The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.
All Official Reports of meetings in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
All Official Reports of public meetings of committees.
Displaying 995 contributions
Criminal Justice Committee
Meeting date: 20 September 2023
Pauline McNeill
Yes.
Criminal Justice Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Pauline McNeill
Good morning. My first set of questions also follows on from what Rona Mackay asked about. We need to understand, in some detail, what David Page said about the reduction in head count of 800. That is a significant number. To be clear, is that police officers and staff?
Criminal Justice Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Pauline McNeill
But inflation is considerably higher than that. Are you projecting that it will come down to 2 per cent?
Criminal Justice Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Pauline McNeill
Do you mean the Government guidance?
Criminal Justice Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Pauline McNeill
Thank you. My time for questions is passing—it is amazing how quickly time goes, even though 10 minutes seems like a long time—so I will now ask the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service witnesses to answer one or two questions.
Ross Haggart, as you know, other members and I have raised the issue of decontamination facilities. I understand at least the basics of the difference between the revenue and capital budgets. What progress will we be able to make with regard to getting shower facilities and other required facilities to keep fire and rescue officers safe? Do you have concerns about your ability to do that?
Criminal Justice Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Pauline McNeill
That was helpful. Delays in the High Court and the law on 140 days are long-standing issues for me, and in answer to Donald Cameron, you said that you do not see it reaching pre-pandemic levels. Is there a target that you are aiming for?
Criminal Justice Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Pauline McNeill
Finally, Stephen McGowan, what is needed to prevent losing the 200 people from the service that you mentioned to Katy Clark? Did you mention a figure?
Criminal Justice Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Pauline McNeill
I understand that you are concerned.
Based on an assumption from what we have just heard from David Page, I also have a concern about the cadet programme. Is it likely that you will have to reduce recruitment of new cadets or new police officers?
Criminal Justice Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Pauline McNeill
Yes, but they cost a fortune. Okay, what you are saying is that the investment will be different—
Criminal Justice Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Pauline McNeill
Why 2 per cent?