Official Report 1106KB pdf
Good morning. The first item of business is general question time.
Highlands and Islands General Practitioners (Administration)
To ask the Scottish Government how it will reduce any administrative burdens on general practitioners across the Highlands and Islands to allow them to spend more time seeing patients. (S6O-04362)
To support general practice, we have significantly expanded the primary care multidisciplinary team workforce, with more than 4,900 whole-time-equivalent staff working in services, including physiotherapy, pharmacy and phlebotomy, as at March 2024. Those teams help free up time for practice teams and GPs.
The Scottish Government funds an effective interface project with the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland, the national centre for sustainable delivery and health boards to improve the interface between GPs and specialists. That ensures that referrals to secondary care require minimal administrative work, allowing GPs to maximise time spent treating patients.
In 2018, the Scottish Government introduced the new GP contract with a promise to fully implement it in 2021. It told doctors that it would support general practice by funding pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists and mental health nurses in order to relieve the huge pressure on primary care.
In true Scottish National Party style, though, the Government has failed to keep its promise, and front-line doctors are suffering as a result. Island GPs have told me that patients used to be able to ask for an appointment and were often seen that day, without argument. Now, patients can wait four weeks for an appointment, despite some doctors working 12-hour days with no break.
GPs in my island communities are clear that primary care is at crisis point under this SNP Government, so will the cabinet secretary finally commit to implementing the 2018 GP contract, as promised?
We are working to implement the contract, and we are making progress on that. In that respect, I would reference two points, the first of which is the number of whole-time-equivalent multidisciplinary team staff working across the NHS Highland area. In Argyll and Bute, the multidisciplinary team workforce in the health and social care partnership numbered, at March 2024, 84.5 people, an increase of more than 17 from the previous year. In Highland, there was an increase of more than 19 from the previous year.
Secondly, the number of GPs working in rural health boards increased from 1,013 in 2018 to 1,030 in 2024. That is the equivalent of 10 GPs per 10,000 patients in rural health boards, compared with 8.4 across the rest of Scotland.
I recognise that there are particular challenges. Jamie Halcro Johnston and I hail from the same islands; I recognise the challenge in rural and island communities, and we are continuing to invest to ensure that there is support for GPs to respond to it.
Patients would welcome the reduction of administrative burdens on doctors in an endeavour to put greater focus on patient treatment. Island health boards know how to deliver island healthcare. Does the cabinet secretary agree that island health boards should remain as separate national health service boards?
I probably know where Beatrice Wishart’s question is coming from, given some parties’ policy announcements over the weekend.
I want to see a blurring of boundaries between our health boards to ensure greater regional working and support across different parts of the health sector and that we support patients, primarily, in enabling them to navigate through the health system. That would be a far more effective way of getting the benefit that could be derived from structural reorganisation without all the cost, the pain and the time that it would take to arrive at that position.
Sheku Bayoh Inquiry
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on when it will reach a decision regarding extending the terms of reference for the inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh. (S6O-04363)
As I confirmed in my answer earlier this week, I have decided not to extend the terms of reference for the Sheku Bayoh public inquiry. I understand that that decision might be disappointing to Mr Bayoh’s family.
The inquiry’s terms of reference were announced in May 2020. A public inquiry cannot determine or rule on criminal or civil liability. Only the Crown Office can reconsider prosecution, and the Solicitor General has reserved the right to do so. I am confident that the current terms of reference are broad enough to enable the chair to deliver a substantial report, and I also believe that it is in the public interest for the inquiry to conclude swiftly and for its recommendations to be implemented as soon as possible.
I thank the Deputy First Minister for that response and for the letter that I received from her this week, detailing her decision. As she has recognised, the decision is a great disappointment to Sheku’s family and friends.
As highlighted in correspondence from the inquiry chair, Lord Bracadale, the decision to extend the terms could have considered whether there had been a potentially flawed prosecutorial decision as a result of a misunderstanding of factual evidence, misconceived instructions and a failure to properly consider the issue of race. I note the Crown’s commitment to keep evidence at the inquiry under review, but what reassurance can be provided to Sheku’s family, and to the public, that the process of the inquiry has allowed all relevant matters to be properly examined?
I recognise the member’s long-standing interest in the matter. She will be aware that the terms of reference for the inquiry were announced in May 2020 and included all aspects of the post-incident management of the case, including the role of the Lord Advocate in directing the investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner and the timeline from the incident up to the time of the prosecutorial decision.
The issue of race is explicitly identified in the original terms of reference for the inquiry and has been considered throughout. In September 2024, more than four years after those terms of reference were first announced in May 2020, there was a formal request that I extend them. It came as the inquiry was nearing the close of the evidential hearings and concluding statements. Under the terms of the Inquiries Act 2005, I have a statutory duty to consult the chair, which I did, and I also invited representations from all core participants to ensure fairness.
My decision, which I announced earlier this week, not to agree to an extension was made partly because I now believe that the inquiry should conclude as swiftly as possible, as we near the 10th anniversary of Mr Bayoh’s death and because, as I said in my first answer, a public inquiry carried out under the 2005 act can never rule on, or determine, criminal or civil liability.
