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Obviously, in this place, we pass legislation. We have just passed the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill, and we are considering the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. What implications will those bills have for your budgets in the coming year?

I appreciate that that will not be a matter for the coming year’s budget, but does that mean that you expect cases to cost more if those legislative changes take place? Are you saying that you expect the process to be, rather than cheaper and more streamlined, a more resource-intensive process that will cost the public purse more?

In its submission, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service suggests that an increase of £13.4 million would be needed. Could Mr McQueen briefly outline how that figure has been calculated?

Thank you.

I understand. Thank you.

One of the major challenges that we still face is the backlog of cases. I know that there has been progress on that, but it is still a massive problem that is having a huge impact on all the individuals involved. The Crown Office submission suggests that the level of resource funding that might be required is around £207 million for 2024-25, taking into account pay rises. Can you set out how that figure has been reached? What are the potential implications if aspects of that might change?

I understand. Do I have time for an additional question, convener? I know that we are under time pressure.

Would you be willing to share the advice on legal liabilities with the committee? At the end of the day, all of us will have to pay the price if the fire service does not meet its obligations.

This is a budget scrutiny process, so what are the budget implications of those challenges? Have you looked at that?

I understand.

As you know, 10 appliances and additional height appliances were withdrawn across Scotland last week, close to 1,100 uniformed firefighter jobs have already been lost and Ross Haggart has indicated that a further 780 full-time firefighter jobs could be lost in the next four years. You have also indicated in your evidence today that firefighters may not be available for the appliances that you have—they will not be able to be staffed. However, concerns are already being raised with us about the lack of availability of appliances and increased response times. I know that modelling has already been referred to this morning, but what work are you doing on the implications of the lack of availability of appliances for the public and on response times? What information are you able to share on what has happened since the 10 appliances were withdrawn?