³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

That was a generous contribution, minister. There are things that we can do right now and not in the future. You have probably looked at the evidence that we heard last week from people with lived experience, but if you have not, I urge you to do so, because it was fantastic.

You are absolutely right. There are challenges to do with the gathering of disaggregated data, as has been highlighted by the Fraser of Allander Institute and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Last week, we heard that there were issues to do with non-disclosure—the general data protection regulation—and working within the parameters of the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that all data on people with protected characteristics is not only gathered but disaggregated, which does not necessarily happen. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the Scottish Government takes that forward.

Audit Scotland has highlighted that there are data gaps in social care that are much wider than in healthcare. Those data gaps are contributing to problems in social care, which is causing a huge challenge. We need to consider how the Scottish Government works with local authorities and how those bodies understand the national picture so that they can work together. Do you have any opinions on how the Scottish Government could improve that relationship? National data gathering is not necessarily being done, even though it is on a statutory footing, and data is not being shared with local authorities. That does not allow local authorities to provide the social care that they need to provide.

Good morning. I am Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire.

On that point, Elaine, do you believe that Marine Scotland has sufficient resources to be able to improve its data collection and scientific evidence that everyone round the table craves?

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?