency work in Elgin must be on-going in order to get that number back down again? Does she accept that, if we had more officers available on the beat in Moray, they would act as a deterrent for antisocial behaviour at the bus station?
Yes, and I absolutely agree that multi-agency work will be needed in Elgin.
Cashback for Communities
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the cashback for communities programme. (S6O-04360)
During the current phase 6 of the programme, which runs to March 2026, we are providing funding of up to £20 million to 29 partner organisations, with the projects aiming to reach around 34,000 children and young people.
In 2023-24, we supported more than 15,000 young people to reduce their involvement in the criminal justice system and improve their wellbeing or move towards a positive destination.
The annual impact report, which was published last December, shows that the programme exceeded all its targets. Key outcomes included 4,300 young people reporting reduced involvement in antisocial or criminal activity; more than 8,300 reporting improved health and wellbeing; and more than 64,000 volunteering hours to support local communities.
With phase 6 funding ending next March, will phase 7 funding be in place in this parliamentary session? If so, when will the new application process open?
We are working with stakeholders to consider a seventh phase of the cashback for communities programme, and we will announce plans for that later this year.
As I said, the current phase of the programme is set to end next March, so the plans will be in place by then. Through various projects, the programme supports young people who are at risk of entering the criminal justice system and the communities that are most affected by crime. Since its inception, the programme has committed £130 million to supporting around 1.3 million young people across all 32 local authorities in Scotland.
Crimes involving Animals (Justice System Handling)
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to improve the way the justice system handles crimes involving animals. (S6O-04361)
A range of legislation is in place in Scotland to address crimes involving animals. That allows for relevant police and prosecutorial action to be taken, and it provides significant sentencing powers to the court. When sentencing, courts have wide discretion to consider the facts and circumstances. For example, that includes taking into account the harm arising from a dog theft such as the impact on the dog’s health and wellbeing as well as the distress caused to the owner.
Under the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020, the Scottish Government is progressing a review of the requirement for any additional animal welfare, animal health or wildlife offences.
This morning, I launched my proposed dog abduction (Scotland) bill at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, with the wonderful Cooper, who is available for rehoming. The bill seeks to deter and punish those who are involved in snatching people’s pets. Does the minister agree that it could also help to ensure more clarity and certainty in law for police and courts when advising the public, investigating cases and bringing prosecutions?
I have met Maurice Golden to discuss his bill. I appreciate that the theft of a much-loved pet can be a traumatic experience for owners. It will be for the Parliament to consider the details of Maurice Golden’s recently introduced member’s bill. This morning, I was listening to conversations about the police in that regard, so I take that on board.
The Scottish Government notes that the bill has been introduced, and we will consider carefully its content.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. At the previous justice and home affairs portfolio question time, I asked about police dog Zara being put down by Police Scotland, and the minister promised to write to me about the lack of insurance for police dogs. I use my point of order to gently remind the minister that I still have not received a response, and I have followed up the matter with her.
Presiding Officer, is there any guidance that ministers should respond to commitments to update members between one portfolio question time and another on the same topic? It would be useful to have a timeframe, particularly given that the same question might have been raised today.
I appreciate your point, Mr Ross. It is not a point of order and therefore is not something on which the chair can rule.
I will allow a brief pause to allow for a changeover of members on the front benches before we move to the next item of business.
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Scottish Enterprise Funding (Arms Companies)