Tag: Holyrood

Scottish Budget: Delivering for families and public services?

The 2026-27 Budget will support a stronger NHS, with a record £22.5 billion for health and social care, expand cost of living support and invest in Scotland’s infrastructure.

Published alongside the latest multi-year Scottish Spending Review, Infrastructure Strategy and Infrastructure Delivery Pipeline, the draft Budget invests almost £68 billion including direct support for families and household budgets.

The 2026-27 Budget includes: 

  • a cost of living package to: help families with funding to trial a programme of activities in a range of primary schools between 3-6pm; a Summer of Sport – free children’s sporting activities, including lessons on how to swim for every primary school child in the country; and a breakfast club for every primary school by August 2027
  • continued investment in Scotland’s existing cost of living measures, including free prescriptions, free eye examinations, removal of peak rail fares on Scotrail, free tuition fees for young Scots, free school meals for thousands of children, including all pupils in P1 to P5, and free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s
  • funding to increase Scottish Child Payment to £28.20 per week and investment to allow the introduction of a premium payment of £40 per week for eligible children under 12 months from 2027-28, bolstering efforts to drive down child poverty
  • extra funding to keep more children out of poverty from funds initially set aside to mitigate the UK Government’s two-child cap, including £50 million of whole family support and a further £49 million for measures to be announced in the Child Poverty Delivery Plan in March
  • tax choices which increase the Basic and Intermediate rate income tax thresholds to put more money in the pockets of low and middle income earners, maintain current income tax rates and bands, and provide a competitive non-domestic rates relief package worth an estimated £864 million, including measures for pubs, restaurants and retailers
  • a record £22.5 billion for health and social care, including a record £17.6 billion for NHS boards and resources to begin the national rollout of walk-in GP clinics, making it easier to access same-day appointments
  • an almost £15.7 billion record settlement for local government to support the services communities rely on including social care and education
  • significant extra funding for universities and colleges, with colleges seeing a combined increase of £70 million in resource and capital funding, equivalent to a 10% uplift,  targeted support to help retrain workers in the oil and gas sector and ongoing commitment to Scotland’s apprenticeships, which this year will provide more than 31,000 Scots with a pathway to sustainable, well-paid jobs
  • over £5 billion to tackle the climate emergency, reduce carbon emissions and increase resilience as well as backing regenerative and sustainable skills in food and farming
  • £4.3 billion transport funding including investment in railways, the renewal of the ferry fleet, removal of peak season fares for residents of Orkney and Shetland on Northern Isles ferries and nearly £200 million for the dualling of the A9
  • record investment in new affordable homes

Ms Robison said:“This Budget delivers for families across the country, for a stronger NHS, and for a more prosperous future. 

“It will fund landmark policies to continue efforts to eradicate child poverty – investing in a brighter future for Scotland and the children growing up here.

“Almost £68 billion is being invested in 2026-27 and almost £200 billion through the Scottish Spending Review and Infrastructure Investment Pipeline, demonstrating the scale of our ambition for our nation.”

Other measures include:

  • from April 2027, an Air Departure Tax (ADT) will come into force and the framework offered by the new ADT will be used to introduce a private jet supplement
  • the introduction by April 2028 of two new council tax bands for the most expensive properties in Scotland, those worth more than £1 million, on an up-to-date valuation
  • support for high-growth firms to attract private investment and connect entrepreneurs
  • £200 million for the Scottish National Investment Bank – delivering on the commitment to invest £1 billion in the Bank by the end of the parliamentary term
  • record funding for police and fire services and an additional £10 million investment in community justice services
  • a £20 million increase in the culture budget, recognising Scotland is richer because of its world-famous culture and creative sector
  • support for the creation of a diverse and sustainable supply chain for offshore wind, to boost the economy.

Scottish Budget 2026-27

Scottish Spending Review 2026

Infrastructure Strategy

REACTIONS:

Responding to today’s proposed Scottish Budget, Poverty Alliance Policy & Campaigns Manager Ruth Boyle said: “People in Scotland want a just and compassionate society – but too many feel the system is rigged against them.

