Chamber and committees

Thank you for that.

For our final question, I will come first to Lynsey Smith. We have mentioned the prison population a lot. You will recall that, back in the summer, we saw 477 prisoners being released early. The Scottish Government is also consulting on legislation to release certain long-term prisoners early. Presumably, all that will place additional demands on justice social work and other services. I am interested in whether the costs of doing that have been assessed or covered. Where are we with that?

That is really interesting and very helpful. Have you detail on that that you could perhaps share with the committee?

Lynsey Smith, one of the key messages in the joint submission from Social Work Scotland and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities is around the community justice strategy and delivery plan, with particular reference to the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023 and its significant implications for resourcing across justice social work. Can you add a wee bit more detail on what those implications could look like?

Would you like to have the final word, Keith?

We receive regular updates on a range of things, some of which are shared by email and some of which are in our weekly bulletin. I am comfortable that that information will have been shared with the committee.

There will be a division.

For

MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP)
Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP)
Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP)
Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP)

Against

Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab)
Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con)
Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con)
McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab)

As no member wishes to make any recommendation in relation to the negative instrument, are we content for the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Act 2022 (Early Expiry of Provisions) Regulations 2024 to come into force?

Members indicated agreement.

I do not want to curtail debate, but we have all made our points clear. Therefore, I ask the cabinet secretary whether she wants to wind up any further. If not, I will put the question.

The result of the division is: For 4, Against 2, Abstentions 2.

Amendment 43 agreed to.

Amendment 44 moved—[Angela Constance].

The question is, that amendment 44 be agreed to. Are we agreed?

Members: No.