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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.2.25

Meeting suspended.

Retail Crime and Antisocial Behaviour

Meeting suspended.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.2.26

On resuming—

Retail Crime and Antisocial Behaviour

On resuming—

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.2

Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio question time, and today’s portfolio is education and skills. As ever, I would appreciate succinct questions and answers in order to get in as many members as possible.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Portfolio Question Time

Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio question time, and today’s portfolio is education and skills. As ever, I would appreciate succinct questions and answers in order to get in as many members as possible.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.4

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that qualified teachers are able to find suitable employment through permanent teaching posts in Scottish schools. (S6O-03733)

1. Fulton MacGregor (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25521

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that qualified teachers are able to find suitable employment through permanent teaching posts in Scottish schools. (S6O-03733)

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.5

Local councils are responsible for the recruitment and deployment of their staff. That includes providing a complement of teachers that best meets the needs of each of their schools and their pupils. Although the employment of teachers is a matter for local authorities, the Scottish Government remains committed to protecting teacher numbers and ensuring that qualified teachers are able to find suitable employment through permanent teaching posts. In this year’s budget, we are providing local authorities with £145.5 million for that purpose.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Jenny Gilruth)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

Local councils are responsible for the recruitment and deployment of their staff. That includes providing a complement of teachers that best meets the needs of each of their schools and their pupils. Although the employment of teachers is a matter for local authorities, the Scottish Government remains committed to protecting teacher numbers and ensuring that qualified teachers are able to find suitable employment through permanent teaching posts. In this year’s budget, we are providing local authorities with £145.5 million for that purpose.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.6

Over the past couple of years and this year, in particular, an increasing number of constituents who are teachers have come to me on the issue. They have advised me that they cannot get permanent posts in North Lanarkshire Council or other councils and that they are having to rely on supply teaching. What more can be done to ensure that those people who are trained to teach our children to the high standards that we can be proud to have here in Scotland are able to do so? What further discussions will the cabinet secretary have with councils, including North Lanarkshire Council, to further realise that potential?

Fulton MacGregor

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25521

Portfolio Question Time

Over the past couple of years and this year, in particular, an increasing number of constituents who are teachers have come to me on the issue. They have advised me that they cannot get permanent posts in North Lanarkshire Council or other councils and that they are having to rely on supply teaching. What more can be done to ensure that those people who are trained to teach our children to the high standards that we can be proud to have here in Scotland are able to do so? What further discussions will the cabinet secretary have with councils, including North Lanarkshire Council, to further realise that potential?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.7

It is worth noting that the teacher induction scheme provides a one-year probationary placement to allow teachers to meet the standard for full registration. Although that does not provide a guarantee of future employment with a particular council, the scheme is fully funded by the Scottish Government. Teaching posts require to be advertised and filled in a fair and transparent manner. It is also worth reflecting on the fact that, over the past 10 years, since 2014, the percentage of teachers who are in permanent posts has remained relatively stable at about 80 per cent. Although we cannot direct teachers with regard to where they should work—nor would I want us to—we will continue to do everything that we can to maximise the number of jobs that are available for teachers, including permanent posts. To that end, I have had substantive discussions with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. I have also asked the strategic board for teacher education to provide me with advice on how we can better understand and tackle the challenge at local authority level. I will meet the board next week to talk about the progress that it has made, and I expect to receive an initial report from it by the end of this year. I am also happy to discuss the issue directly with North Lanarkshire Council, as I have done with other councils. It is worth saying that councils have responsibility for the employment of teachers.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

It is worth noting that the teacher induction scheme provides a one-year probationary placement to allow teachers to meet the standard for full registration. Although that does not provide a guarantee of future employment with a particular council, the scheme is fully funded by the Scottish Government. Teaching posts require to be advertised and filled in a fair and transparent manner. It is also worth reflecting on the fact that, over the past 10 years, since 2014, the percentage of teachers who are in permanent posts has remained relatively stable at about 80 per cent. Although we cannot direct teachers with regard to where they should work—nor would I want us to—we will continue to do everything that we can to maximise the number of jobs that are available for teachers, including permanent posts. To that end, I have had substantive discussions with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. I have also asked the strategic board for teacher education to provide me with advice on how we can better understand and tackle the challenge at local authority level. I will meet the board next week to talk about the progress that it has made, and I expect to receive an initial report from it by the end of this year. I am also happy to discuss the issue directly with North Lanarkshire Council, as I have done with other councils. It is worth saying that councils have responsibility for the employment of teachers.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.8

A number of members wish to ask supplementary questions. We will try to get through as many as we can in the time available.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Portfolio Question Time

A number of members wish to ask supplementary questions. We will try to get through as many as we can in the time available.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.9

In my constituency, we are seriously struggling to attract and retain teachers. The Scottish Government’s incentives to encourage newly qualified staff to take up posts in rural areas are having limited success there. Parent councils in Aberdeenshire are calling for a summit to address the issue. Will the cabinet secretary please meet me and the parents who are concerned about the situation to discuss it further?

Karen Adam (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25985

Portfolio Question Time

In my constituency, we are seriously struggling to attract and retain teachers. The Scottish Government’s incentives to encourage newly qualified staff to take up posts in rural areas are having limited success there. Parent councils in Aberdeenshire are calling for a summit to address the issue. Will the cabinet secretary please meet me and the parents who are concerned about the situation to discuss it further?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.10

I met parent council representatives from Aberdeenshire earlier this year. I have also met the local authority directly. This year, we have looked at the way in which we make allocations through the preference waiver scheme. This year, by doing that manually, we have sought to increase the number of probationers who are going to Aberdeenshire. It is also worth saying that fewer teachers are engaging with that scheme post-pandemic. I have asked officials for advice on how we might be able to reflect on, review and update the scheme, because it is not working as I think it was intended to work. There are local challenges in Aberdeenshire, but, as Ms Adam will know, schools such as Banff academy are using pragmatic approaches to filling vacancies. I will be more than happy to meet the member and her constituents.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

I met parent council representatives from Aberdeenshire earlier this year. I have also met the local authority directly. This year, we have looked at the way in which we make allocations through the preference waiver scheme. This year, by doing that manually, we have sought to increase the number of probationers who are going to Aberdeenshire. It is also worth saying that fewer teachers are engaging with that scheme post-pandemic. I have asked officials for advice on how we might be able to reflect on, review and update the scheme, because it is not working as I think it was intended to work. There are local challenges in Aberdeenshire, but, as Ms Adam will know, schools such as Banff academy are using pragmatic approaches to filling vacancies. I will be more than happy to meet the member and her constituents.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.11

In Angus, it has been reported that newly qualified primary teachers have next to no hope of getting permanent jobs. Only 10.5 per cent of them have a permanent job after a year. They are stuck in a limbo of supply work, in which they are unable to buy a house. Some report being unable to have a family, and some have been offered a refuse collection job as an alternative to a teaching post. Local figures suggest that Angus Council cannot afford to employ the number of teachers that it needs. Does the cabinet secretary recognise that the Government urgently needs to rethink how it resources education departments in Angus and take practical action of the sort that was absent from her previous answers, to avoid further letting teachers and pupils down?

Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25515

Portfolio Question Time

In Angus, it has been reported that newly qualified primary teachers have next to no hope of getting permanent jobs. Only 10.5 per cent of them have a permanent job after a year. They are stuck in a limbo of supply work, in which they are unable to buy a house. Some report being unable to have a family, and some have been offered a refuse collection job as an alternative to a teaching post. Local figures suggest that Angus Council cannot afford to employ the number of teachers that it needs. Does the cabinet secretary recognise that the Government urgently needs to rethink how it resources education departments in Angus and take practical action of the sort that was absent from her previous answers, to avoid further letting teachers and pupils down?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.12

I thank the member for his interest. I actually did outline practical action that I have taken in the past year, which is that, where teachers have ticked the box to go anywhere, they have been sent to authorities such as Karen Adam’s constituency, where there are vacancies. Therefore, that is a practical measure that we have taken this year, which has sent more probationers to that part of the country. I am more than happy to engage with the member on the issues in Angus. Every local authority in Scotland is responsible for its own employment of teachers, and they all have different practices. I see the member gesticulating at me about money, and I again remind him that, in this year’s budget, which his party voted against, we are providing an extra £145.5 million, ring fenced, to protect teacher numbers. If he wants me to put additional funding into that, I am sure that he will engage with me and members across the Government throughout the budget process on where that additionality might come from.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

I thank the member for his interest. I actually did outline practical action that I have taken in the past year, which is that, where teachers have ticked the box to go anywhere, they have been sent to authorities such as Karen Adam’s constituency, where there are vacancies. Therefore, that is a practical measure that we have taken this year, which has sent more probationers to that part of the country. I am more than happy to engage with the member on the issues in Angus. Every local authority in Scotland is responsible for its own employment of teachers, and they all have different practices. I see the member gesticulating at me about money, and I again remind him that, in this year’s budget, which his party voted against, we are providing an extra £145.5 million, ring fenced, to protect teacher numbers. If he wants me to put additional funding into that, I am sure that he will engage with me and members across the Government throughout the budget process on where that additionality might come from.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.13

The fact that teaching has become a precarious job is not something that most of us in Scotland ever thought would be the case, and yet, in 2016, half of post-induction teachers got jobs and, in 2022-23, that had fallen to under a quarter. Pupils and teachers need stability, so I ask the cabinet secretary: how did it get to this, and what will she do to ensure that those who train as teachers get jobs?

Pam Duncan-Glancy (Glasgow) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25994

Portfolio Question Time

The fact that teaching has become a precarious job is not something that most of us in Scotland ever thought would be the case, and yet, in 2016, half of post-induction teachers got jobs and, in 2022-23, that had fallen to under a quarter. Pupils and teachers need stability, so I ask the cabinet secretary: how did it get to this, and what will she do to ensure that those who train as teachers get jobs?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.14

I go back to the point that I made in response to a previous question. The number of teachers in permanent posts today is roughly the same as it was in 2014. I recognise some of the challenges in this regard, and it is important that we work with local authorities such as Angus, which has specific challenges, and Aberdeenshire, which has challenges with regard to subject areas. I have previously provided an update to the chamber on some of the work that we have done on supporting bursaries for certain subject areas, and I think that we will have to consider that again. I also intimated in my response to a previous question that I am meeting with the strategic board for teacher education next week to hear advice from it on how we can try to change some of the mood music around here. However, I would again reflect on the additionality that the Scottish Government is putting in to protect teacher numbers, which is helping to sustain permanence in many parts of the country. Without that, we would see a much more challenging picture. I am more than happy to work with members of the Opposition on that and to hear any ideas that they might have.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

I go back to the point that I made in response to a previous question. The number of teachers in permanent posts today is roughly the same as it was in 2014. I recognise some of the challenges in this regard, and it is important that we work with local authorities such as Angus, which has specific challenges, and Aberdeenshire, which has challenges with regard to subject areas. I have previously provided an update to the chamber on some of the work that we have done on supporting bursaries for certain subject areas, and I think that we will have to consider that again. I also intimated in my response to a previous question that I am meeting with the strategic board for teacher education next week to hear advice from it on how we can try to change some of the mood music around here. However, I would again reflect on the additionality that the Scottish Government is putting in to protect teacher numbers, which is helping to sustain permanence in many parts of the country. Without that, we would see a much more challenging picture. I am more than happy to work with members of the Opposition on that and to hear any ideas that they might have.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.15

I genuinely cannot understand the Government’s policy. It says that it wants to recruit 3,500 teachers, even though local councils just cannot afford that, but it then floats the idea that it could reduce teacher contact time without the 3,500 extra teachers. The result is unemployed and underemployed teachers right across the country, so what is the Government’s policy? Does it want 3,500 teachers or not?

Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25111

Portfolio Question Time

I genuinely cannot understand the Government’s policy. It says that it wants to recruit 3,500 teachers, even though local councils just cannot afford that, but it then floats the idea that it could reduce teacher contact time without the 3,500 extra teachers. The result is unemployed and underemployed teachers right across the country, so what is the Government’s policy? Does it want 3,500 teachers or not?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.16

As Mr Rennie knows, we invest in Scotland’s teachers. I am sure that he welcomed the acceptance from the teaching trade unions only last week of the pay offer that will put an extra £29 million into the pockets of teachers across the country. We invest in Scotland’s teachers. The national numbers show that, since 2018, we have seen thousands more teachers in Scotland’s schools—there were more than 2,000 more teachers in 2018 alone. I also responded to a previous question about the additionality that we are ring fencing. However, I recognise the challenges. They are local and often vary in relation to subject areas. For example, we need to look at the probationer scheme, which is directly funded by this Government. I look forward to working with the strategic board for teacher education, which I will meet next week.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

As Mr Rennie knows, we invest in Scotland’s teachers. I am sure that he welcomed the acceptance from the teaching trade unions only last week of the pay offer that will put an extra £29 million into the pockets of teachers across the country. We invest in Scotland’s teachers. The national numbers show that, since 2018, we have seen thousands more teachers in Scotland’s schools—there were more than 2,000 more teachers in 2018 alone. I also responded to a previous question about the additionality that we are ring fencing. However, I recognise the challenges. They are local and often vary in relation to subject areas. For example, we need to look at the probationer scheme, which is directly funded by this Government. I look forward to working with the strategic board for teacher education, which I will meet next week.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.18

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its work to explore the feasibility of an islands scholarship to support higher education students studying in Scotland’s islands. (S6O-03734)

2. Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its work to explore the feasibility of an islands scholarship to support higher education students studying in Scotland’s islands. (S6O-03734)

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.19

The Scottish Government is aware of the important contribution that students bring to our island communities, and we want to create opportunities for them to apply their skills and remain on our islands after graduating. During my recent visit to Orkney, I spoke with Professor Sandy Kerr, who has been working with officials on the idea of an islands scholarship. While mindful of the current pressures on public finances, we agreed that the proposal merits further consideration, and I requested more information, which he provided earlier this week.

The Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans (Graeme Dey)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25081

Portfolio Question Time

The Scottish Government is aware of the important contribution that students bring to our island communities, and we want to create opportunities for them to apply their skills and remain on our islands after graduating. During my recent visit to Orkney, I spoke with Professor Sandy Kerr, who has been working with officials on the idea of an islands scholarship. While mindful of the current pressures on public finances, we agreed that the proposal merits further consideration, and I requested more information, which he provided earlier this week.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.20

I thank the minister for that response and for the time that he spent in Orkney last month. Orkney is an important and growing hub of renewables innovation, hosting world-leading firms that provide jobs and benefits to the local community, as well as supporting efforts to meet Scotland’s wider just transition goals. However, since the recent withdrawal of the Scottish Funding Council grants for priority postgraduate taught courses, the local energy sector is facing challenges in recruiting skilled staff. Those grants provided huge benefits for relatively modest investment. I urge the minister to give those proposals, which he now has in more detail, positive consideration, to ensure that skills shortages and the risk of depopulation can be addressed through that investment.

Liam McArthur

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Portfolio Question Time

I thank the minister for that response and for the time that he spent in Orkney last month. Orkney is an important and growing hub of renewables innovation, hosting world-leading firms that provide jobs and benefits to the local community, as well as supporting efforts to meet Scotland’s wider just transition goals. However, since the recent withdrawal of the Scottish Funding Council grants for priority postgraduate taught courses, the local energy sector is facing challenges in recruiting skilled staff. Those grants provided huge benefits for relatively modest investment. I urge the minister to give those proposals, which he now has in more detail, positive consideration, to ensure that skills shortages and the risk of depopulation can be addressed through that investment.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.21

I give Liam McArthur the assurance that the updated proposal from Professor Kerr, which reached me only in the past few days, will be given appropriate consideration. The public finances are in the most challenging state since devolution. On my first read through, I think that there might be one or two other potential issues with regard to what is being proposed. However, as with any suggestion of that type, I am prepared to consider it on its merits. I recognise the genuine interest on the part of Professor Kerr and Liam McArthur, and I will seek to keep the member updated on the matter.

Graeme Dey

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25081

Portfolio Question Time

I give Liam McArthur the assurance that the updated proposal from Professor Kerr, which reached me only in the past few days, will be given appropriate consideration. The public finances are in the most challenging state since devolution. On my first read through, I think that there might be one or two other potential issues with regard to what is being proposed. However, as with any suggestion of that type, I am prepared to consider it on its merits. I recognise the genuine interest on the part of Professor Kerr and Liam McArthur, and I will seek to keep the member updated on the matter.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.23

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to deliver better outcomes for children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodiversity, in light of its decision not to include the introduction of its proposed learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill in the programme for government 2024-25. (S6O-03735)

3. Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25494

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to deliver better outcomes for children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodiversity, in light of its decision not to include the introduction of its proposed learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill in the programme for government 2024-25. (S6O-03735)

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.24

Although it has not been possible to include the learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill in the year 4 programme, we remain absolutely committed to the bill and to the need for legislation. We will continue with our work to develop the bill, and we have committed to publishing draft bill provisions. Maree Todd will meet the bill lived experience panel and stakeholders shortly to discuss the next steps and their involvement. In addition to developing the bill, we will continue with a range of work that is important to both younger people and adults who are neurodivergent or who have learning disabilities. That includes the roll-out of learning disability annual health checks, our work on neurodevelopmental pathways, and work across Government on the issues that were raised in the consultation on the proposed bill, including employment, education and transport.

The Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise (Natalie Don-Innes)

unknown

Portfolio Question Time

Although it has not been possible to include the learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill in the year 4 programme, we remain absolutely committed to the bill and to the need for legislation. We will continue with our work to develop the bill, and we have committed to publishing draft bill provisions. Maree Todd will meet the bill lived experience panel and stakeholders shortly to discuss the next steps and their involvement. In addition to developing the bill, we will continue with a range of work that is important to both younger people and adults who are neurodivergent or who have learning disabilities. That includes the roll-out of learning disability annual health checks, our work on neurodevelopmental pathways, and work across Government on the issues that were raised in the consultation on the proposed bill, including employment, education and transport.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.25

Many autistic people and families are disappointed that the LDAN bill has been delayed in this way. That is especially the case for the parents of autistic young people who are denied their rights in education because of a lack of support. Will the minister commit to bringing forward mandatory training for teachers, regardless of whether the bill progresses? I am pleased to see that the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport is in the chamber as well today. A cross-party group of Lothian MSPs has written to the Government to outline our concerns about waiting times for children in Lothian to receive a diagnosis and medication, so I hope that those issues can be discussed across portfolios for constituents in Lothian.

Miles Briggs

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25494

Portfolio Question Time

Many autistic people and families are disappointed that the LDAN bill has been delayed in this way. That is especially the case for the parents of autistic young people who are denied their rights in education because of a lack of support. Will the minister commit to bringing forward mandatory training for teachers, regardless of whether the bill progresses? I am pleased to see that the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport is in the chamber as well today. A cross-party group of Lothian MSPs has written to the Government to outline our concerns about waiting times for children in Lothian to receive a diagnosis and medication, so I hope that those issues can be discussed across portfolios for constituents in Lothian.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.26

Absolutely—we are aware of the issues that have been raised in the letter and we are sorry to hear of those concerns. We want to ensure that neurodivergent people are getting the support that they need. We acknowledge the need for better access and support for people who may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, that private assessments can lead to issues with medication and that there are still UK-wide ADHD medicine shortages. We are working with all national health service boards to improve neurodevelopmental support and pathways and will engage with NHS Lothian on the contents of the letter. Both I and Ms Todd would be happy to meet to discuss that further. Mandatory training is being considered in approaches to the additional support for learning action plan, and I will be happy to update the member as that progresses further.

Natalie Don-Innes

unknown

Portfolio Question Time

Absolutely—we are aware of the issues that have been raised in the letter and we are sorry to hear of those concerns. We want to ensure that neurodivergent people are getting the support that they need. We acknowledge the need for better access and support for people who may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, that private assessments can lead to issues with medication and that there are still UK-wide ADHD medicine shortages. We are working with all national health service boards to improve neurodevelopmental support and pathways and will engage with NHS Lothian on the contents of the letter. Both I and Ms Todd would be happy to meet to discuss that further. Mandatory training is being considered in approaches to the additional support for learning action plan, and I will be happy to update the member as that progresses further.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.27

Last year’s Hayward review, which we should hear about later today, noted that the impact on learners with disabilities and those with additional support needs should be considered in the creation of any new Scottish qualification. Can the minister outline whether the Scottish Government plans to review educational bodies to ensure that they are delivering a positive outcome for pupils with disabilities and those with additional support needs in developing that qualification?

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25990

Portfolio Question Time

Last year’s Hayward review, which we should hear about later today, noted that the impact on learners with disabilities and those with additional support needs should be considered in the creation of any new Scottish qualification. Can the minister outline whether the Scottish Government plans to review educational bodies to ensure that they are delivering a positive outcome for pupils with disabilities and those with additional support needs in developing that qualification?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.28

Mr Choudhury raises an important issue. Work is being undertaken on that—I understand that the cabinet secretary will provide an update on that shortly, and I will allow her to do so.

Natalie Don-Innes

unknown

Portfolio Question Time

Mr Choudhury raises an important issue. Work is being undertaken on that—I understand that the cabinet secretary will provide an update on that shortly, and I will allow her to do so.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.29

I am sure that both the minister and Jenny Gilruth are aware of the Fife neurodevelopmental assessment pathway project, which is a multi-agency approach that enables children and families to get the support that they need while they are waiting for an assessment. When I visited a Fife school that was involved in the pilot, a couple of years ago, it was clear that that was transforming the learning environment for young people and helping neurodiverse children to unlock their potential. Has the Government reviewed the impacts of that pilot? What consideration is being given to rolling out that type of approach in other parts of Scotland?

Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14088

Portfolio Question Time

I am sure that both the minister and Jenny Gilruth are aware of the Fife neurodevelopmental assessment pathway project, which is a multi-agency approach that enables children and families to get the support that they need while they are waiting for an assessment. When I visited a Fife school that was involved in the pilot, a couple of years ago, it was clear that that was transforming the learning environment for young people and helping neurodiverse children to unlock their potential. Has the Government reviewed the impacts of that pilot? What consideration is being given to rolling out that type of approach in other parts of Scotland?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.30

I am not aware of the current position on that, but I would be happy to look into it and get back to the member.

Natalie Don-Innes

unknown

Portfolio Question Time

I am not aware of the current position on that, but I would be happy to look into it and get back to the member.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.32

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage teacher retention during the current academic year. (S6O-03736)

4. Annie Wells (Glasgow) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25542

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage teacher retention during the current academic year. (S6O-03736)

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.33

The enhanced pay deal that was agreed last week ensures that Scotland’s classroom teachers will continue to be the best paid in the United Kingdom, thereby helping to support teacher retention and ensuring that children and young people’s education will not be disrupted. Despite a challenging fiscal position, we have been able to support the deal this year with an additional £29 million being made available to allow for that improved offer, in recognition of the hard work that teachers put into supporting our pupils across Scotland. Ultimately, local authorities have statutory obligations in respect of education and should ensure that they employ the right number of teachers to meet local requirements.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Jenny Gilruth)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

The enhanced pay deal that was agreed last week ensures that Scotland’s classroom teachers will continue to be the best paid in the United Kingdom, thereby helping to support teacher retention and ensuring that children and young people’s education will not be disrupted. Despite a challenging fiscal position, we have been able to support the deal this year with an additional £29 million being made available to allow for that improved offer, in recognition of the hard work that teachers put into supporting our pupils across Scotland. Ultimately, local authorities have statutory obligations in respect of education and should ensure that they employ the right number of teachers to meet local requirements.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.34

Teachers in Glasgow are currently voting on industrial action in response to the Scottish National Party city council’s decision to cut 450 teaching posts over three years, a move that the Educational Institute of Scotland has described as “damaging and dangerous”. That comes as newly qualified teachers in the Glasgow region struggle to get jobs. Does the cabinet secretary accept that the SNP’s underfunding of councils and failure to support the teaching profession will have an irreversible impact on pupils in Glasgow?

Annie Wells

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25542

Portfolio Question Time

Teachers in Glasgow are currently voting on industrial action in response to the Scottish National Party city council’s decision to cut 450 teaching posts over three years, a move that the Educational Institute of Scotland has described as “damaging and dangerous”. That comes as newly qualified teachers in the Glasgow region struggle to get jobs. Does the cabinet secretary accept that the SNP’s underfunding of councils and failure to support the teaching profession will have an irreversible impact on pupils in Glasgow?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.35

I thank the member for her interest in that matter. It is important to say that any legal challenge will be a matter for the council. Fundamentally, my view is that we do not want teacher numbers to reduce in Glasgow or anywhere else in the country. That is why we are making available £145.5 million to councils to maintain teacher numbers this year; Glasgow has been offered funding of £16.5 million for this financial year to maintain teacher numbers, which is its share of the funding that I spoke of. In 2024-25, Glasgow City Council will receive more than £1.6 billion to fund local services, which equates to an extra £74.9 million to support vital day-to-day services, or an additional 14.9 per cent compared with 2023-24. I do not accept the second part of the member’s question. However, I do recognise the challenge, and she, too, will recognise that there is an on-going legal challenge that I cannot comment on. As cabinet secretary, I am very much focused on protecting the funding, because protecting teacher numbers is really important in improving outcomes for our children and young people.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

I thank the member for her interest in that matter. It is important to say that any legal challenge will be a matter for the council. Fundamentally, my view is that we do not want teacher numbers to reduce in Glasgow or anywhere else in the country. That is why we are making available £145.5 million to councils to maintain teacher numbers this year; Glasgow has been offered funding of £16.5 million for this financial year to maintain teacher numbers, which is its share of the funding that I spoke of. In 2024-25, Glasgow City Council will receive more than £1.6 billion to fund local services, which equates to an extra £74.9 million to support vital day-to-day services, or an additional 14.9 per cent compared with 2023-24. I do not accept the second part of the member’s question. However, I do recognise the challenge, and she, too, will recognise that there is an on-going legal challenge that I cannot comment on. As cabinet secretary, I am very much focused on protecting the funding, because protecting teacher numbers is really important in improving outcomes for our children and young people.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.36

Stuart McMillan has a brief supplementary question.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Portfolio Question Time

Stuart McMillan has a brief supplementary question.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.37

The recruitment and retention of teachers are a matter for local authorities, as Annie Wells and the Tories know. How is the Scottish Government investing in the education system to empower local authorities in that regard?