“There was some good news today – but we can do much more to make sure that every child in Scotland gets the investment they need for a decent life and a better future.

“Ensuring that every child in primary school gets a healthy breakfast is an excellent investment, because no child should go to school hungry.

“Increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40 for eligible households with a baby under 1 is welcome and will help families at a time when they face increased costs. However, this must be a first step towards boosting that payment to £40 for every eligible child in the country.

“That is the kind of fundamental investment the Government needs to make if they are serious about meeting the 2030 child poverty targets.

“With Scotland not on track to meet those legally binding targets, we need all political parties to set out their plans to invest in country where no child lives in poverty. Our children can’t wait any longer.

“We can make that kind of investment in Scotland – and there is support for it. In among the Budget documents is new polling from YouGov showing that 54% of people in Scotland believe that Government should redistribute income from the better-off to those who are less well off. Just 29% disagree.

“The Scottish Government must raise revenue to invest in our shared national priorities, like tackling child poverty and reducing the cost of living. It’s right that the Government has turned to those with the biggest assets to contribute more with a tax on private jets and increased council tax for the highest value homes. 

“This has to be the start of long-promised, fundamental reform of council tax so that our local councils can provide the services that all of us need, and that are a vital lifeline for so many households in poverty.

“The Poverty Alliance will continue to call for the measures we need to provide a Minimum Income Guarantee that no-one will fall under – including increasing wages, investing in strong public services, and providing a social security system that gives everyone in Scotland a secure foundation to build a better future.

“Today’s budget has some positive steps towards that ambition – but we need to go further and faster if we are to build a Scotland free from poverty.”

Commenting on today’s draft Scottish Budget, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, said: “It’s hugely positive to see child poverty being made a top priority in today’s budget.

“The significant funding boost to whole family support and extra resources for third sector organisations will provide a lifeline to families who need help most, right across Scotland.

“But we can’t afford to slow down. Scotland’s legal target to eradicate child poverty demands bold, accelerated action. Life is tougher than ever for many children and families and at Children First we witness this first-hand every day.

 “That’s why we urgently need a National Front Door that offers a simple accessible way for families to get the help they need when they need it.”

Children First’s manifesto for the 2026 Holyrood elections calls on the next Scottish Government to deliver a comprehensive offer of whole family support to tackle child poverty and give every family the emotional, practical and financial support they need.

Read the manifesto here: 2026 Holyrood Election Manifesto | Children First

Trussell’s Cara Hilton said: ‘While we welcome the @scotgov‘s £40 SCP rate for babies under 1, we continue to call for an increase to £40 a week for all.

‘Our @TrussellUK data shows food parcels for families with children aged 12-16 in Scotland rose by 7% over the past 5 years. #ScotBudget‘.

Responding to the Scottish Budget and Scottish Spending Review, Anna Fowlie, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Chief Executive, said:   “Too often and for too long, voluntary organisations that provide vital services to people and communities across Scotland are treated as the poor relation to mainstream public services.

“They have had to contend with budget cuts, short-term funding cycles, late payments, incoherent decision-making, poor communication, inadequate grant management, and more. 

“Reform of the voluntary sector funding landscape is long overdue. The Scottish Spending Review is welcome, giving the Government the long-term outlook to make progress on its commitment to deliver improvements, including multi-year funding for Scotland’s voluntary organisations. 

“Welcome too is the Scottish Government’s commitment to multi-year funding for sections of the voluntary sector—this shows, again, what is possible.  

“Today we had hoped for more than a recommitment to the ‘first step’ announced last February—the Scottish Government’s ‘Fairer Funding’ pilot.

“We know the benefits of multi-year funding: better staffing, stability, and future planning for the services people and communities rely on. The Government’s own research confirms this.  

“Multi-year funding alone, however, will not provide the sustainable funding environment the voluntary sector so desperately needs, funding that is flexible, sustainable, and accessible.  

