Good morning. The first item of business is general question time.
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 has assisted the police in responding to reports of coercive control and stalking behaviours from members of the public. (S6O-02316)
Research on the operation of our groundbreaking legislation found that it better reflects how adult victims experience domestic abuse. Police Scotland is committed to supporting effective and consistent implementation, and staff and officers have had training and support to ensure that they fully understand the legislation and how to best use it to protect victims and bring offenders to justice.
Recent reports have highlighted that more is needed to make it easier for people to report domestic abuse and for perpetrators to be appropriately dealt with. I am committed to working with partners to consider how we best address that.
I thank the cabinet secretary for that very positive response. In recent months, I have had contact with a constituent who reports continuing harassment from an ex-partner through the use of Ring doorbells, although not on her property. She further reports that the police dealing with her case seemed unsure how to take forward complaints regarding Ring doorbells, although they are extremely sympathetic to the overall situation. Will the cabinet secretary advise whether the current legislation on coercive control could include such behaviours, including the use of Ring doorbells, and, if so, what further training might be necessary for front-line workers?
Domestic closed-circuit television, such as video doorbells, is covered by data protection legislation, which is a matter that is reserved to the United Kingdom Government and is regulated by the Information Commissioner’s Office. If an individual believes that domestic CCTV is being used in a way that is antisocial, harassing or intimidating, it might be a criminal matter, and they can contact the police.
There is more work to be done—and which I am committed to exploring—in and around the use of data. Despite the strategic shift in policing to prioritise, understand and tackle domestic abuse, with lots of examples of good practice, we know from all the most recent research that the clear message is that improvements could be made across the justice sector to how cases are handled. We need to give victims maximum assurance that their voice is being heard in proceedings and ensure that support throughout the process is more available.
Parties across this chamber agreed with the 2018 act, but, for the act to be truly effective, the police need more resources. As it stands, front-line officers do not have the support that they need from the Government to fully enforce the new law. Given the rise in domestic abuse cases since the act was brought in, does the cabinet secretary accept that the police need more resources to deal with more domestic abuse crimes?
The most recent domestic abuse crime statistics show a decrease of 1 per cent on previous years, but I agree with the member that those figures are a stark reminder of the gendered and hidden nature of domestic abuse and that we need to be committed to tackling the systemic issue in our society, today, tomorrow and in the long run.
On the issue of resources for the police, the policing investment this financial year is £1.45 billion, which is an additional £80 million—or an increase of 6.3 per cent. Across the justice sector, we are investing £3.4 billion, which is an increase of £165 million. That investment is being put to good use to deliver justice for women.
Financial Memoranda (Drafting)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review its approach to drafting financial memoranda, in light of concerns raised by the Finance and Public Administration Committee. (S6O-02317)
The Scottish Government endeavours to provide its best estimates of anticipated costs and/or savings in the financial memoranda that accompany bills, in line with the requirements of standing orders. The Scottish Government is also committed to responding to any issues identified by Parliament in its scrutiny of bills and their accompanying documents.
Last week, the Deputy First Minister admitted that her Government had managed the public’s money so poorly that there is a looming £1.9 billion black hole in the public finances. Is that any wonder, when the Government’s approach to drafting financial memoranda is so woefully inadequate? Given the serious concerns raised by the committee about the financial memoranda for two significant pieces of legislation—the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill and the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill—why does the Government not think it necessary to publish a revised financial memorandum for either bill before the conclusion of stage 1?
Michael Marra has just commented on my statement on the medium-term financial strategy last week, but if he had been listening to what I said in that, he would have heard—and this has been confirmed by the Scottish Fiscal Commission—the key reasons for the challenge in next year’s budget, the first of which is the United Kingdom Government’s cuts to both resource and capital budgets to this Parliament. Michael Marra should know that those budgets make up the bulk of the money that this Parliament—this Government—has to spend. Secondly, there are challenges due to inflation and its impact on our budget—and, of course, the impact on the pay deals that go beyond what was budgeted for in last year’s budget. Michael Marra should stick to the facts about what lies behind the statement that I had to make last week.
On issues with financial memoranda, we, of course, welcome the Finance and Public Administration Committee’s feedback and the views coming forward at stage 1 of the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill. The issue, really, is that matters have developed in relation to the financial memorandum. Inflation has increased, which, as the committee has acknowledged, the Scottish Government could not have forecast that. The stage 1 process has brought in additional detail and helpful information—that is, of course, part of the bill process—and the financial memorandum will be updated on the basis of what happens at stage 1 and the updated information from partners involved in the bill’s implementation group. We will update the financial memorandum following that work and to reflect what happens at stage 1.