Stuart McMillan (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14060

Portfolio Question Time

The recruitment and retention of teachers are a matter for local authorities, as Annie Wells and the Tories know. How is the Scottish Government investing in the education system to empower local authorities in that regard?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.38

Stuart McMillan is correct. Fundamentally, councils are responsible for making sure that they have the right numbers of staff in place to meet local needs. However, as I have mentioned, we are supporting councils to ensure that Scotland continues to have the most teachers per pupil and the highest-paid classroom teachers in the United Kingdom. We have provided record funding of more than £14 billion to local councils this year alone—a real-terms increase of 2.5 per cent compared with the previous year. That includes the £145.5 million that has been ring fenced to protect teacher numbers and £242 million to support the previous teachers’ pay deals. As I set out in my answer to Annie Wells, we have also made available £29 million during this financial year to support the teachers’ pay deal.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

Stuart McMillan is correct. Fundamentally, councils are responsible for making sure that they have the right numbers of staff in place to meet local needs. However, as I have mentioned, we are supporting councils to ensure that Scotland continues to have the most teachers per pupil and the highest-paid classroom teachers in the United Kingdom. We have provided record funding of more than £14 billion to local councils this year alone—a real-terms increase of 2.5 per cent compared with the previous year. That includes the £145.5 million that has been ring fenced to protect teacher numbers and £242 million to support the previous teachers’ pay deals. As I set out in my answer to Annie Wells, we have also made available £29 million during this financial year to support the teachers’ pay deal.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.39

I hear very clearly what the cabinet secretary has said about protecting teacher numbers, but I ask her directly whether that means that the SNP has abandoned its manifesto commitment to add an additional 3,500 new teachers. Has that policy been abandoned—yes or no?

Stephen Kerr (Central Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25696

Portfolio Question Time

I hear very clearly what the cabinet secretary has said about protecting teacher numbers, but I ask her directly whether that means that the SNP has abandoned its manifesto commitment to add an additional 3,500 new teachers. Has that policy been abandoned—yes or no?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.40

I have set out the investment that this Government is putting into maintaining teacher numbers at the current time. I would like to go further, and I look forward to hearing the budget proposals from the Conservatives to support that additionality.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

I have set out the investment that this Government is putting into maintaining teacher numbers at the current time. I would like to go further, and I look forward to hearing the budget proposals from the Conservatives to support that additionality.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.41

It is in your manifesto.

Stephen Kerr

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25696

Portfolio Question Time

It is in your manifesto.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.42

I hear the member heckling from a sedentary position but, if he wants me to put in extra funding to support extra teacher numbers—as, of course, the new Labour Government has committed to doing elsewhere—he will have to identify where in the Scottish Government budget that additionality should come from. [Interruption.]

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

I hear the member heckling from a sedentary position but, if he wants me to put in extra funding to support extra teacher numbers—as, of course, the new Labour Government has committed to doing elsewhere—he will have to identify where in the Scottish Government budget that additionality should come from. [Interruption.]

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.43

Excuse me, members—could we please not have all this chuntering? Let us make some progress.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Portfolio Question Time

Excuse me, members—could we please not have all this chuntering? Let us make some progress.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.45

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that green skills are embedded in the provision of further education. (S6O-03737)

5. Brian Whittle (South Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25543

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that green skills are embedded in the provision of further education. (S6O-03737)

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.46

Further education and the work of our colleges are critical to ensuring that we have the skills to deliver on our climate goals. The Scottish Funding Council’s net zero and sustainability framework is supporting the sector’s work to enable Scotland’s workforce to develop the high-quality, lifelong skills that are needed for the transition. With funding from the Scottish Funding Council, the Energy Skills Partnership acts as the college sector lead for the transition to net zero and supports institutions in developing their capability, capacity and curriculum pathways. Our work on skills planning will further develop the approach to green skills.

The Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans (Graeme Dey)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25081

Portfolio Question Time

Further education and the work of our colleges are critical to ensuring that we have the skills to deliver on our climate goals. The Scottish Funding Council’s net zero and sustainability framework is supporting the sector’s work to enable Scotland’s workforce to develop the high-quality, lifelong skills that are needed for the transition. With funding from the Scottish Funding Council, the Energy Skills Partnership acts as the college sector lead for the transition to net zero and supports institutions in developing their capability, capacity and curriculum pathways. Our work on skills planning will further develop the approach to green skills.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.47

Key to meeting climate change targets will be the delivery of a future workforce that matches that delivery need, and the further education sector has the capability to deliver the apprenticeships that businesses across the engineering and trade sectors are crying out for, as well as upskilling people who are transferring to the renewables sector. The Audit Scotland report on colleges that has just been published says that there is a lack of leadership and direction on reform from the Scottish Government. What can the Scottish Government do to better align future Scottish Government policy with FE sector delivery and ensure that the output from colleges matches the workforce needs for future green economy skills?

Brian Whittle

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25543

Portfolio Question Time

Key to meeting climate change targets will be the delivery of a future workforce that matches that delivery need, and the further education sector has the capability to deliver the apprenticeships that businesses across the engineering and trade sectors are crying out for, as well as upskilling people who are transferring to the renewables sector. The Audit Scotland report on colleges that has just been published says that there is a lack of leadership and direction on reform from the Scottish Government. What can the Scottish Government do to better align future Scottish Government policy with FE sector delivery and ensure that the output from colleges matches the workforce needs for future green economy skills?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.48

Green skills provision is already part of the offering of the FE sector in Scotland, with colleges such as West Lothian and South Lanarkshire being excellent examples of that. However, it is imperative that the green skills offer aligns with the needs of what is an evolving sector—Brian Whittle is right about that. To that end, when I attended a meeting yesterday of the Scottish offshore wind energy council, I was greatly encouraged to hear about the very detailed and advanced work of its skills and energy group in identifying current and predicted skills needs, particularly in the offshore arena. That work is being carried out in conjunction with the university and college sectors, and that very direct partnership working, which is actively encouraged and supported by this Government, will ensure that the right green skills are on offer from our institutions.

Graeme Dey

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25081

Portfolio Question Time

Green skills provision is already part of the offering of the FE sector in Scotland, with colleges such as West Lothian and South Lanarkshire being excellent examples of that. However, it is imperative that the green skills offer aligns with the needs of what is an evolving sector—Brian Whittle is right about that. To that end, when I attended a meeting yesterday of the Scottish offshore wind energy council, I was greatly encouraged to hear about the very detailed and advanced work of its skills and energy group in identifying current and predicted skills needs, particularly in the offshore arena. That work is being carried out in conjunction with the university and college sectors, and that very direct partnership working, which is actively encouraged and supported by this Government, will ensure that the right green skills are on offer from our institutions.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.49

How are organisations such as Lantra Scotland assisting with the provision of green skills-related courses in the further education sector, and how does the Scottish Government support that?

Colin Beattie (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25074

Portfolio Question Time

How are organisations such as Lantra Scotland assisting with the provision of green skills-related courses in the further education sector, and how does the Scottish Government support that?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.50

Lantra plays a key role in delivering green skills by supporting the skilling, upskilling and retraining of workers in the land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation sectors. Those sectors contribute to the just transition to net zero by increased carbon capture through regenerative farming practices, forestry and restoration of our peatlands. The Scottish Government funds Lantra Scotland’s 2024-25 work plan, which will enable the organisation, among other things, to distribute practical training funds—for example, the women in forestry and future forester funds—to support applicants in acquiring the green skills that they need to develop their careers.

Graeme Dey

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25081

Portfolio Question Time

Lantra plays a key role in delivering green skills by supporting the skilling, upskilling and retraining of workers in the land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation sectors. Those sectors contribute to the just transition to net zero by increased carbon capture through regenerative farming practices, forestry and restoration of our peatlands. The Scottish Government funds Lantra Scotland’s 2024-25 work plan, which will enable the organisation, among other things, to distribute practical training funds—for example, the women in forestry and future forester funds—to support applicants in acquiring the green skills that they need to develop their careers.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.52

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the school attendance of care-experienced young people. (S6O-03738)

6. Roz McCall (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26091

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the school attendance of care-experienced young people. (S6O-03738)

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.53

I am committed to supporting improved school attendance for all young people. I recently asked Education Scotland to undertake a deep dive to support greater understanding of the issue, and its report includes five recommendations for improving practice. Education Scotland and the Scottish Government are working together to support those actions, including on an online package of support, designed with local authorities and schools. In addition, Education Scotland is working with councils on providing practical support, with the first cohort of the improving attendance quality improvement programme beginning shortly. I have also asked the chief inspector of education to identify successful approaches that can be shared more widely, as part of inspections. Finally, I read with interest the Children’s Commissioner for England’s report on children and young people’s attendance, and I hope to meet Dame Rachel de Souza to discuss it soon. Officials have been working with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland on the development of a framework for education to support improved educational outcomes for care-experienced children and young people, including their attendance.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Jenny Gilruth)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

I am committed to supporting improved school attendance for all young people. I recently asked Education Scotland to undertake a deep dive to support greater understanding of the issue, and its report includes five recommendations for improving practice. Education Scotland and the Scottish Government are working together to support those actions, including on an online package of support, designed with local authorities and schools. In addition, Education Scotland is working with councils on providing practical support, with the first cohort of the improving attendance quality improvement programme beginning shortly. I have also asked the chief inspector of education to identify successful approaches that can be shared more widely, as part of inspections. Finally, I read with interest the Children’s Commissioner for England’s report on children and young people’s attendance, and I hope to meet Dame Rachel de Souza to discuss it soon. Officials have been working with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland on the development of a framework for education to support improved educational outcomes for care-experienced children and young people, including their attendance.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.54

The findings contained in the University of Stirling report “Permanently Progressing? Building Secure Futures for Children in Scotland” are deeply concerning. Its study found that, out of the 1,836 participants, it was not possible to link educational attendance, exclusion and absence data for a whopping 1,086. Moreover, 60 per cent did not have a Scottish candidate number. The cabinet secretary will be aware that children are issued with an SCN when they start school, but because that number was not available for the majority of the cohort, linkage with educational data was not possible. What more is the Scottish Government doing to ensure that our data gathering is robust and includes all children who have experienced care? How can we ensure that the Promise is fulfilled if we do not have the appropriate data set—

Roz McCall

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26091

Portfolio Question Time

The findings contained in the University of Stirling report “Permanently Progressing? Building Secure Futures for Children in Scotland” are deeply concerning. Its study found that, out of the 1,836 participants, it was not possible to link educational attendance, exclusion and absence data for a whopping 1,086. Moreover, 60 per cent did not have a Scottish candidate number. The cabinet secretary will be aware that children are issued with an SCN when they start school, but because that number was not available for the majority of the cohort, linkage with educational data was not possible. What more is the Scottish Government doing to ensure that our data gathering is robust and includes all children who have experienced care? How can we ensure that the Promise is fulfilled if we do not have the appropriate data set—

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.55

Thank you. I think that the cabinet secretary has got the gist.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Portfolio Question Time

Thank you. I think that the cabinet secretary has got the gist.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.56

I thank the member for raising the issue. It is a hugely important point, and I very much recognise the importance of using the SCN as a data set to gather information on young people and to track their progress through the educational system. I am concerned by what the member has outlined to me today, and I am more than happy to engage with her directly on that. However, I should put it on the record that, in relation to the Promise, I am recused, as my wife sits on the implementation board.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

I thank the member for raising the issue. It is a hugely important point, and I very much recognise the importance of using the SCN as a data set to gather information on young people and to track their progress through the educational system. I am concerned by what the member has outlined to me today, and I am more than happy to engage with her directly on that. However, I should put it on the record that, in relation to the Promise, I am recused, as my wife sits on the implementation board.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.57

I will take two supplementary questions, if both members can be very brief.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Portfolio Question Time

I will take two supplementary questions, if both members can be very brief.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.58

Will the cabinet secretary set out some of the reasons why there has been an increase in anxiety and other factors that have caused young people to be less able to engage in their education than was previously the case?

Audrey Nicoll (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26009

Portfolio Question Time

Will the cabinet secretary set out some of the reasons why there has been an increase in anxiety and other factors that have caused young people to be less able to engage in their education than was previously the case?

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.59

As we have discussed across the chamber in recent months, it is clear that the pandemic continues to have an impact on behaviour in schools and has impacted children and young people in lots of different ways. It was a very significant life event, impacting social and emotional development, affecting the transition between primary and secondary schools and causing an increase in anxiety about physically attending school. We also know from the behaviour in Scottish schools research that other impacts include increased mobile phone use; indeed, I set out some of the response to that in the weeks prior to our returning to Parliament. I will continue to work with our school leaders on how we can best support our young people and our teachers post the pandemic, as those effects are still being felt in our schools today.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

As we have discussed across the chamber in recent months, it is clear that the pandemic continues to have an impact on behaviour in schools and has impacted children and young people in lots of different ways. It was a very significant life event, impacting social and emotional development, affecting the transition between primary and secondary schools and causing an increase in anxiety about physically attending school. We also know from the behaviour in Scottish schools research that other impacts include increased mobile phone use; indeed, I set out some of the response to that in the weeks prior to our returning to Parliament. I will continue to work with our school leaders on how we can best support our young people and our teachers post the pandemic, as those effects are still being felt in our schools today.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.60

I will take a brief supplementary from Martin Whitfield.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Portfolio Question Time

I will take a brief supplementary from Martin Whitfield.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.61

I have no intention of embarrassing the cabinet secretary, so I will just ask that, following the publication today of the update on keeping the Promise, her department write to me on what work is being done on the Promise in education framework that deals with the absenteeism of care-experienced children.