“We need to see real progress and recognition of SCVO’s Fair Funding asks beyond multi-year funding. Wider reforms are, unfortunately, now unlikely to be seen before  the next parliamentary term.

“In the meantime it is essential that in the weeks following the Scottish Budget the Scottish Government support local authorities and voluntary organisations by meeting their commitments to timely notifications and payments. 

“We look forward to further engagement on both Fair Funding and charity regulation in the next parliamentary term.”  

Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson said: “Social housing delivery in Scotland remains too slow, too little and too late for the more than 10,000 children homeless tonight. Today’s budget doesn’t do enough to change these facts.

“Shona Robison’s budget was an opportunity for Ministers to put their money where their mouth is. On the face of it an additional £34 million for social housing, compared to the most recent budget, is a step in the right direction – but it is not enough.

“The extra money will only deliver 36,000 affordable homes by 2030 – more than 26,000 short of where they say they would need to be to deliver their promise of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.

“The new Parliament will need a new approach and new money to deliver the social homes needed to reduce homelessness. Homes that the government promised, that academics say we need but for which there is still no credible plan to deliver.

“We must be honest about the real costs of failure. Failing to build the social homes we need means rising homelessness, rising child poverty, rising costs for councils, health boards and the taxpayer.”

Responding to the Scottish Government’s Budget, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “It is disappointing to see nothing new in this Budget to adequately respond to the growing number of older people in poverty. 

“One in six pensioners now live in poverty across Scotland, a total of 160,000 older people, and we must see more action to support them.  

“We want the Scottish Government to set out a clear, targeted strategy to bring down the alarming number of older people in poverty, increase access to the vital Discretionary Housing Payments that can help older renters meet shortfalls in rent, and increase the social security support available to those on a low income in later life. 

“With pensioner poverty at its highest level in nearly 20 years, and likely to continue to rise as our population ages, it’s vital all political parties include measures to bring down the levels of poverty in later life in their manifestos’ ahead of May’s Holyrood elections. In a compassionate and wealthy society, we should all be able to live a financially secure, dignified later life.” 

Responding to the Scottish Government’s Budget statement which slashed the 40% discount on business rates bills for pubs at the same time as a rates revaluation will lead to higher bills from 1 April, Stuart McMahon, Director of pubgoers group CAMRA Scotland said: “Pubgoers and publicans simply won’t stand for a Budget which will force more of our locals to go to the wall by landing them with bills they simply can’t afford. 

“I fear that slashing the 40% discount on business rates bills for pubs to just 15% at the same time as these bills are increasing will be absolutely disastrous. 

“Transitional reliefs may sound good but if this Budget still means higher business rates bills than pubs are paying now then this will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for many hard-pressed licensees.

“Pubs need permanently lower business rates bills so that they can survive, thrive and play their part as vital community hubs.” 

The Scottish Government’s budget announcement of further funding for the college sector, which includes a combined increase of £70 million in resource and capital funding, received a qualified welcome. Principal of Edinburgh College, Audrey Cumberford said: “While this is a welcome step in the right direction for college funding, there is still more that needs to be done.

“This increase will help to undo some of the damage done by years of real terms cuts, but more is needed if we are to ensure the future sustainability of our sector.

“There is now a clear consensus across the political spectrum for better funding for colleges.

“I would urge parties to continue to work together to make sure we unleash the true potential of our sector so we can continue to drive economic growth and improve the lives of Scots across the country.”

Responding to the Scottish government’s 2026-27 budget, announced today by Finance Secretary Shona Robison, RCEM Vice President for Scotland Dr Fiona Hunter said: “Scottish Emergency Departments are in the midst of a crisis born of political apathy towards tackling the difficult problems of social care capacity, delayed discharges and the overall issue of hospital flow.  

“Today’s budget indicates once again that the Scottish government understands what the issues are. £2.3bn extra for social care, an uplift in frontline NHS spending, specific targeted action on delayed discharge and local engagement – these are all measures we warmly welcome from the government.  