As for the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill, the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport has agreed to provide an updated financial memorandum, as well as a response to the recommendations of the report, four weeks before the stage 1 debate. That will, of course, take account of any agreements and decisions that are reached over the summer.
Single-use Vapes (Environmental Impact)
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish the review by Zero Waste Scotland into the environmental impact of single-use vapes. (S6O-02318)
The Scottish Government recognises the significant concerns about the environmental impacts of single-use vapes, as well as about the prevalence of young people vaping in Scottish society.
On the environmental impacts, Zero Waste Scotland submitted the initial findings of its report on the impact of single-use vapes at the end of May. Those findings are currently being considered, and the report is undergoing final revisions prior to publication, which we expect to take place in June. I look forward to the report’s findings being published and the opportunity to discuss potential next steps to address the issue.
The minister will be aware of a recent BBC report on 18 vape products that were found in a school in England, almost all of which had not been legally registered or tested. When they were sent for independent testing, they were found to contain highly toxic chemicals such as crotonaldehyde in concentrations well above the recognised safe exposure levels, in addition to heavy metals such as lead, chromium and cadmium. What work is being done across Government to tackle the damage that these devices are doing, not only to the environment but to our young people’s health?
I am deeply concerned about recent reports of illicit vapes containing high levels of lead, nickel and chromium. United Kingdom-wide regulations are in place to ensure minimum standards for the safety and quality of e-cigarettes. Through the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland, we continue to support strong national and local alliances to tackle the availability and sale to under-18s of illicit tobacco and vapes. Any action that we seek to take will build on the regulations that are already in place to restrict the marketing, promotion and sale of vaping products to under-18s.
I have received representations from a young person in Shetland who has concerns about the impacts of vaping on health and the environment as well as the impact of peer pressure in that respect. Flavours such as bubble gum and candy floss and bright rainbow packaging on shop counters are not there to catch the eye of adults. When I spoke with my constituent this morning, they said that they wanted to see vapes removed from sale on shop counters. Will the Scottish Government review regulations on vape sales, packaging and advertising?
The report from Zero Waste Scotland will look at a range of available policy options including a potential ban on single-use vapes. I am fully aware of the strength of feeling on the matter and, particularly, of concerns around young people’s use of vapes. Powerful campaigns for a ban have been undertaken by Less Waste Laura, the Daily Record and others, and the review will consider various options—for example, increasing access to responsible disposal options and improved product design. I look forward to the review coming out, and we will discuss next steps from there.
Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Support (South Scotland)
To ask the Scottish Government what additional support it plans to provide to tourism, hospitality and leisure operators in the South Scotland region. (S6O-02319)
The Scottish Government recognises that the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors are a crucial part of the South Scotland economy. Those sectors create jobs, sustain communities and contribute significantly to the wellbeing of southern Scotland, often forming the cornerstone of the local economy and enabling visitors and residents alike to experience the incredible offers that we have across the whole region.
We are supporting, with a £2.7 million five-year funding package, the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, which is an industry-led leadership group that is driving the region’s tourism, marketing and destination development. We are also working with a diverse range of businesses throughout the region. As well as our work with large projects, including our £2.6 million investment in the £18 million sustainable development in Forest Holiday cabins at Glentress forest in the Tweed valley, we are working with different accommodation and attractions in the region, from glamping to museums and visitor facilities.
I thank the minister for that answer, but all that he has said overlooks the fact that, as he is well aware, many operators face far higher business rates as a result of his Government’s failure to pass on the 75 per cent rates relief that has been made available in England. Pubs and cafes face enormous pressures, including from the shambolic deposit return scheme, while tourism operators face the burden of the Scottish National Party’s short-term lets regulations. Is it not the case that the SNP lacks not only a dedicated minister for tourism but any credible policy to support that vital sector in the south of Scotland?
As the minister with responsibility for tourism and hospitality, I want to say how much I enjoyed my recent visit to Glentress to meet the company that is investing millions of pounds into that region. It is great to see that the product that is being developed in the member’s region is attracting so much investment and will attract visitors from around the world. Although I recognise that the Scottish Government has a role to play in that regard, a sub-group relating to the new business deal will look at business rates and other issues.
The issues that tourism businesses in the south of Scotland and elsewhere raise with me are high energy costs, the need to cut VAT, the impact of high inflation and the impact of Brexit on labour shortages, all of which are the responsibility of the member’s party in the United Kingdom Government—the Conservative Party. Therefore, he might likewise wish to make strong representations to it.
