Questions and answers

Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for ��˿�� to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-22801

Asked by: Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 08 November 2023
Current Status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 16 November 2023

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported cumulative funding gap in excess of £71 million in East Lothian Council’s budget over the next five years, whether it will explore options for providing the local authority with additional funding to pay for any new infrastructure and other services needed to cope with the reportedly significant growth that it is experiencing.

The Deputy First Minister met with representatives of East Lothian Council on 23 August 2023 to discuss the specific challenges facing East Lothian, including population growth.

We are committed to taking forward work through the More Balanced Population strand of our Population Strategy, in partnership with COSLA and local authorities, to ensure a robust and sustainable footing for our communities irrespective of whether they are projected to see growth or decline in their respective populations.

Work is also ongoing with COSLA to establish a new fiscal framework for councils through the Verity House Agreement, a landmark agreement that is forging a stronger partnership between the Scottish Government and local councils to ensure that the people of Scotland continue to receive the high quality frontline services and support that they expect and deserve.

Decisions on future local government settlements will be the subject of negotiations with COSLA on behalf of all 32 local authorities and will be announced as part of the outcome of future Scottish Budgets.

Question reference: S6O-02755

Asked by: Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 November 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 22 November 2023

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its Fair Work First policy, what its response is to reports that workers in Scotland lost nearly £1.9 billion in wages in a year due to working unpaid overtime.

Question reference: S6O-02667

Asked by: Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 25 October 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 2 November 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the just transition secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding the role of industry in delivering a just transition.

Question reference: S6O-02620

Asked by: Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 18 October 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 25 October 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Creative Scotland about funding for financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Question reference: S6T-01579

Asked by: Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 02 October 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 3 October 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the reported proposed rationalisation of the Police Scotland estate.

Question reference: S6W-20925

Asked by: Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 05 September 2023
Current Status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 20 September 2023

To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has reportedly (a) reduced funding for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) and (b) instructed the CRT to end its grant programme.

In 2023-24, funding is being delivered within the context of the most challenging budget settlement since devolution as set out by the Deputy First Minister in our Medium Term Financial Strategy, which makes clear the difficult choices that would be required to reach a sustainable footing.

The Scottish Government has awarded a grant of nearly £650k to Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) for 2023-24 which will enable the organisation to sustain its core operations and deliver its programme of work in Scotland. This builds on the £28 million provided to CRT to date.

In terms of the sustainability of CRT’s grant programme, officials have been signalling the need for CRT to move away from this historical arrangement and to explore other funding routes for this activity. This approach is to ensure the funding available can support CRT to maintain its focus on delivering its key services which will have the greatest impact on coalfield communities. This will also ensure CRT’s grant funding activity is in line with the latest grant making conditions and financial control measures, which apply across all Scottish Government grants.

The Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning held a constructive meeting with CRT on 14 September, providing the opportunity to discuss their concerns and the challenges. The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with CRT and others towards the regeneration of our coalfields communities.

Question reference: S6T-01551

Asked by: Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 18 September 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 19 September 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports of a planned strike by school support staff, including janitors, cleaners, caterers and school support assistants, over pay and conditions.

Question reference: S6T-01497

Asked by: Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 04 September 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 5 September 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how many public buildings are currently at risk due to the exposure of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

Question reference: S6O-02477

Asked by: Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 30 August 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 7 September 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its target for renewable heating systems in homes.

Question reference: S6W-20029

Asked by: Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 18 July 2023
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 15 August 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how many pupils are currently learning in a school that requires major rebuilding or refurbishment, broken down by local authority.