“As well as this, our members will be pleased to hear about improvements to training, retention and working conditions. 

“However, we’ve been here before. Time after time the reality in our A&Es has got worse, not better, despite claims from the government that the NHS has been on ‘the path to recovery’ in recent years.  

“We are seeing more and more patients waiting alone on trolleys in hospital corridors for hours on end, getting sicker and being put at risk of harm.  

“This has happened because exit block has not been tackled, despite promises to the contrary from the government. 

“The devil will be in the detail and I will reserve judgement for when myself, and the members I represent, see improvements in our Emergency Departments.   

“We look forward to continued engagement with the government on how it seeks to tackle hospital flow, and await further information on how the Health Secretary will take today’s promises and turn them into action and, ultimately, improvements for our patients.”

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “This Budget offers some short-term stability for councils, but it ducks the bigger questions about how local government is funded. 

There is still no meaningful move towards multi-year settlements, which councils overwhelmingly say they need in order to plan sustainably. Our annual State of Local Government Finance in Scotland research, launched last week, reinforces this.  

Incentivising a council tax freeze risks further undermining local fiscal autonomy, while adult social care remains the single biggest pressure on council finances without clear, dedicated funding. 

Housing investment is welcome, but spreading it across the country without enabling local flexibility limits its capacity to tackle the areas of greatest need. 

Overall, this is a Budget that manages immediate pressures but avoids the structural reform required to put local government finance on a sustainable footing.”

The Existing Homes Alliance (EHA) is a coalition of over 20 housing, environmental, fuel poverty, consumer and industry organisations calling for urgent action to transform Scotland’s existing housing stock.

Lori McElroy, Chair of the Existing Homes Alliance said: “While we welcome the ongoing support to help homeowners, landlords and tenants to make their homes warmer, healthier and more affordable to heat, this remains a drop in the ocean when we have over 800,000 households living in fuel poverty and 44% of Scotland’s homes falling below Energy Performance Certificate band C. 

“Scotland has excellent fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes such as Warmer Homes Scotland, Area-based Schemes and the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund, as well as generous grants through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme, but the gap between what is needed and what is currently being delivered is wide.

“This Budget, as it stands, is a missed opportunity to significantly scale up these programmes which would reduce fuel poverty, improve public health by tackling damp and mould, and prepare the workforce and supply chains needed to deliver our climate change targets – supporting thousands of jobs and economic opportunities across Scotland.”

Joanne Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “For children to thrive, it’s vital that they have the best start in life, and so we are heartened by the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase the Child Payment for under ones. But we are disappointed that young families now will not reap those benefits, with it starting in more than a year’s time.

“We also welcome the Scottish Government’s renewed investment in the whole family support fund and its work to continue to deliver the Promise. But it is so important that in this it recognises the fundamental need for support for very young children, just like the Scottish Child Payment does, so that families get the help they need right from the start.”

Scotland’s Chief Constable Jo Farrell has responded to the Scottish Government’s tax and spending plans for 2026 to 2027.

Chief Constable Farrell said: “I recognise a £90m cash-terms uplift to revenue funding and an improved capital allocation for policing against a challenging public finance picture.

“I set out the funding requirements for policing in evidence during the Criminal Justice Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny work.

“Police Scotland will continue to engage with the Scottish Police Authority and the Scottish Government to understand the full implications of the budget and develop our planning for the year ahead.

“My focus continues to be on prioritising our frontline to deliver safer communities, less crime, and supported victims as part of our vision for policing.”

COSLA: Budget Reality

26-01-13 Budget Reality 26-27 FINALDownload

Labour’s handling of Foysol Choudhury MSP raises serious questions of Racism and Due Process

THE PUZZLING CASE OF FOYSOL CHOUDHURY

The administrative suspension and effective deselection of Scotland’s first Bangladeshi Muslim MSP—without a concluded investigation or formal complaint exposes troubling inconsistencies in Labour’s internal processes and raises wider concerns about Islamophobia and racial bias within the party.