Martin Whitfield (South Scotland) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25651

Portfolio Question Time

I have no intention of embarrassing the cabinet secretary, so I will just ask that, following the publication today of the update on keeping the Promise, her department write to me on what work is being done on the Promise in education framework that deals with the absenteeism of care-experienced children.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.62

I am more than happy to have my minister write to the member with that information.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Portfolio Question Time

I am more than happy to have my minister write to the member with that information.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.63

I can squeeze in questions 7 and 8, but I will need brief questions and answers.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Portfolio Question Time

I can squeeze in questions 7 and 8, but I will need brief questions and answers.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.65

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the levels of funding for tertiary education are adequate to support a thriving sector. (S6O-03739)

7. Maurice Golden (North East Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25507

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the levels of funding for tertiary education are adequate to support a thriving sector. (S6O-03739)

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.66

We recognise the crucial role of our universities and colleges in providing post-school education and skills, which is why, despite facing the most challenging fiscal position since devolution, we have allocated around £2 billion to both colleges and universities this year. That demonstrates our long-term commitment to supporting the delivery of high-quality education, training and research. We are also continuing discussions on joint priorities, including funding, with the sectors and the Scottish Funding Council through our tripartite groups.

The Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans (Graeme Dey)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25081

Portfolio Question Time

We recognise the crucial role of our universities and colleges in providing post-school education and skills, which is why, despite facing the most challenging fiscal position since devolution, we have allocated around £2 billion to both colleges and universities this year. That demonstrates our long-term commitment to supporting the delivery of high-quality education, training and research. We are also continuing discussions on joint priorities, including funding, with the sectors and the Scottish Funding Council through our tripartite groups.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.67

The university sector is not a homogeneous group, and different challenges will be faced by larger and smaller institutions, not least of all because smaller institutions are more dependent on SFC funding. Does the minister recognise that? If so, can he explain what specific measures have been put in place to ensure that the needs of smaller institutions are being met?

Maurice Golden

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25507

Portfolio Question Time

The university sector is not a homogeneous group, and different challenges will be faced by larger and smaller institutions, not least of all because smaller institutions are more dependent on SFC funding. Does the minister recognise that? If so, can he explain what specific measures have been put in place to ensure that the needs of smaller institutions are being met?

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.68

As the member will understand, I regularly have a number of institutions seeking to advance their case for more favourable treatment than they currently receive. However, the funding envelope is the funding envelope that we have. If we distribute it more generously in one direction, that means less for others. I have had conversations with a number of universities in that regard. I can commit to working more closely with the universities as a collective as we negotiate the upcoming budget process, trusting that the suggestions that are brought forward reflect, as far as possible, the sector’s collated asks.

Graeme Dey

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25081

Portfolio Question Time

As the member will understand, I regularly have a number of institutions seeking to advance their case for more favourable treatment than they currently receive. However, the funding envelope is the funding envelope that we have. If we distribute it more generously in one direction, that means less for others. I have had conversations with a number of universities in that regard. I can commit to working more closely with the universities as a collective as we negotiate the upcoming budget process, trusting that the suggestions that are brought forward reflect, as far as possible, the sector’s collated asks.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.70

To ask the Scottish Government how it supports wraparound care for school-age children in the Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn constituency. (S6O-03740)

8. Bob Doris (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/13977

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government how it supports wraparound care for school-age children in the Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn constituency. (S6O-03740)

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.71

Glasgow is one of our childcare early adopter community areas that are being supported by £16 million of investment over the next two years, as set out in the programme for government. That includes work in the Canal ward, in Mr Doris’s constituency, on expanding access to affordable school-age childcare services for targeted families who are most at risk of living in poverty. We are also funding activity services in the area through our extra time programme with the Scottish Football Association, as well as supporting Stepping Stones for Families to deliver affordable school-age childcare and wider family support services in Possilpark.

The Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise (Natalie Don-Innes)

unknown

Portfolio Question Time

Glasgow is one of our childcare early adopter community areas that are being supported by £16 million of investment over the next two years, as set out in the programme for government. That includes work in the Canal ward, in Mr Doris’s constituency, on expanding access to affordable school-age childcare services for targeted families who are most at risk of living in poverty. We are also funding activity services in the area through our extra time programme with the Scottish Football Association, as well as supporting Stepping Stones for Families to deliver affordable school-age childcare and wider family support services in Possilpark.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.72

I commend that investment. I am fortunate, in that my son benefits from an excellent breakfast club from 8 am and after-school provision until 6 pm when required, both of which are provided by Summerston Childcare. However, how is the Scottish Government addressing unmet need and demand for such services, not only in Maryhill but right across the country? Importantly, how is it mapping progress in addressing those gaps when they are identified?

Bob Doris

uk.org.publicwhip/person/13977

Portfolio Question Time

I commend that investment. I am fortunate, in that my son benefits from an excellent breakfast club from 8 am and after-school provision until 6 pm when required, both of which are provided by Summerston Childcare. However, how is the Scottish Government addressing unmet need and demand for such services, not only in Maryhill but right across the country? Importantly, how is it mapping progress in addressing those gaps when they are identified?

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.73

There are a number of work streams in relation to that. At a local level, all local authorities have a statutory duty under the Children (Scotland) Act 2020 to consult with parents about their school-age childcare needs every two years, and to prepare and publish plans for the provision of appropriate care. In addition, through those six childcare early adopter communities, we are co-designing local childcare systems to meet parents’ and carers’ needs, understanding that that will look different in each community. At a national level, the Scottish Government has been working with the Improvement Service and Assist FM to map breakfast and after-school club provision across all 32 local authorities and to identify any gaps in that provision. We will continue to work with our partners across local government to understand what it takes to expand access to year-round school-age childcare, building on the provision that is already in place and respecting local flexibilities.

Natalie Don-Innes

unknown

Portfolio Question Time

There are a number of work streams in relation to that. At a local level, all local authorities have a statutory duty under the Children (Scotland) Act 2020 to consult with parents about their school-age childcare needs every two years, and to prepare and publish plans for the provision of appropriate care. In addition, through those six childcare early adopter communities, we are co-designing local childcare systems to meet parents’ and carers’ needs, understanding that that will look different in each community. At a national level, the Scottish Government has been working with the Improvement Service and Assist FM to map breakfast and after-school club provision across all 32 local authorities and to identify any gaps in that provision. We will continue to work with our partners across local government to understand what it takes to expand access to year-round school-age childcare, building on the provision that is already in place and respecting local flexibilities.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.3.74

That concludes portfolio questions on education and skills. There will be a brief pause before we move on to the next item of business, to allow front-bench teams to change positions.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Portfolio Question Time

That concludes portfolio questions on education and skills. There will be a brief pause before we move on to the next item of business, to allow front-bench teams to change positions.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.1

The next item of business is a statement by Gillian Martin on greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 and 2022. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

The next item of business is a statement by Gillian Martin on greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 and 2022. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.2

Tackling the climate emergency has been a long-standing commitment of the Government. We were one of the first nations in the world to declare a global climate emergency, and we are already more than halfway to net zero. I am proud to say that, in Scotland, nearly half of the population can now benefit from free bus travel, we provide grants and loans to support households and businesses to move to clean heating, and we have ensured that the public electric vehicle charging network is on track to include 6,000 charging points in 2024, two years ahead of schedule. Recently, the Met Office confirmed that 2023 was the hottest year on record. Against a backdrop of ever-increasing global temperatures and more extreme weather here, the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are perhaps the single greatest long-term threat that we face globally. It is that threat, the effects of which we are already seeing, that makes action on the climate emergency an urgent moral and environmental imperative. In line with the requirement under section 36 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, we laid in Parliament on 5 September an emissions reduction catch-up report for the 2021 and 2022 annual targets. The report sets out the additional emissions reductions that are required to reach the annual targets, which were, regrettably, missed in 2021 and 2022. I am thankful for the opportunity, in a busy schedule of business, to discuss in the Parliament the details of the report. Earlier this week, I informed the Parliament of two numerical errors that have come to light following the publication of our section 36 report. Those errors pertain to the climate change targets and a recent statement that was made about peatland restoration. The errors do not affect the primary purpose and effect of the section 36 report, as the policy measures that are identified in the report are more than enough to make up for the excess emissions. The two numerical errors came to light following the publication of our section 36 report. They are relatively limited, but any error of that nature requires immediate and emphatic corrective action. I assure members that I take the importance of providing accurate and clear information to the Parliament very seriously, and I am therefore taking the opportunity to address the matter in the chamber. I wrote to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee on Monday evening and had a short discussion on the issue during my committee appearance on Tuesday. The first issue relates to the climate change targets for 2021 to 2029, as published on the Scottish Government website. On the basis of advice from the Climate Change Committee in December 2022, those targets were revised and republished. However, in reviewing the methodology for calculating annual targets as part of the preparation for the passage of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill, my officials have determined that there are minor discrepancies of 0.1 percentage points for selected targets between 2021 and 2029, including the target for 2021. That took place in the context of a revision of targets, at the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee, to take account of methodology changes in how greenhouse gas emissions were being measured. That error has an impact on the section 36 report, which I am here to discuss. We reported that the greenhouse gas account reduced by 49.9 per cent between the baseline period and 2021 and that, as a result, the target of a 51.1 per cent reduction was missed. On recalculation, I confirm that the correct target figure in 2021 is 51.2 per cent. That small miscalculation has not altered the fact that we missed the 2021 target; it has altered only the scale by which we missed it. The level of resultant catch-up duty has increased by a very small amount: less than 0.1 megatonnes. I confirm that the policy measures that were identified in the published section 36 report are more than enough to make up for that addition. If the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill is passed as introduced, that error should only be a backward-looking issue for 2021, rather than a forward-looking issue for performance against current and future targets. Separately, I must inform members that an error has been identified in the reporting of a peatland restoration statistic relating to the 19 June 2024 statement to the Parliament on Scotland’s performance against the greenhouse gas emissions target. The error was repeated in the 5 September publication of the section 36 report. We stated that we have restored 75,000 hectares of degraded peatland since 2019, which is incorrect. The 75,000 hectares figure reflects the total amount of peatland that has been restored to date, not since 2019. I have notified the Parliament by letter of those small errors, and I will ensure that the necessary corrections are made to the impacted publications. We have now reviewed all the policies and actions that we have taken since the publication of the climate change plan update in December 2020. The section 36 catch-up report included the regulation of fluorinated gases—F-gases—and the emissions trading scheme. Those are additional to what was included in estimates of the emissions reductions covered by the climate change plan update. They involve co-ordination with the United Kingdom and Welsh Governments, as well as with the Northern Ireland Executive, to support emissions reductions in Scotland, as well as in the rest of the UK. F-gases are up to 20,000 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. They contribute to climate change and are used in settings such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps and energy networks. The UK ETS is a carbon-pricing instrument that imposes a cost on emissions from certain sectors. The report also includes an ambitious package of new policies to step up action on climate change in Scotland and support a just transition to net zero. The policy package contains 19 policy actions, including more than quadrupling the number of electric vehicle charge points by 2030, developing an integrated ticketing system that can be used across public transport, and piloting the roll-out of methane-suppressing animal feed products. The policies in the report are being progressed in parallel with our ambitious and wide-ranging programme of legislative reform through the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 and the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. We also continue to consider next steps with our proposed heat in buildings bill, following recent consultation. In addition, this year, we will set out a route map for the delivery of approximately 24,000 additional public electric vehicle charge points by 2030. We will progress our ambition of a 20 per cent reduction in car use by 2030, and we will support farmers and crofters to reduce emissions and deliver biodiversity improvements through our agricultural reform programme. However, despite committing £4.7 billion in 2024-25 for activities that will have a positive impact on the delivery of our climate change goals, the almost 9 per cent cut to our capital budget by 2027-28 from the UK Government—a cumulative loss of more than £1.3 billion—has added to the already very challenging fiscal environment. We are also concerned that the £22 billion-worth of cuts that were recently announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer could have a further negative impact on delivery. We have introduced legislation to enable a carbon budget approach to be taken to emissions targets. Replacing linear annual targets with five-year carbon budgets will provide a more reliable framework for sustained progress on reducing emissions. We are retaining our ambitious commitment to reach net zero by 2045, alongside annual reporting on our climate progress, and we will continue to publish catch-up reports for any missed targets. Scottish ministers have an unwavering commitment to a just transition to net zero by 2045—five years ahead of the UK as a whole—which is still one of the most ambitious targets in the world. I look forward to working with members on this vital issue and to the Parliament’s consideration of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill.

The Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy (Gillian Martin)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

Tackling the climate emergency has been a long-standing commitment of the Government. We were one of the first nations in the world to declare a global climate emergency, and we are already more than halfway to net zero. I am proud to say that, in Scotland, nearly half of the population can now benefit from free bus travel, we provide grants and loans to support households and businesses to move to clean heating, and we have ensured that the public electric vehicle charging network is on track to include 6,000 charging points in 2024, two years ahead of schedule. Recently, the Met Office confirmed that 2023 was the hottest year on record. Against a backdrop of ever-increasing global temperatures and more extreme weather here, the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are perhaps the single greatest long-term threat that we face globally. It is that threat, the effects of which we are already seeing, that makes action on the climate emergency an urgent moral and environmental imperative. In line with the requirement under section 36 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, we laid in Parliament on 5 September an emissions reduction catch-up report for the 2021 and 2022 annual targets. The report sets out the additional emissions reductions that are required to reach the annual targets, which were, regrettably, missed in 2021 and 2022. I am thankful for the opportunity, in a busy schedule of business, to discuss in the Parliament the details of the report. Earlier this week, I informed the Parliament of two numerical errors that have come to light following the publication of our section 36 report. Those errors pertain to the climate change targets and a recent statement that was made about peatland restoration. The errors do not affect the primary purpose and effect of the section 36 report, as the policy measures that are identified in the report are more than enough to make up for the excess emissions. The two numerical errors came to light following the publication of our section 36 report. They are relatively limited, but any error of that nature requires immediate and emphatic corrective action. I assure members that I take the importance of providing accurate and clear information to the Parliament very seriously, and I am therefore taking the opportunity to address the matter in the chamber. I wrote to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee on Monday evening and had a short discussion on the issue during my committee appearance on Tuesday. The first issue relates to the climate change targets for 2021 to 2029, as published on the Scottish Government website. On the basis of advice from the Climate Change Committee in December 2022, those targets were revised and republished. However, in reviewing the methodology for calculating annual targets as part of the preparation for the passage of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill, my officials have determined that there are minor discrepancies of 0.1 percentage points for selected targets between 2021 and 2029, including the target for 2021. That took place in the context of a revision of targets, at the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee, to take account of methodology changes in how greenhouse gas emissions were being measured. That error has an impact on the section 36 report, which I am here to discuss. We reported that the greenhouse gas account reduced by 49.9 per cent between the baseline period and 2021 and that, as a result, the target of a 51.1 per cent reduction was missed. On recalculation, I confirm that the correct target figure in 2021 is 51.2 per cent. That small miscalculation has not altered the fact that we missed the 2021 target; it has altered only the scale by which we missed it. The level of resultant catch-up duty has increased by a very small amount: less than 0.1 megatonnes. I confirm that the policy measures that were identified in the published section 36 report are more than enough to make up for that addition. If the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill is passed as introduced, that error should only be a backward-looking issue for 2021, rather than a forward-looking issue for performance against current and future targets. Separately, I must inform members that an error has been identified in the reporting of a peatland restoration statistic relating to the 19 June 2024 statement to the Parliament on Scotland’s performance against the greenhouse gas emissions target. The error was repeated in the 5 September publication of the section 36 report. We stated that we have restored 75,000 hectares of degraded peatland since 2019, which is incorrect. The 75,000 hectares figure reflects the total amount of peatland that has been restored to date, not since 2019. I have notified the Parliament by letter of those small errors, and I will ensure that the necessary corrections are made to the impacted publications. We have now reviewed all the policies and actions that we have taken since the publication of the climate change plan update in December 2020. The section 36 catch-up report included the regulation of fluorinated gases—F-gases—and the emissions trading scheme. Those are additional to what was included in estimates of the emissions reductions covered by the climate change plan update. They involve co-ordination with the United Kingdom and Welsh Governments, as well as with the Northern Ireland Executive, to support emissions reductions in Scotland, as well as in the rest of the UK. F-gases are up to 20,000 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. They contribute to climate change and are used in settings such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps and energy networks. The UK ETS is a carbon-pricing instrument that imposes a cost on emissions from certain sectors. The report also includes an ambitious package of new policies to step up action on climate change in Scotland and support a just transition to net zero. The policy package contains 19 policy actions, including more than quadrupling the number of electric vehicle charge points by 2030, developing an integrated ticketing system that can be used across public transport, and piloting the roll-out of methane-suppressing animal feed products. The policies in the report are being progressed in parallel with our ambitious and wide-ranging programme of legislative reform through the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 and the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. We also continue to consider next steps with our proposed heat in buildings bill, following recent consultation. In addition, this year, we will set out a route map for the delivery of approximately 24,000 additional public electric vehicle charge points by 2030. We will progress our ambition of a 20 per cent reduction in car use by 2030, and we will support farmers and crofters to reduce emissions and deliver biodiversity improvements through our agricultural reform programme. However, despite committing £4.7 billion in 2024-25 for activities that will have a positive impact on the delivery of our climate change goals, the almost 9 per cent cut to our capital budget by 2027-28 from the UK Government—a cumulative loss of more than £1.3 billion—has added to the already very challenging fiscal environment. We are also concerned that the £22 billion-worth of cuts that were recently announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer could have a further negative impact on delivery. We have introduced legislation to enable a carbon budget approach to be taken to emissions targets. Replacing linear annual targets with five-year carbon budgets will provide a more reliable framework for sustained progress on reducing emissions. We are retaining our ambitious commitment to reach net zero by 2045, alongside annual reporting on our climate progress, and we will continue to publish catch-up reports for any missed targets. Scottish ministers have an unwavering commitment to a just transition to net zero by 2045—five years ahead of the UK as a whole—which is still one of the most ambitious targets in the world. I look forward to working with members on this vital issue and to the Parliament’s consideration of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.3

The cabinet secretary will now take questions on the issues raised in her statement. I intend to allow about 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move on to the next item of business.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

The cabinet secretary will now take questions on the issues raised in her statement. I intend to allow about 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move on to the next item of business.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.4

I thank the cabinet secretary for advance sight of her statement, but that statement by the devolved Scottish National Party Government is an embarrassment. The Government constantly misses its climate change targets and now has to admit that it cannot even do its sums properly, which smacks of complete incompetence. Targets have been missed, calculations are wrong, the section 36 report is inaccurate and the peatland restoration figures are wrong. We were promised a climate change plan months ago but have no guarantee that we will see a draft by next summer. We were promised an energy strategy and a just transition plan months ago, but those have still not been published. Targets have been scrapped and there is no real clarity about when the new carbon budgets will be in place. When it comes to climate change, the SNP has overpromised and underdelivered. It has simply lost all credibility. What will the devolved Government do to regain the people’s trust? Can the cabinet secretary guarantee that there will be a climate change plan in law before the end of this parliamentary session? What steps will the Government take to ensure that the data that is published is accurate?

Douglas Lumsden (North East Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26001

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

I thank the cabinet secretary for advance sight of her statement, but that statement by the devolved Scottish National Party Government is an embarrassment. The Government constantly misses its climate change targets and now has to admit that it cannot even do its sums properly, which smacks of complete incompetence. Targets have been missed, calculations are wrong, the section 36 report is inaccurate and the peatland restoration figures are wrong. We were promised a climate change plan months ago but have no guarantee that we will see a draft by next summer. We were promised an energy strategy and a just transition plan months ago, but those have still not been published. Targets have been scrapped and there is no real clarity about when the new carbon budgets will be in place. When it comes to climate change, the SNP has overpromised and underdelivered. It has simply lost all credibility. What will the devolved Government do to regain the people’s trust? Can the cabinet secretary guarantee that there will be a climate change plan in law before the end of this parliamentary session? What steps will the Government take to ensure that the data that is published is accurate?

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.5

It is regrettable when we miss targets, but I still think that we should set stretching targets. I also think it is important that we have the mechanism of a section 36 report, so that we can take corrective action when we do not meet such targets. The report that I published includes a suite of new policies, including more than quadrupling the number of electric vehicles, that will step up action in Scotland on climate change. We are also working with the UK Government on fluorinated gases and on the UK emissions trading scheme. One of my predecessors, Roseanna Cunningham, said that when we set stretching targets, we must be prepared to follow them up with action. When we bring measures to Parliament to accelerate that action, we should expect that those who are critical, like Mr Lumsden, will vote for them in order to meet the targets. In the spirit of what Mr Lumsden asked, I therefore look forward to having the full support of Conservative members for the measures that we propose to make up for missing the targets, because action is required in those areas. Mr Lumsden mentioned statistical errors. My statement included an assessment of how those small errors were made. Action to correct those errors was taken within a matter of hours of the officials noticing them. We are talking about a difference of 0.1 percentage points between figures, and that has been corrected. I wrote to the committee as soon as I found out about the error and discussed it as part of my evidence on Tuesday, and I am making the point here today. If Mr Lumsden wants more detail, I would be happy to write to him.

Gillian Martin

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

It is regrettable when we miss targets, but I still think that we should set stretching targets. I also think it is important that we have the mechanism of a section 36 report, so that we can take corrective action when we do not meet such targets. The report that I published includes a suite of new policies, including more than quadrupling the number of electric vehicles, that will step up action in Scotland on climate change. We are also working with the UK Government on fluorinated gases and on the UK emissions trading scheme. One of my predecessors, Roseanna Cunningham, said that when we set stretching targets, we must be prepared to follow them up with action. When we bring measures to Parliament to accelerate that action, we should expect that those who are critical, like Mr Lumsden, will vote for them in order to meet the targets. In the spirit of what Mr Lumsden asked, I therefore look forward to having the full support of Conservative members for the measures that we propose to make up for missing the targets, because action is required in those areas. Mr Lumsden mentioned statistical errors. My statement included an assessment of how those small errors were made. Action to correct those errors was taken within a matter of hours of the officials noticing them. We are talking about a difference of 0.1 percentage points between figures, and that has been corrected. I wrote to the committee as soon as I found out about the error and discussed it as part of my evidence on Tuesday, and I am making the point here today. If Mr Lumsden wants more detail, I would be happy to write to him.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.6

I also thank the cabinet secretary for advance sight of her statement and welcome her commitment to transparency, although the adjusted numbers still represent missed targets and missed opportunities. The cabinet secretary talked about 19 Scottish Government policies, most of which are not new and all of which lack detail. She mentioned the idea of integrated ticketing, which goes back to 2012, but the only commitment in the policy package is to explore that idea. A reduction in car use was also included but, in March, the UK Climate Change Committee said that any clear strategy for how that will be achieved is missing. The cabinet secretary referred to bus passes for the over-60s, which I introduced, and for the under-22s, which I welcomed, but we are losing buses, train services are being cut and peak fares are coming back at the end of the month. Almost all 19 policies are just warm words. The current approach is failing, so will the cabinet secretary outline the actions that the Government is taking to tackle the highest-emitting sectors such as transport, buildings, land use and industry? Will she also set out what sectoral reductions the Government will actually deliver to reduce our emissions?

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/13956

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

I also thank the cabinet secretary for advance sight of her statement and welcome her commitment to transparency, although the adjusted numbers still represent missed targets and missed opportunities. The cabinet secretary talked about 19 Scottish Government policies, most of which are not new and all of which lack detail. She mentioned the idea of integrated ticketing, which goes back to 2012, but the only commitment in the policy package is to explore that idea. A reduction in car use was also included but, in March, the UK Climate Change Committee said that any clear strategy for how that will be achieved is missing. The cabinet secretary referred to bus passes for the over-60s, which I introduced, and for the under-22s, which I welcomed, but we are losing buses, train services are being cut and peak fares are coming back at the end of the month. Almost all 19 policies are just warm words. The current approach is failing, so will the cabinet secretary outline the actions that the Government is taking to tackle the highest-emitting sectors such as transport, buildings, land use and industry? Will she also set out what sectoral reductions the Government will actually deliver to reduce our emissions?

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.7

The report includes a range of actions, and a range of ways of delivering emissions reductions was set out in the programme for government. I will point to some of what is in the plan. Some ideas are long-term and we will build on or develop them. There is a consultation at the moment about the management of marine protected areas. We have a biodiversity delivery plan, and the coming land reform will include actions to reduce emissions. We will use a hydrogen action plan to decarbonise our industries. We have strategic investment in offshore wind, which will decarbonise our electricity supply. We will have a natural environment bill, which is designed to improve biodiversity, and a heat in buildings bill, which is designed to bring down the emissions from both our domestic and commercial building networks. We are implementing an agricultural reform programme as part of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024, the bill having been passed before the summer recess. We are committed to a 20 per cent reduction in car use and, as we committed to in April, we are consulting on a carbon tax. The actions that we have included in the report should result in a reduction of 4.1 megatonnes in greenhouse gas emissions, which will more than compensate for the shortfall in 2021-22. Factors from before that point made a material impact: there was an increase in car use and, indeed, in aviation use as a result of restrictions being lifted after Covid-19, which meant that there was a spike. That is why the five-year carbon budgeting approach will look at things beyond the in-year process, where we have spikes and troughs. I assure Sarah Boyack that I am doing everything I can with the budget that I have available to me and that the cabinet secretaries are helping me to reduce emissions in their sectors in order to ensure that we look strategically at where we can take direct action. A lot of that will be informed by the cross-Government work that we do where there are reserved issues, such as with regard to the gas grid. I will continue that very challenging work with the budget that I have, and I am happy to take any advice from anyone who has solutions to any of the challenges that we face.

Gillian Martin

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

The report includes a range of actions, and a range of ways of delivering emissions reductions was set out in the programme for government. I will point to some of what is in the plan. Some ideas are long-term and we will build on or develop them. There is a consultation at the moment about the management of marine protected areas. We have a biodiversity delivery plan, and the coming land reform will include actions to reduce emissions. We will use a hydrogen action plan to decarbonise our industries. We have strategic investment in offshore wind, which will decarbonise our electricity supply. We will have a natural environment bill, which is designed to improve biodiversity, and a heat in buildings bill, which is designed to bring down the emissions from both our domestic and commercial building networks. We are implementing an agricultural reform programme as part of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024, the bill having been passed before the summer recess. We are committed to a 20 per cent reduction in car use and, as we committed to in April, we are consulting on a carbon tax. The actions that we have included in the report should result in a reduction of 4.1 megatonnes in greenhouse gas emissions, which will more than compensate for the shortfall in 2021-22. Factors from before that point made a material impact: there was an increase in car use and, indeed, in aviation use as a result of restrictions being lifted after Covid-19, which meant that there was a spike. That is why the five-year carbon budgeting approach will look at things beyond the in-year process, where we have spikes and troughs. I assure Sarah Boyack that I am doing everything I can with the budget that I have available to me and that the cabinet secretaries are helping me to reduce emissions in their sectors in order to ensure that we look strategically at where we can take direct action. A lot of that will be informed by the cross-Government work that we do where there are reserved issues, such as with regard to the gas grid. I will continue that very challenging work with the budget that I have, and I am happy to take any advice from anyone who has solutions to any of the challenges that we face.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.8

I advise members that we have used up about seven minutes and a number of back benchers are keen to answer questions, so brief questions and brief answers would be appreciated.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

I advise members that we have used up about seven minutes and a number of back benchers are keen to answer questions, so brief questions and brief answers would be appreciated.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.9

It is vital to ensure that Scotland’s pathway to 2045 is set at a realistic pace and scale that are feasible and reflect the latest independent advice. Will the cabinet secretary say more about the Government’s plans to engage with stakeholders and experts such as the Climate Change Committee as the pathway unfolds?

