Seòmar agus comataidhean

I am sorry, but it might not be that short.

Okay. My question is about the challenges with commissioning and procurement.

I am sorry, convener, but my question is more generic. What does the panel think of COSLA’s comments that the consultation

“cuts through the heart of governance in Scotland”

and will

“have serious implications for Local Government”.

Perhaps Leigh Johnston from Audit Scotland can respond first.

I am aware of the time, convener—I was just asking about finance in general.

I was just seeking the panel’s thoughts on the consultation.

Yes.

I will bring that back in. We have spoken about centralisation, but Scotland is very diverse. In trying to identify how we might want to change how NHS boards are allocated their money, we find that one of the current issues with integration is that the money goes from the acute service to primary care and the social sector. What other models are you considering? What might be considered as best practice, looking across other areas?

I apologise, convener.

I want to try to bring everything together into one question and contextualise what I am asking about with something that was in the press over the weekend and which I think highlights the need to promote preventative support, collaboration and the integration of new and more innovative solutions such as the West Lothian Food Train, which I have visited.

I suppose that my question is for Derek Feeley and Judith Proctor, given that Mr Feeley’s comment that there are things that we should be doing now and Ms Proctor’s role in representing all IJBs. At the weekend, we heard about a 90-year-old woman who starved to death. It is the first time that that has happened for decades. Age Scotland called it “desperately sad”, saying that it highlighted the scale of pensioner malnutrition around Scotland, and it also mentioned “harrowing stories” from pensioners who talk about empty cupboards and problems with grocery deliveries, particularly people who are not online. While we are waiting for what we are discussing to happen, what can we do with the legislation that we have to repurpose these services and stop such things happening now? What can we do with, say, commissioning and procurement?

I asked Leigh Johnston to respond, although I do not know whether she wants to.