The minister mentioned energy costs. The impact of the energy crisis on hospitality—on pubs, bars and restaurants, including those across the South Scotland region—has been substantial, with trade bodies recently revealing that bills have surged by, on average, 81 per cent over the past year. Can the minister provide an update on the Scottish Government’s latest engagement with the UK Government regarding the support that can be provided to businesses that are experiencing those pressures with energy costs? Does he anticipate that further support will be forthcoming?
We must have brief questions and brief responses.
We certainly share the industry’s concerns, which Emma Harper raised, about the impact of rising overheads such as energy costs. We have extended energy advice to businesses by investing £300,000 to expand the services of Business Energy Scotland, and we have doubled the value of the small and medium-sized enterprise loan and cashback scheme for energy efficiency to £20,000. We have also established a task force with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to support businesses, because we know that much more needs to be done.
In relation to rising energy costs, the Minister for Energy is due to meet the UK Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability next week and will raise that important issue with her at that time. We will continue to make strong representations to the UK Government in relation to addressing high energy costs.
Ferguson Marine (Future Options)
To ask the Scottish Government what options it foresees for the future of Ferguson Marine after ferries 801 and 802 are built. (S6O-02320)
We know that Ferguson Marine is actively pursuing many future workstreams, such as the recently announced contract with BAE Systems to support the type 26 frigate programme. We are committed to securing a sustainable future for the shipyard.
Well, I would thank the cabinet secretary for that answer, but it was not an answer. He did not answer the question, which was on the options that he sees for the future—I do not know what options he foresees. If he wants to return the yard to the private sector, as he has said that he does, investment will be needed. Has he done an assessment of how much investment will be needed?
The Scottish Government has commissioned an independent review into funding and future options for the yard. When will we see that?
Ferguson Marine has provided the Scottish Government with a formal request for capital investment as part of its plan to make the shipyard more competitive, which is currently being evaluated. Any request for funding will, of course, be subject to subsidy control and the impact and other assessments that will be required. Parliament will be updated on that in due course.
In relation to the publication of the document to which Graham Simpson referred, I am sure that he would not want to make the yard uncompetitive by releasing the commercially sensitive information that the document contains. We are looking at the detail that we can publish. That work is on-going.
Does the cabinet secretary accept that it is the Scottish Government’s responsibility to clear up this mess? It is not the fault of the excellent workforce at Ferguson Marine or, indeed, that of the people of Inverclyde. Will the cabinet secretary provide a timescale for potential future ferry contracts after 801 and 802?
As I have done every time that I have appeared either before committee or in the chamber, I pay tribute to the workforce for the outstanding work that it is doing in incredibly difficult circumstances.
We have taken decisions to ensure that 801 and 802 continue to be progressed and are completed at the yard, and we will continue to support the yard to secure future work as best we can.
Learning Estate Investment Programme
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on phase 3 of the learning estate investment programme, including in relation to the planned date for the announcement of the successful projects. (S6O-02321)
I know that local authorities are keen to get clarity on phase 3 of the learning estate investment programme. I recently visited the Perth high school and Dunfermline learning campus projects, and I very much recognise the difference that LEIP projects will make to local areas.
In March, Scottish Government officials wrote to all local authorities to explain that consideration of the projects that will form part of phase 3 was still on-going. That correspondence set out that further time was necessary to consider the scope of phase 3 and to take account of the impact of market volatility on current projects. However, I am committed to announcing the successful phase 3 projects before the end of this parliamentary session.
It is clear that Parliament needs to see details of phase 3 of the learning estate investment programme, which is now overdue. Too many schools across Scotland are currently in desperate need of upgrading.
As the cabinet secretary will be aware, it has been estimated that it could cost up to £160 million to rectify Renfrewshire Council’s monumental error in the calculation of the school roll for the new Dargavel primary school in Bishopton. Indeed, in answer to my colleague Neil Bibby, the First Minister said that the cabinet secretary would enter into discussions with Renfrewshire Council to try to resolve the situation and to avoid any detriment to the learning resource that is available to the council. Can she confirm whether those discussions have taken place? Can she assure members that there will be no detriment to the learning estate investment fund allocations to Renfrewshire in order to resolve the error, given the need for new schools across the local authority area?
Mr O’Kane might not be aware that his colleague Neil Bibby raised that issue yesterday during the debate on the national discussion, and that I committed to meeting him and parents in relation to the school that Mr O’Kane mentioned. I know that officials are already engaging with the local authority, and I intend to do the same imminently.
I wish to put on the record the fact that, since the Scottish National Party came to power, we have invested significantly in our school estate. When the SNP first came to power back in 2007, only 61 per cent of our schools were in good or satisfactory condition; today, that figure is more than 90 per cent. That is real progress under this Government. There is undoubtedly more that we will need to do, and I look forward to working with Paul O’Kane to drive the improvements that are needed across our school estate.