Audrey Nicoll (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26009

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

It is vital to ensure that Scotland’s pathway to 2045 is set at a realistic pace and scale that are feasible and reflect the latest independent advice. Will the cabinet secretary say more about the Government’s plans to engage with stakeholders and experts such as the Climate Change Committee as the pathway unfolds?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.10

We intend to engage more widely during the development of the secondary legislation in order to set carbon budget levels in developing the next climate change plan. That will include requesting formal advice from the Climate Change Committee and continued engagement with groups such as the climate change plan advisory group. The time period for parliamentary scrutiny of the next climate change plan remains unchanged. It will still be a minimum of 120 days. I set my ambition in committee earlier this week: if we get our advice from the CCC in early spring, I hope that I will be able to put a draft climate change plan in front of the committee and our wider stakeholders before the summer recess. However, our public engagement strategy sets out our vision for all of Scotland to understand the challenges that we face and to embrace their role in our transition to net zero.

Gillian Martin

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

We intend to engage more widely during the development of the secondary legislation in order to set carbon budget levels in developing the next climate change plan. That will include requesting formal advice from the Climate Change Committee and continued engagement with groups such as the climate change plan advisory group. The time period for parliamentary scrutiny of the next climate change plan remains unchanged. It will still be a minimum of 120 days. I set my ambition in committee earlier this week: if we get our advice from the CCC in early spring, I hope that I will be able to put a draft climate change plan in front of the committee and our wider stakeholders before the summer recess. However, our public engagement strategy sets out our vision for all of Scotland to understand the challenges that we face and to embrace their role in our transition to net zero.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.11

The cabinet secretary mentioned integrated smart ticketing, which was first promised in 2012. Given that the technology exists to set that up and it is being used across Europe, when does she expect to see such a system here in Scotland?

Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25535

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

The cabinet secretary mentioned integrated smart ticketing, which was first promised in 2012. Given that the technology exists to set that up and it is being used across Europe, when does she expect to see such a system here in Scotland?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.12

I look forward to seeing an integrated ticketing system as swiftly as possible, but I do not lead on that particular policy area—Fiona Hyslop does that. I will get Ms Hyslop to write to Graham Simpson with an exact indication of when she sees that happening. We still have the 2045 target, and we want to increase public transport use as much as possible and have a viable alternative to people using their cars. Of course, that is not the only solution. We are also encouraging people, when they buy a car, to choose an electric vehicle, and we are well ahead of target in delivering the promised number of EV charging places. We have to make sure that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to transport, because there are rural areas where people require to use their cars more often than they might use buses or trains. We are taking a strategic approach. The specific question that Graham Simpson asked about the delivery of an integrated ticketing system is a question for Fiona Hyslop, and I will make sure that she responds to him.

Gillian Martin

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

I look forward to seeing an integrated ticketing system as swiftly as possible, but I do not lead on that particular policy area—Fiona Hyslop does that. I will get Ms Hyslop to write to Graham Simpson with an exact indication of when she sees that happening. We still have the 2045 target, and we want to increase public transport use as much as possible and have a viable alternative to people using their cars. Of course, that is not the only solution. We are also encouraging people, when they buy a car, to choose an electric vehicle, and we are well ahead of target in delivering the promised number of EV charging places. We have to make sure that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to transport, because there are rural areas where people require to use their cars more often than they might use buses or trains. We are taking a strategic approach. The specific question that Graham Simpson asked about the delivery of an integrated ticketing system is a question for Fiona Hyslop, and I will make sure that she responds to him.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.13

The cabinet secretary will recognise that peatlands have an important part to play in supporting us in reaching our climate targets and reducing our emissions. However, three quarters of the almost 2 million hectares of peatlands that we have in Scotland are degraded at present. What specific action has been taken to prevent any further degradation of our peatlands? In addition, given that one of the biggest challenges that we face in the repair of our peatlands is access to the right skill sets to carry out that work, what work has been taken forward to make sure that we bridge that skills gap, in order to speed up the process of repair?

Michael Matheson (Falkirk West) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14043

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

The cabinet secretary will recognise that peatlands have an important part to play in supporting us in reaching our climate targets and reducing our emissions. However, three quarters of the almost 2 million hectares of peatlands that we have in Scotland are degraded at present. What specific action has been taken to prevent any further degradation of our peatlands? In addition, given that one of the biggest challenges that we face in the repair of our peatlands is access to the right skill sets to carry out that work, what work has been taken forward to make sure that we bridge that skills gap, in order to speed up the process of repair?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.14

Michael Matheson will be familiar with the Scottish Government’s commitment to deploying £250 million over 10 years to bring peatlands back from degradation, as they are an important carbon sink. He made a very good point that delivering on that is about not just money but the capacity of the skilled workforce. There are a couple of areas to note. I mentioned the provisions in the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024, which will be rolled out to encourage land managers to restore peatland in their areas. To help them in that, the NatureScot-led peatland skills action plan will focus on increasing the workforce capacity for the design of restoration schemes, and growth in the contracting sector to deliver on future restoration targets. There is a strong focus on increasing the available workforce. The Crichton Carbon Centre-led training events and open days have been attended by nearly 450 people so far this year. Many of the attendees at the training events were contractors looking to enter the sector by enhancing their skills. That is only one tranche of the work that is happening. I am very aware that we have to shout from the rooftops that we need to restore peatland as quickly as possible, provide the space for contractors to bid for work, and ensure that people who want to enter the sector know that they have a viable career opportunity and give them the support that they deserve.

Gillian Martin

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

Michael Matheson will be familiar with the Scottish Government’s commitment to deploying £250 million over 10 years to bring peatlands back from degradation, as they are an important carbon sink. He made a very good point that delivering on that is about not just money but the capacity of the skilled workforce. There are a couple of areas to note. I mentioned the provisions in the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024, which will be rolled out to encourage land managers to restore peatland in their areas. To help them in that, the NatureScot-led peatland skills action plan will focus on increasing the workforce capacity for the design of restoration schemes, and growth in the contracting sector to deliver on future restoration targets. There is a strong focus on increasing the available workforce. The Crichton Carbon Centre-led training events and open days have been attended by nearly 450 people so far this year. Many of the attendees at the training events were contractors looking to enter the sector by enhancing their skills. That is only one tranche of the work that is happening. I am very aware that we have to shout from the rooftops that we need to restore peatland as quickly as possible, provide the space for contractors to bid for work, and ensure that people who want to enter the sector know that they have a viable career opportunity and give them the support that they deserve.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.15

Cabinet secretary, we need more succinct answers. I appreciate that detail is key, but we must try to allow as many members as possible to ask questions.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

Cabinet secretary, we need more succinct answers. I appreciate that detail is key, but we must try to allow as many members as possible to ask questions.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.16

Agriculture is one of the most important areas that needs clear guidance on practical ways to reduce emissions. The rural support plan has still not been published. What specific outcome-based measures will be in the plan for farmers and crofters to target emissions, given the heavy lifting that the industry will have to do to meet the climate change ambitions?

Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14001

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

Agriculture is one of the most important areas that needs clear guidance on practical ways to reduce emissions. The rural support plan has still not been published. What specific outcome-based measures will be in the plan for farmers and crofters to target emissions, given the heavy lifting that the industry will have to do to meet the climate change ambitions?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.17

Mairi Gougeon is working on the deployment of all the measures that were included in the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024, which is part of the work that Rhoda Grant referenced. Ms Grant mentioned heavy lifting, but there also needs to be a recognition of the work that has already been done in the agriculture sector to improve biodiversity and sequester carbon. That has not been recognised in the support system that we have at the moment. There will be a recognition of the work that happens, but there will also be an incentivisation, through support payments, for more work to happen, so that, for example, when farmers and land managers plant in a particular way that is better for biodiversity, or when they decide to rewet a peatland that is in their area, they will be rewarded. As I said to other members about work in other cabinet secretaries’ areas, I am happy to let Ms Gougeon know that Rhoda Grant has asked that question, as she may be able to provide more detail.

Gillian Martin

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

Mairi Gougeon is working on the deployment of all the measures that were included in the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024, which is part of the work that Rhoda Grant referenced. Ms Grant mentioned heavy lifting, but there also needs to be a recognition of the work that has already been done in the agriculture sector to improve biodiversity and sequester carbon. That has not been recognised in the support system that we have at the moment. There will be a recognition of the work that happens, but there will also be an incentivisation, through support payments, for more work to happen, so that, for example, when farmers and land managers plant in a particular way that is better for biodiversity, or when they decide to rewet a peatland that is in their area, they will be rewarded. As I said to other members about work in other cabinet secretaries’ areas, I am happy to let Ms Gougeon know that Rhoda Grant has asked that question, as she may be able to provide more detail.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.18

The Scottish Government has proposed the adoption of new carbon budgets to measure progress towards emissions reduction targets alongside the rest of the UK and, I understand, international counterparts such as France and Japan. Will the cabinet secretary say a bit more about the lessons that have been learned from the use of the carbon budgeting systems in those countries and how they have informed the Scottish Government’s approach to the issue?

Willie Coffey (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/13968

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

The Scottish Government has proposed the adoption of new carbon budgets to measure progress towards emissions reduction targets alongside the rest of the UK and, I understand, international counterparts such as France and Japan. Will the cabinet secretary say a bit more about the lessons that have been learned from the use of the carbon budgeting systems in those countries and how they have informed the Scottish Government’s approach to the issue?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.19

Carbon budgets are an established model of emissions reduction in a number of countries. We have learned from our own experience that emissions reduction does not happen in a straight-line trajectory. I mentioned in my answer to Sarah Boyack that there are peaks and troughs. A carbon budgeting system has been used by the UK, the Welsh Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and countries in the European Union. Using such a system means that we will be able to look at a five-year period, but I add that we will always report yearly on our movement towards the ambitions set within those five-year budget envelopes. It is an established model that is used in a great number of countries and one that the CCC has asked us to adopt, too.

Gillian Martin

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

Carbon budgets are an established model of emissions reduction in a number of countries. We have learned from our own experience that emissions reduction does not happen in a straight-line trajectory. I mentioned in my answer to Sarah Boyack that there are peaks and troughs. A carbon budgeting system has been used by the UK, the Welsh Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and countries in the European Union. Using such a system means that we will be able to look at a five-year period, but I add that we will always report yearly on our movement towards the ambitions set within those five-year budget envelopes. It is an established model that is used in a great number of countries and one that the CCC has asked us to adopt, too.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.20

The only aspect of the report that is a new one on me is not even a change in Scottish Government policy or action; it is a highly technical series of consultations on the ETS, which were conducted using a four-nations approach. Most of the report simply restates existing policy, or the policy package that was announced back in April—each policy of which, I have to say, was painfully extracted under pressure from the Greens against reluctance from the Scottish National Party. None of that was designed to be the contents of a section 36 report to catch up on 2021 and 2022. Why does the report contain no new policy or action beyond what we all already knew about?

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14006

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

The only aspect of the report that is a new one on me is not even a change in Scottish Government policy or action; it is a highly technical series of consultations on the ETS, which were conducted using a four-nations approach. Most of the report simply restates existing policy, or the policy package that was announced back in April—each policy of which, I have to say, was painfully extracted under pressure from the Greens against reluctance from the Scottish National Party. None of that was designed to be the contents of a section 36 report to catch up on 2021 and 2022. Why does the report contain no new policy or action beyond what we all already knew about?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.21

The report is designed to set out a suite of policies that will make up for the shortfall in 2021 and 2022, and it more than does that. The objective of the legislation is that when organisations have to report on their missed targets, they put plans in place. The plans in this report will more than compensate for the missed targets and will go much further, too. We have to consider what we can do and where we can take the most action within the financial envelope that we have. As I am sure that Mr Harvie will understand from his time in government, it will not be easy to deliver on new policies on top of the ones to which we have already committed. The actions that we have set out in the report are sufficient to make up for the shortfall.

Gillian Martin

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

The report is designed to set out a suite of policies that will make up for the shortfall in 2021 and 2022, and it more than does that. The objective of the legislation is that when organisations have to report on their missed targets, they put plans in place. The plans in this report will more than compensate for the missed targets and will go much further, too. We have to consider what we can do and where we can take the most action within the financial envelope that we have. As I am sure that Mr Harvie will understand from his time in government, it will not be easy to deliver on new policies on top of the ones to which we have already committed. The actions that we have set out in the report are sufficient to make up for the shortfall.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.22

The full delivery of Scotland’s ambitious net zero agenda is compromised by the UK Government’s huge 9 per cent cut to Scotland’s capital budget. Therefore, it is vital that we continue to urge the UK Government to take climate change seriously and to meet the significant up-front costs that are required to deliver a net zero economy. Will the cabinet secretary say a little more about the Scottish Government’s latest engagement with the UK Government in that regard? I hope that it has been constructive.