Housing (Scotland) Bill (Homelessness Prevention)
To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which two local authority areas have been identified as areas for the planned homelessness prevention pilots, in light of reports that the pilots are due to commence in the spring of this year. (S6O-04364)
We are in the scoping stage of developing the fund with stakeholders. We do not expect to restrict the pilots to two local authority areas.
The funding will be used to deliver a test and learn pilot programme on the ask and act duties in the Housing (Scotland) Bill. The procurement process for the new fund is under way and we will be in a position to set out next steps soon.
The minister will appreciate that the bill will be moving to stage 2 next month. The pilot projects are meant to help us identify what changes have to be made. Will he tell the chamber in which month the pilots will start and for how long they will last?
As I said in my previous answer, we are still in the scoping stage of that work. One aim is to have the projects ready to go as soon as we get into the new financial year. As I have said, we will continue discussing the start dates with stakeholders, and I am happy to continue engaging with Mr Balfour as we move those projects forward.
I am sure that the minister will have been distressed, as I was, to see recent Scottish Government statistics showing that homelessness has risen in Scotland. In light of those worrying figures, what steps is the Scottish Government taking to ensure that the Housing (Scotland) Bill contains the strongest possible measures to prevent homelessness and reverse that situation?
I recognise how challenging the recent homelessness statistics are. The homelessness prevention duties will build on the strong housing rights that already exist for people who are homeless by eliminating the need to go through the trauma of homelessness. The duties on the named relevant bodies will require them to ask about and act on housing situations and will require local authorities to act to prevent homelessness.
We will invest an additional £4 million in 2025-26 in helping local authorities, front-line services and relevant partners prepare for the new prevention duties and respond to the housing emergency by preventing homelessness before it occurs. If homelessness can be more effectively prevented, life chances and outcomes will be improved and savings will be made across public services.
Sanda Island Purchase
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is, regarding any potential impact on the environment, to reports that Mowi Scotland, a multinational fish farming company, has purchased Sanda Island in Argyll and Bute. (S6O-04365)
The Scottish Government is not currently aware of any submitted proposals for development. All proposed developments are thoroughly scrutinised for their potential impact on the environment and communities through the planning system. Scotland has a robust legislative and regulatory framework in place that provides the right balance between developing the fish farming sector and protecting the environment on which the sector depends. All farms must meet strict regulations and guidelines to ensure that the environmental effects are assessed and managed safely.
One fish farm containing 200,000 farmed salmon produces the same amount of nitrogen as a city with 20,000 people and the same amount of raw sewage as 63,000 people. Sanda is a site of special scientific interest and it boasts resident bird species as well as amber-rated migrants such as wheatears. Mowi’s plans to develop the island put its unique environment under threat. With that in mind, how will the Government ensure that it meets its legal requirements in relation to good environmental status to ensure that Sanda’s vital ecosystems and rare species will be protected?
I hope that I was able to outline in my initial response to the member just how robust our regulatory framework is in assessing plans for proposed development. I point to the fact that the planning application process for aquaculture developments includes environmental impact assessments and habitats regulations assessments as well as requirements for consultation with the public and the statutory consultees, which include the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The Scottish Government marine directorate can also be consulted on behalf of Scottish ministers as planning authorities deem necessary, depending on the nature of a development.
With the legislative and regulatory processes that we have in place and all the work that we are currently undertaking in relation to aquaculture consenting in Scotland, I think that we have the robust measures that we need to consider such developments.
Mowi is an exemplar of investment in the remote Highlands and Islands. It has already massively invested in the isle of Colonsay and supported the people there with housing and broadband. It has exciting plans to bring people back to the island of Sanda and to bring back housing, the hotel, yacht moorings and tourism. Should we not be encouraging that as it is the lead company investing in parts of Scotland where there are no other jobs, no other opportunities and, currently, no people at all?
In response to that, I say that the Scottish Government of course recognises that aquaculture is a significant contributor to our rural economy, particularly when we consider our rural and island communities. Fergus Ewing mentioned the example of Colonsay. I visited Colonsay a couple of years ago to hear about the project there and to see the direct investment in housing that is making such a positive impact on the local community, and that is not to mention that the sector is worth £1.1 billion and supports more than 12,000 jobs both directly and across the wider supply chain. We recognise the contribution that aquaculture makes to Scotland and our national economy.
Question 5 has been withdrawn.
Cervical Cancer Screening Rates
To ask the Scottish Government when Public Health Scotland will produce updated statistics on the screening rates for cervical cancer. (S6O-04367)
Public Health Scotland expects to publish cervical screening statistics for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24 this summer. Following the publication of the 2021-22 statistics on cervical screening, the cervical screening programme board agreed the introduction of new key performance indicators to better align with the Healthcare Improvement Scotland cervical screening standards, and Public Health Scotland has been working with screening organisations to implement that transition. We welcome the new reports and key performance indicators as they will better support our efforts to increase the uptake and reach of the cervical screening programme.
