Seòmar agus comataidhean

I think that we should keep the petition open and write to the Scottish Community Development Centre for an update on its work on exploring what an appeals process for community participation requests might look like and when it expects to conclude that work.

The petition has been going for some time. Last session, a lot of work was done. A lot of evidence was taken, questions were asked and, as you have said, there was a members’ business debate.

I think that the Scottish Government has heeded what the petition has asked for and that a lot of progress has been made on what the petitioners want. I would therefore quite happily close the petition, in accordance with rule 15.7 of standing orders. However, I ask that, in doing so, we write to the Scottish Government so that it can continue to engage with the petitioners.

I absolutely agree, convener.

I know that it is not what the petitioners want to hear, but the Scottish Government is committed to having a review in 2023, and the new section 100A in the 2015 act will ensure that the Scottish ministers make provisions.

From the minister’s response, it is clear that the Government is not willing to go to a consultation at this time, so I am quite happy to close the petition under rule 15.7 of standing orders. If the petitioners are not happy with the outcomes in 2023, they can bring back a fresh petition.

I find it incredible that no information is available on how many times the appeals process has been used. I would be happy to write to the Scottish Government again to ask how it will fill that gap and provide evidence.

We should close the petition under rule 15.7 of standing orders, but I ask that the Scottish Government engages with the petitioner to understand the difficulties of claiming back expenses and feeds those experiences into the review.

Given that ministers will be reviewing the matter every 21 days, the First Minister updates us every week in Parliament and the COVID-19 Recovery Committee takes evidence from ministers every two weeks and is carrying out an inquiry into vaccination passports, I think that we can close the petition under rule 15.7 of standing orders.

The third sector plays a vital role in delivering services. What representation does it have on the bodies of the Scottish Government and NHS boards in relation to providing mental health services?

How have pathways to primary care and community services been improved since the publication of “Mental Health—Scotland’s Transition And Recovery” in October 2020?

The pandemic has seen a reduction in and even an end to some care-at-home services, and many community-based and third sector organisations have been unable to provide services or they have been forced to close because of pandemic restrictions. Is there a co-ordinated social care remobilisation plan? Who are the key stakeholders involved if there is?