Bob Doris (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/13977

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

The full delivery of Scotland’s ambitious net zero agenda is compromised by the UK Government’s huge 9 per cent cut to Scotland’s capital budget. Therefore, it is vital that we continue to urge the UK Government to take climate change seriously and to meet the significant up-front costs that are required to deliver a net zero economy. Will the cabinet secretary say a little more about the Scottish Government’s latest engagement with the UK Government in that regard? I hope that it has been constructive.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.23

The First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government have met the Chancellor of the Exchequer several times. They highlighted the expected real-terms cut to our capital funding, which is severely impacting our ability to progress vital infrastructure projects, not least those for achieving our net zero ambitions. I have already been engaging with my counterparts in the UK Government on their net zero ambitions. I am keen to work with the UK Government to ensure that the 30 October budget provides for us—and, indeed, for my UK counterparts. If the UK will not reach net zero by 2050, Scotland will not reach net zero by 2045, and the reverse is true. We need to ensure that in the future there will be funding behind all those policies if we are to achieve the ambitions that both Governments have set out.

Gillian Martin

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

The First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government have met the Chancellor of the Exchequer several times. They highlighted the expected real-terms cut to our capital funding, which is severely impacting our ability to progress vital infrastructure projects, not least those for achieving our net zero ambitions. I have already been engaging with my counterparts in the UK Government on their net zero ambitions. I am keen to work with the UK Government to ensure that the 30 October budget provides for us—and, indeed, for my UK counterparts. If the UK will not reach net zero by 2050, Scotland will not reach net zero by 2045, and the reverse is true. We need to ensure that in the future there will be funding behind all those policies if we are to achieve the ambitions that both Governments have set out.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.24

It is vital that the Government is accurate when setting out how it will catch up on missed targets. Unfortunately, the vague list of reviews, consultations and plans set out back in April will be insufficient. As Sarah Boyack pointed out, integrated ticketing, which the Cabinet Secretary for Transport has promised, was first promised by the SNP back in 2012. Sticking with the subject of transport and actions to persuade people out of their cars, does the cabinet secretary accept that increasing rail travel will be of little use if we are still using old, polluting diesel trains? Can she confirm that the Government is still committed to removing diesel passenger trains from service by 2035?

Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

It is vital that the Government is accurate when setting out how it will catch up on missed targets. Unfortunately, the vague list of reviews, consultations and plans set out back in April will be insufficient. As Sarah Boyack pointed out, integrated ticketing, which the Cabinet Secretary for Transport has promised, was first promised by the SNP back in 2012. Sticking with the subject of transport and actions to persuade people out of their cars, does the cabinet secretary accept that increasing rail travel will be of little use if we are still using old, polluting diesel trains? Can she confirm that the Government is still committed to removing diesel passenger trains from service by 2035?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.25

The Scottish Government is committed to decarbonising its passenger rail network. Details of how that will be achieved will be set out in the rail services decarbonisation action plan, which commits to all passenger diesel trains being replaced. The programme for that, and the order in which things will be done, will depend on business cases and the available budget. However, as I said in response to other members’ questions relating to the transport secretary’s portfolio, I will be happy to ask her to provide Mr McArthur with further details.

Gillian Martin

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

The Scottish Government is committed to decarbonising its passenger rail network. Details of how that will be achieved will be set out in the rail services decarbonisation action plan, which commits to all passenger diesel trains being replaced. The programme for that, and the order in which things will be done, will depend on business cases and the available budget. However, as I said in response to other members’ questions relating to the transport secretary’s portfolio, I will be happy to ask her to provide Mr McArthur with further details.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.26

This afternoon’s statement has come about because of unforced errors in simple mathematics, so let me see whether I can help the cabinet secretary. She talked about a route map for electric vehicles. That was announced in June 2023, with a target of 6,000 more EVs by 2026, supported by £30 million from the Scottish Government and £30 million from the private sector. Has the cabinet secretary got the £30 million from the private sector yet?

Edward Mountain (Highlands and Islands) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25529

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

This afternoon’s statement has come about because of unforced errors in simple mathematics, so let me see whether I can help the cabinet secretary. She talked about a route map for electric vehicles. That was announced in June 2023, with a target of 6,000 more EVs by 2026, supported by £30 million from the Scottish Government and £30 million from the private sector. Has the cabinet secretary got the £30 million from the private sector yet?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.27

It is fair that we recognise that other portfolio areas are important in getting us to net zero. However, I appear to be being asked particularly intricate questions about the transport portfolio responsibilities of my colleague Fiona Hyslop, although, obviously, I do not have the intricate granular detail on that in front of me. Therefore, I am quite happy to make sure that Ms Hyslop writes to Edward Mountain to provide him with the detail that he needs on that very specific point.

Gillian Martin

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25525

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

It is fair that we recognise that other portfolio areas are important in getting us to net zero. However, I appear to be being asked particularly intricate questions about the transport portfolio responsibilities of my colleague Fiona Hyslop, although, obviously, I do not have the intricate granular detail on that in front of me. Therefore, I am quite happy to make sure that Ms Hyslop writes to Edward Mountain to provide him with the detail that he needs on that very specific point.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.4.28

That concludes the statement. I apologise to the two members whom I was unable to call, but, as always, we have come up against the clock, and I need to protect the rest of the business of the afternoon.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 and 2022

That concludes the statement. I apologise to the two members whom I was unable to call, but, as always, we have come up against the clock, and I need to protect the rest of the business of the afternoon.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.5.1

The next item of business is a statement by Jenny Gilruth on the Scottish Government response to the independent review of qualifications and assessment. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of the statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Qualifications and Assessment

The next item of business is a statement by Jenny Gilruth on the Scottish Government response to the independent review of qualifications and assessment. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of the statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.5.2

Today, I am pleased to set out the Scottish Government’s next steps on qualifications reform in response to the recommendations from the independent review of qualifications and assessment. I once again thank Professor Louise Hayward and the independent review group for the significant care and attention that they took in producing the final report. Last year, when I became Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, numerous reports were sitting on my desk, with a significant programme of reform to consider. My primary concern has been ensuring that I took the right decisions for our young people, the teachers who support them and wider society. That is why I paused elements of the education reform programme. Taking the time to really listen to the views of school pupils, teachers and parents groups alike has been critical to informing the Government’s response to the independent review. The pandemic has changed our schools. That context, which has been compounded by constrained public finances, cannot be ignored. Challenges with attendance, attainment, relationships and behaviour are the reality for our schools every day. It is my job to recognise that and to shape a response accordingly. It is clear that there is a wide range of views on qualifications reform. Some people continue to call for radical changes next week, while others favour a more pragmatic approach, recognising the other pressures that face schools post-Covid. For some time now, there has been an understandable focus on the senior phase and qualifications pathways. We must be mindful that qualification reform is not in itself a panacea. Our ambition to improve Scottish education must encompass high-quality learning and teaching at all levels: in early years and in our primary and secondary schools across Scotland. Indeed, if we narrowly consider the senior phase of our children’s education—that is, secondary 4 to secondary 6—in a silo, it will be too late in a child’s educational journey to make the necessary interventions. To that end, I will set out a fresh national approach to educational improvement later this year. The new plan will set out the short, medium and longer-term priorities for Scottish education, with a clear focus on excellence and equity through improvement. Further, I believe that a new, independent inspectorate will have a key role to play in driving improvement. It is essential, within that new opportunity, that the local support that is needed for schools is there, particularly given that the statutory responsibility for the delivery of school education currently rests in the hands of local authorities. To that end, a national thematic inspection of local authority approaches to school improvement is under way, with inspectors due to visit every council in Scotland. That will ensure that, nationally, we have a better understanding of priority areas for improvement and examples of effective support and intervention. It will further support local authorities to address local variability, as evidenced in this year’s exam results, and enhance educational quality. Our approach to improving education must be built on the existing commitment and professionalism of Scotland’s teachers. That is why, over the coming weeks, I will lead a series of regional events, initially with secondary headteachers, followed by engagement with primary and early years teachers. They will provide further opportunities to test a more focused improvement plan for both local government and national Government to support. The evolution of Scotland’s approach to assessment in the senior phase will be an integral part of our wider plans to improve the curriculum. The curriculum improvement cycle is already under way, beginning with maths and numeracy. That means that, for the first time, there will be a systematic approach to ensuring that the curriculum in Scotland remains relevant and forward looking, that it clarifies the role of knowledge and that, ultimately, it supports high-quality teaching, learning and progression. Communications with updates on progress with the curriculum improvement work will start later this month. I will write to the Education, Children and Young People Committee in due course, setting out further details and associated timescales for delivery in every curricular area. Fundamentally, our approach will be underpinned by teacher expertise. Subject specialists must and will lead on improving and updating Scotland’s curriculum. The curriculum should drive qualifications, not the other way round. That is why the qualifications content will also be updated, to ensure strong alignment between broad general education and the senior phase. Although curriculum improvement and qualifications reform are an integral part of our education reform programme, our national bodies will also be reformed to support the changes and improvements that are required. The effective leadership of those bodies will be key. As Parliament may be aware, a new chair of the Scottish Qualifications Authority was appointed in December last year to lead its transition to qualifications Scotland. This week, both the substantive posts of His Majesty’s chief inspector of education in Scotland and chief executive of Education Scotland were advertised on a permanent basis. The three organisations will play a pivotal role in curriculum improvement and qualification development. Leadership of all three will be essential in garnering trust and credibility with Scotland’s young people, teachers, and parents and carers. I agree with the report’s recommendation that the balance of assessment methods in the senior phase should change so as to have less reliance on high-stakes final exams. That means that, in the future, internal and continuous assessment will contribute a greater percentage of a final grade. That will support more young people to successfully evidence their learning, and it will act to increase the resilience of our overall approach to assessment. I want to be clear that taking steps to rebalance assessment does not mean that exams will be removed. I can therefore confirm that examinations will remain part of our overall national approach and will not be removed from all national 5 courses. I know from direct engagement as cabinet secretary that many young people prefer examinations over continuous assessment. As evidenced by the teachers survey that was published earlier this year, many secondary school teachers who responded support the retention of exams as a means of applying a consistent and objective standard. There are, however, a number of practical national courses where an exam might not be needed. The qualifications body is consulting on whether courses such as national 5 and higher fashion and technology, national 5 practical cookery and national 5 practical electronics should have an examination component. I support the view that the senior phase has, over time, become overly complex. It is right that young people are now able to choose from a wider variety of learning opportunities than previously. However, it is vitally important that all young people have a clear and coherent senior phase offer, which aligns with pathways that are available in both higher and further education, and on into employment. The Scottish Government therefore supports the view that a degree of rationalisation of the senior phase will allow us to ensure clearer pathways that are less confusing for young people. Learning from our past experience with unit assessments and associated issues around teacher workload, we will further explore how modularisation of graded national courses can be reintroduced, so that pupils have maximum flexibility to build credit as they progress. With regard to interdisciplinary learning, or IDL as it is known, I recognise the desire, including from some young people themselves, for IDL opportunities to be more consistently available. It is that consistency—that parity of opportunity—that is important. Indeed, I am conscious of the recent publication by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education on curriculum design in Scotland, which stated: “There remains lack of clarity regarding high-quality IDL”. I am therefore of the view that more work is required if IDL is to become a required part of the senior phase. A refreshed national working group, which will be chaired by a senior secondary school leader, will bring together all relevant parties that are already active in this space. The group will lead a new phase of work, with the objective of better determining the place of IDL in secondary schools, while ensuring that an equitable, high-quality offer is available for all young people. In addition, the exercise will help to expand our shared knowledge of the ways in which IDL could be embedded in a school’s curriculum, including in respect of timetabling. Consideration will also be given to accreditation. The Scottish Government supports the principle that young people should receive recognition for their wider learning. We will therefore explore the issue of how best to recognise such achievement with a range of stakeholders, including young people. In doing so, we will need to work through the significant concerns that have been raised, with the main concern being that such a step would further entrench and exacerbate social inequity. In considering the next steps, that is the principal barrier that I believe must be addressed and overcome. To facilitate greater recognition of wider achievement, I agree that the development of a national digital profile would benefit young people by helping them to consolidate their learning. A profile has been established within the My World of Work platform, which is managed by Skills Development Scotland, and it will now be further improved in conjunction with teachers and young people. That will ensure that all young people in Scotland have consistent and cost-free access to a digital profile, which is a key recommendation in the report. The central proposal from the independent review is that Scotland should adopt a Scottish diploma of achievement as a senior phase leaving certificate. Although we are supportive of the development of a leaving certificate as a shared longer-term goal for Scottish education, we believe that more work is needed to determine the exact content of such a certificate and how it would operate. We will work with schools to consider how programmes of learning, IDL and wider achievement could be combined in a more holistic illustration of a pupil’s achievements. The Scottish Government is firmly of the view that teachers require more time if they are to be able to accept greater responsibility for formal assessment. With that in mind, the Scottish Government remains fully committed to the delivery of our commitment to reduce class contact time by 90 minutes a week. That matter is being prioritised by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers, which, members will recall, is a tripartite body that consists of the trade unions, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Government. It is imperative that all parties bring the necessary focus to delivery as quickly and effectively as possible, because we cannot reform our education system without giving teachers more time. For my part, I know that there are parts of the country where we could begin to roll out reduced class contact time tomorrow, so it is imperative that we get an agreement on that from the SNCT in order to allow us to move at pace. Allied to that, and to help teachers to focus on learning and teaching, we have launched a CivTech challenge, which invites bids that are designed to reduce teacher workload via the use of artificial intelligence. Our teachers must be the leaders of the change that we need to see, and they must be empowered to lead the improvements in our education system. That is why an experienced secondary headteacher will be seconded into the new qualifications body to lead a new chapter of meaningful engagement with Scotland’s teachers. The actions on qualifications reform that I am setting out today seek to achieve a balance between ambition and action that is focused, pragmatic and deliverable, given the resources that are available to national and local government and to schools themselves. They build directly on the hard work, success and creativity that are already evident in every school in Scotland. That approach to evolving qualifications and assessment will deliver a fairer and more credible system that enhances learning and teaching, while supporting better outcomes for young people. However, that is only one part of the improvement picture. A much more holistic and longer-term approach that takes account of the changes in our schools post-pandemic is required to drive the totality of improvements that must support better outcomes for our children and young people.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Jenny Gilruth)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Qualifications and Assessment