The Scottish Government set the 62-day standard to ensure that 95 per cent of patients who are urgently referred with suspected cancer would begin their treatment within 62 days. However, according to Public Health Scotland, as of December 2024, only 72.1 per cent of cancer patients, including those with suspected cervical cancer, started treatment within that timeframe. Can the minister outline the urgent measures that are being taken to ensure that 95 per cent of patients with suspected cervical cancer can begin life-saving treatment within the 62-day target?
I re-emphasise the investment that the Scottish Government is putting in to reduce waiting times and improve diagnosis. We have been speaking directly with the two laboratories that check for diagnosis. I am very much looking forward to meeting Annie Wells and the other Opposition spokespeople for women’s health, alongside Professor Anna Glasier, at the end of April, when we can discuss the matter further.
The minister previously stated that the Government continues to explore other avenues, alongside self-sampling, that may improve the uptake level of cervical screening programmes, including consideration of better use of digital technology and more personalised communication. Can the minister give any further update on the detail of that?
As Carol Mochan will know, we are awaiting a recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee regarding HPV self-sampling, and we expect it in spring. As I said, we have started preparatory work for the implementation. If implementation is recommended, we will ensure that it is done as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Question 7 is from Bob Doris.
Presiding Officer, I must apologise, as I thought that my question was going to be taken this afternoon, during portfolio question time. I do not have a copy of the Business Bulletin. [Interruption.]
New-build Properties (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn)
To ask the Scottish Government how many new-build social and mid-market rental properties have been delivered in the Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn constituency in the last 10 years. (S6O-04368)
In the past 10 years, at least 1,000 new-build homes have been delivered in the Maryhill and Springburn constituency, with 741 social rent and 259 mid-market properties supported through the affordable housing supply programme.
Well, I am glad that I asked that question, because I want to draw the minister’s attention to the 380 new social, rented and affordable housing properties that will be delivered in the Wyndford estate in my constituency. How will next year’s budget support more of that important work, particularly on mid-market rent, which is vitally important to ensure that all constituents can get access to good-quality affordable homes?
I am aware of the affordable housing development in Wyndford, which will make a real difference to the lives of those who live there. The 2025-26 budget will help to fund the completion of existing new build and rehabilitation project commitments, as well as new project approvals such as that at Wyndford, including our targeted £40-million voids and acquisitions commitment and our commitment to new-build site starts.
As homes for mid-market rents are aimed at helping people on low to moderate incomes, the Scottish Government requires that the starting rent level for each home, including any service charge, is generally no more than the relevant local housing allowance rate. It is also the case that rent should not at any time exceed the midpoint of any market rent levels in the relevant broad rental market area, unless it is agreed that rent levels in the local area are materially different from those.
Another area of concern in that constituency is the number of homes left empty over the long term. In particular, there is concern about a tenement block at 272 Saracen Street that has been empty for more than 20 years. Will the minister undertake to write to the empty homes team at Glasgow City Council to encourage it to expedite the compulsory purchase of the building and its conversion into affordable or social housing without delay?
I met Glasgow City Council to discuss empty homes yesterday. I am happy to make the commitment that Paul Sweeney asked for and to take that forward with him.
Scottish Police Pension 1987 Scheme
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on any correspondence it has had with the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish Public Pensions Agency regarding the legacy of the Scottish police pension 1987 scheme. (S6O-04369)
I have written to the UK Government in relation to reserved matters that affect the legacy police pension scheme and the McCloud pensions remedy, which removed age discrimination in UK Government pension reforms in 2015.
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency is making progress on providing remedy information to more than 200,000 members of devolved Scottish schemes by 31 March 2025. The complexity of the work means that the agency will not meet that deadline for all members, which, it has to be noted, is a similar position to that of other UK schemes. I have informed the Finance and Public Administration Committee of the latest position.
Many officers who have proven to be unlawfully discriminated against were successful in that remedy under the terms that were set by the contingent decision process. However, despite having the opportunity to buy back their pensions, they were ultimately forced to exit. With the pause under the Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022, that discrimination continues and prevents officers from retiring.
Will the minister provide an update on a proposed resolution and a timescale for when those officers will be able to buy back their pensionable term under the 1987 scheme, as agreed, to provide a remedy for the group of police officers who are affected? Will the minister share with Parliament when the date range that was released last month by the Home Office and the Treasury regarding some members who can be unpaused can be clarified, because that appears to continue discrimination within the police force?
The member is referring to the McCloud remedy work that is progressing in relation to the UK Government’s pension reforms in 2015. The delay has been due to a number of reasons. As I said, the issue has affected all similar pension schemes across the UK. No member of the scheme will be disadvantaged as a consequence of that, because any payments will be backdated, and they will receive interest payments on top of that. The SPPA continues to communicate with members on that.
If there are other technical aspects of the issue that the member wants to discuss further, I would be happy to meet her to delve into that in more detail.
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