Chamber and committees

I have a supplementary question on Simon MacDonald’s point about spatial planning. The briefing says that a report stated that, by 2050, the pressures could result in a reduction of almost half in terms of the ability to fish. If you have seen it, do you believe that the spatial plan was sufficient or meaningful? What more would you like to see done in terms of the pressures that you are facing?

I want to ask Oonagh Brown about the statutory requirements for data gathering. You have given examples of individuals such as disabled people who have been stuck in hospital for many years and who are unable to be discharged. How can the current statutory requirements for data gathering be improved to meet the needs for inclusion and accessibility?

That is interesting.

Jillian Matthew, we heard in the committee’s earlier private session that gathering more data would help to support disabled people to gain employment opportunities and housing, and would help to improve their health outcomes. I think that everyone in the room understands that. How is Audit Scotland monitoring the progress of local authorities’ involvement in that and their understanding of gathering and capturing data to ensure those services are delivered with dignity?

In that private session, I gave the example of the right to education for disabled people. I mentioned the need to understand that there might not be the public transport available or that there are geographical issues that people face in reaching that education. For example, someone might have to travel 50 miles a day, but the family cannot support that. It is very difficult. Another issue is the support surrounding that individual’s needs. Will you give us an overview of where Audit Scotland is in relation to local authorities’ progress?

I have one last question around gathering equalities data, which is for Sara Cowan. The First Minister’s national advisory council on women and girls has called for the integration of intersectional gender budget analysis into the Scottish budget and for that to be put on a statutory footing. I do not know whether your organisation has any involvement in that.

I noted that the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Fraser of Allander Institute have had long-term concerns about—or identified shortcomings in relation to—the gathering of equalities data. I will put to you the same question that I put to Oonagh Brown: what improvements can be made to data gathering? Is that just about engaging people, as Clare Gallagher has mentioned?

I want to ask about data, as I am interested in Clare Gallagher’s comments on that topic. What existing mechanisms are in place for non-governmental bodies and civil society to play their part in gathering data and shaping policy?

You are absolutely right. I have heard that some local authorities collect data on waiting times for services for people with an autism spectrum disorder. It is a very difficult situation if local authorities are unable to support an individual who is either waiting for an appointment or who has been diagnosed. Have I understood things clearly? Is it the case that, nationally, things are not always done in a way that would benefit local authorities and that not that everybody is doing everything that they should do, even if those things are on a statutory footing. Would that be fair?

Do you have any interaction with the Scottish Government’s equality data improvement programme, which is up and running right now?

After what we have heard about the budget cuts to farming, it is important that the Scottish Government offers clear support. However, on the news that there is going to be a rally outside Parliament, I will quote the NFUS:

“It remains hugely frustrating that the Scottish Government, despite several requests from NFU Scotland and other stakeholders has yet to set out any clear options as to how any new powers created by the proposed new Agriculture Bill will put food production at the heart of delivering all the economic, social and environmental benefits that active agricultural businesses will be asked to deliver.”

That is absolutely damning. We have reached a position in which the NFUS has to bring people together because there has been such a lack of clarity. What do you say to that?

That is exactly what I was going to ask about, cabinet secretary. When will the ring-fenced funding of £33 million come back? Will it be allocated to the same ring-fenced spending that was originally promised?

With regard to the £61.3 million and the spending cuts that we will see, you have given promises to farmers about meeting their demands in relation to net zero and capital funding, in particular. How will you look at that in the round?

I am sorry. I am not feeling well, so I am struggling to ask my question.

I asked it as part of my question, I think.