Today, I am pleased to set out the Scottish Government’s next steps on qualifications reform in response to the recommendations from the independent review of qualifications and assessment. I once again thank Professor Louise Hayward and the independent review group for the significant care and attention that they took in producing the final report. Last year, when I became Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, numerous reports were sitting on my desk, with a significant programme of reform to consider. My primary concern has been ensuring that I took the right decisions for our young people, the teachers who support them and wider society. That is why I paused elements of the education reform programme. Taking the time to really listen to the views of school pupils, teachers and parents groups alike has been critical to informing the Government’s response to the independent review. The pandemic has changed our schools. That context, which has been compounded by constrained public finances, cannot be ignored. Challenges with attendance, attainment, relationships and behaviour are the reality for our schools every day. It is my job to recognise that and to shape a response accordingly. It is clear that there is a wide range of views on qualifications reform. Some people continue to call for radical changes next week, while others favour a more pragmatic approach, recognising the other pressures that face schools post-Covid. For some time now, there has been an understandable focus on the senior phase and qualifications pathways. We must be mindful that qualification reform is not in itself a panacea. Our ambition to improve Scottish education must encompass high-quality learning and teaching at all levels: in early years and in our primary and secondary schools across Scotland. Indeed, if we narrowly consider the senior phase of our children’s education—that is, secondary 4 to secondary 6—in a silo, it will be too late in a child’s educational journey to make the necessary interventions. To that end, I will set out a fresh national approach to educational improvement later this year. The new plan will set out the short, medium and longer-term priorities for Scottish education, with a clear focus on excellence and equity through improvement. Further, I believe that a new, independent inspectorate will have a key role to play in driving improvement. It is essential, within that new opportunity, that the local support that is needed for schools is there, particularly given that the statutory responsibility for the delivery of school education currently rests in the hands of local authorities. To that end, a national thematic inspection of local authority approaches to school improvement is under way, with inspectors due to visit every council in Scotland. That will ensure that, nationally, we have a better understanding of priority areas for improvement and examples of effective support and intervention. It will further support local authorities to address local variability, as evidenced in this year’s exam results, and enhance educational quality. Our approach to improving education must be built on the existing commitment and professionalism of Scotland’s teachers. That is why, over the coming weeks, I will lead a series of regional events, initially with secondary headteachers, followed by engagement with primary and early years teachers. They will provide further opportunities to test a more focused improvement plan for both local government and national Government to support. The evolution of Scotland’s approach to assessment in the senior phase will be an integral part of our wider plans to improve the curriculum. The curriculum improvement cycle is already under way, beginning with maths and numeracy. That means that, for the first time, there will be a systematic approach to ensuring that the curriculum in Scotland remains relevant and forward looking, that it clarifies the role of knowledge and that, ultimately, it supports high-quality teaching, learning and progression. Communications with updates on progress with the curriculum improvement work will start later this month. I will write to the Education, Children and Young People Committee in due course, setting out further details and associated timescales for delivery in every curricular area. Fundamentally, our approach will be underpinned by teacher expertise. Subject specialists must and will lead on improving and updating Scotland’s curriculum. The curriculum should drive qualifications, not the other way round. That is why the qualifications content will also be updated, to ensure strong alignment between broad general education and the senior phase. Although curriculum improvement and qualifications reform are an integral part of our education reform programme, our national bodies will also be reformed to support the changes and improvements that are required. The effective leadership of those bodies will be key. As Parliament may be aware, a new chair of the Scottish Qualifications Authority was appointed in December last year to lead its transition to qualifications Scotland. This week, both the substantive posts of His Majesty’s chief inspector of education in Scotland and chief executive of Education Scotland were advertised on a permanent basis. The three organisations will play a pivotal role in curriculum improvement and qualification development. Leadership of all three will be essential in garnering trust and credibility with Scotland’s young people, teachers, and parents and carers. I agree with the report’s recommendation that the balance of assessment methods in the senior phase should change so as to have less reliance on high-stakes final exams. That means that, in the future, internal and continuous assessment will contribute a greater percentage of a final grade. That will support more young people to successfully evidence their learning, and it will act to increase the resilience of our overall approach to assessment. I want to be clear that taking steps to rebalance assessment does not mean that exams will be removed. I can therefore confirm that examinations will remain part of our overall national approach and will not be removed from all national 5 courses. I know from direct engagement as cabinet secretary that many young people prefer examinations over continuous assessment. As evidenced by the teachers survey that was published earlier this year, many secondary school teachers who responded support the retention of exams as a means of applying a consistent and objective standard. There are, however, a number of practical national courses where an exam might not be needed. The qualifications body is consulting on whether courses such as national 5 and higher fashion and technology, national 5 practical cookery and national 5 practical electronics should have an examination component. I support the view that the senior phase has, over time, become overly complex. It is right that young people are now able to choose from a wider variety of learning opportunities than previously. However, it is vitally important that all young people have a clear and coherent senior phase offer, which aligns with pathways that are available in both higher and further education, and on into employment. The Scottish Government therefore supports the view that a degree of rationalisation of the senior phase will allow us to ensure clearer pathways that are less confusing for young people. Learning from our past experience with unit assessments and associated issues around teacher workload, we will further explore how modularisation of graded national courses can be reintroduced, so that pupils have maximum flexibility to build credit as they progress. With regard to interdisciplinary learning, or IDL as it is known, I recognise the desire, including from some young people themselves, for IDL opportunities to be more consistently available. It is that consistency—that parity of opportunity—that is important. Indeed, I am conscious of the recent publication by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education on curriculum design in Scotland, which stated: “There remains lack of clarity regarding high-quality IDL”. I am therefore of the view that more work is required if IDL is to become a required part of the senior phase. A refreshed national working group, which will be chaired by a senior secondary school leader, will bring together all relevant parties that are already active in this space. The group will lead a new phase of work, with the objective of better determining the place of IDL in secondary schools, while ensuring that an equitable, high-quality offer is available for all young people. In addition, the exercise will help to expand our shared knowledge of the ways in which IDL could be embedded in a school’s curriculum, including in respect of timetabling. Consideration will also be given to accreditation. The Scottish Government supports the principle that young people should receive recognition for their wider learning. We will therefore explore the issue of how best to recognise such achievement with a range of stakeholders, including young people. In doing so, we will need to work through the significant concerns that have been raised, with the main concern being that such a step would further entrench and exacerbate social inequity. In considering the next steps, that is the principal barrier that I believe must be addressed and overcome. To facilitate greater recognition of wider achievement, I agree that the development of a national digital profile would benefit young people by helping them to consolidate their learning. A profile has been established within the My World of Work platform, which is managed by Skills Development Scotland, and it will now be further improved in conjunction with teachers and young people. That will ensure that all young people in Scotland have consistent and cost-free access to a digital profile, which is a key recommendation in the report. The central proposal from the independent review is that Scotland should adopt a Scottish diploma of achievement as a senior phase leaving certificate. Although we are supportive of the development of a leaving certificate as a shared longer-term goal for Scottish education, we believe that more work is needed to determine the exact content of such a certificate and how it would operate. We will work with schools to consider how programmes of learning, IDL and wider achievement could be combined in a more holistic illustration of a pupil’s achievements. The Scottish Government is firmly of the view that teachers require more time if they are to be able to accept greater responsibility for formal assessment. With that in mind, the Scottish Government remains fully committed to the delivery of our commitment to reduce class contact time by 90 minutes a week. That matter is being prioritised by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers, which, members will recall, is a tripartite body that consists of the trade unions, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Government. It is imperative that all parties bring the necessary focus to delivery as quickly and effectively as possible, because we cannot reform our education system without giving teachers more time. For my part, I know that there are parts of the country where we could begin to roll out reduced class contact time tomorrow, so it is imperative that we get an agreement on that from the SNCT in order to allow us to move at pace. Allied to that, and to help teachers to focus on learning and teaching, we have launched a CivTech challenge, which invites bids that are designed to reduce teacher workload via the use of artificial intelligence. Our teachers must be the leaders of the change that we need to see, and they must be empowered to lead the improvements in our education system. That is why an experienced secondary headteacher will be seconded into the new qualifications body to lead a new chapter of meaningful engagement with Scotland’s teachers. The actions on qualifications reform that I am setting out today seek to achieve a balance between ambition and action that is focused, pragmatic and deliverable, given the resources that are available to national and local government and to schools themselves. They build directly on the hard work, success and creativity that are already evident in every school in Scotland. That approach to evolving qualifications and assessment will deliver a fairer and more credible system that enhances learning and teaching, while supporting better outcomes for young people. However, that is only one part of the improvement picture. A much more holistic and longer-term approach that takes account of the changes in our schools post-pandemic is required to drive the totality of improvements that must support better outcomes for our children and young people.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.5.3

I note that the length of the statement exceeded the 10 minutes that was allocated, but I intend to protect the 20 minutes or so for questions.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Qualifications and Assessment

I note that the length of the statement exceeded the 10 minutes that was allocated, but I intend to protect the 20 minutes or so for questions.

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.5.4

I thank the cabinet secretary for providing advance sight of her statement. I welcome the fact that, at last, responses to the many excellent reports that have been produced are dripping through from the Government to Parliament, although I wonder whether such a fragmented—as opposed to holistic—approach is the optimum way to address the reforms that are needed. On that note, the Hayward report and the reports from the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Professor Muir and many others have all made it clear that what is needed is a long-term strategic vision for the future of Scotland’s education system, from which actions, plans and priorities can be driven, but no such vision or destination has been laid out in the cabinet secretary’s statement. Given that she has chosen to ignore those experts’ calls for a proper strategic destination, how confident can the cabinet secretary be that a piecemeal approach, rather than a visionary one, will deliver the outcomes that the experts tell us are needed? Secondly, the cabinet secretary makes no mention of the up-front and on-going costs of the reforms, working groups and plans or the delivery of reduced class contact time. Last week, we heard the cabinet secretary justify the shameful breach of the SNP’s manifesto promise on school meals by referring to a lack of money. How much do all the plans that are set out in the statement cost, and from where will that sum be drawn? School leaders advise that the challenges with attendance, attainment, relationships and behaviour—to use the cabinet secretary’s earlier words—would improve if the curriculum offer were broader and more appealing to all learners than traditional academic pathways might be. Therefore, what plans does the Scottish Government have to support schools to offer a breadth of curriculum that is suitable for all learners?

Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25515

Qualifications and Assessment

I thank the cabinet secretary for providing advance sight of her statement. I welcome the fact that, at last, responses to the many excellent reports that have been produced are dripping through from the Government to Parliament, although I wonder whether such a fragmented—as opposed to holistic—approach is the optimum way to address the reforms that are needed. On that note, the Hayward report and the reports from the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Professor Muir and many others have all made it clear that what is needed is a long-term strategic vision for the future of Scotland’s education system, from which actions, plans and priorities can be driven, but no such vision or destination has been laid out in the cabinet secretary’s statement. Given that she has chosen to ignore those experts’ calls for a proper strategic destination, how confident can the cabinet secretary be that a piecemeal approach, rather than a visionary one, will deliver the outcomes that the experts tell us are needed? Secondly, the cabinet secretary makes no mention of the up-front and on-going costs of the reforms, working groups and plans or the delivery of reduced class contact time. Last week, we heard the cabinet secretary justify the shameful breach of the SNP’s manifesto promise on school meals by referring to a lack of money. How much do all the plans that are set out in the statement cost, and from where will that sum be drawn? School leaders advise that the challenges with attendance, attainment, relationships and behaviour—to use the cabinet secretary’s earlier words—would improve if the curriculum offer were broader and more appealing to all learners than traditional academic pathways might be. Therefore, what plans does the Scottish Government have to support schools to offer a breadth of curriculum that is suitable for all learners?

6057ccc8-b06a-44d2-9522-1211f322dba2

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-19.5.5

The member raises some pertinent points. First, I will not make any apologies for building in extra time to consult the teaching profession. When I was appointed, I was told that there was real ambition in the system for radical change now, but through my engagement with Scotland’s secondary teachers over the past year, I have found that, actually, that view is not shared across the profession. That is important.

Jenny Gilruth

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25506

Qualifications and Assessment

The member raises some pertinent points. First, I will not make any apologies for building in extra time to consult the teaching profession. When I was appointed, I was told that there was real ambition in the system for radical change now, but through my engagement with Scotland’s secondary teachers over the past year, I have found that, actually, that view is not shared across the profession. That is important.