The treatment of Foysol Chowdhury MSP by the Labour Party raises profound and troubling questions about fairness, due process, and whether institutional racism and Islamophobia continue to operate within the party (writes Cllr HABIB RAHMAN, Independent Councillor, Former Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne).

Foysol Chowdhury made history in 2021 when he became Scotland’s first Bangladeshi Muslim MSP. Since his election, he has served his constituents diligently, taken on multiple shadow cabinet roles, and built a strong reputation as a hard-working and effective parliamentarian.

Within the British Bangladeshi community across the UK, his political success was widely seen as a breakthrough moment—proof that politics could finally reflect the diversity of modern Britain.

Beyond politics, Foysol is a successful businessman, human rights campaigner, and philanthropist. He is also a devoted family man, married for over 30 years with two adult children.

In August 2025, Foysol underwent the standard reselection process for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. At a full members’ hustings held on 13 August, he received unanimous support and was democratically selected as Labour’s candidate for Edinburgh Northern.

What followed has been nothing short of a political and personal ordeal.

On 25 September 2025, Foysol was informed by email that he had been placed under “administrative suspension” by the Labour Party’s Governance and Legal Unit (GLU) following an alleged serious conduct complaint. No details were provided. He was not told the nature of the allegation, when it was made, who made it, or even whether a formal complaint existed.

Almost immediately, media speculation erupted, falsely portraying Foysol as a sexual predator and suggesting allegations involving a female staff member.

This speculation was later publicly corrected by the GLU, which confirmed that reports of sexual misconduct were false and that the matter related instead to an allegation of bullying. By that point, however, the damage to Foysol’s reputation had already been done.

More than three months later, Foysol remains suspended. He has not been interviewed, asked for a statement, or given any meaningful opportunity to respond. His solicitors were informed by the GLU in November that the “assessment could not be completed unless the complainant decided to submit a formal complaint”.

This raises an extraordinary question: how can an elected representative be suspended indefinitely on the basis of a complaint that may not even formally exist?

Despite this unresolved situation, Scottish Labour proceeded as though Foysol no longer existed. In December 2025, party officials announced that applications had opened to “fill the vacancy” in Edinburgh Northern, using an all-women shortlist. This is despite the fact that Foysol had already been selected by members and no finding had been made against him.

A shortlist of three candidates was approved, with a hustings scheduled for January 2026. Notably, the shortlist contains no candidates of colour. For a party that routinely speaks about diversity and representation, this is deeply concerning.

I want to be absolutely clear on one point. Foysol Chowdhury is a friend. However, as a lifelong campaigner against bullying and harassment, I would be among the first to condemn him if he were found guilty of bullying or harassment of any kind. No one should be above accountability. But accountability requires evidence, due process, and fairness—not whispers, leaks, and indefinite suspension.

I also speak from personal experience. I left the Labour Party in January 2024 after repeatedly challenging Islamophobia and racism within its structures. I did so in the hope that the party would reflect, reform, and improve. Sadly, I see no evidence that this has happened. If anything, under the current leadership, the situation has worsened.

There is also a clear and troubling precedent that exposes a double standard. I submitted a formal complaint to the Labour Party on 8 March 2022 against a sitting Labour councillor. Despite this, that councillor—who is white—was permitted to remain on the ballot paper as a Labour candidate in the May 2022 local elections.

The GLU delayed imposing any administrative suspension until after the councillor had submitted their nomination papers to Newcastle City Council. Only then was a 12-month suspension imposed. That councillor went on to win the seat as a Labour candidate, served the suspension period, and later returned to the party.

This stands in stark contrast to the treatment of Foysol Choudhury—a Black Muslim MSP—who has been suspended without a concluded investigation, without a formal complaint, and effectively removed from selection.

What we are witnessing in Foysol Choudhury’s case is an effective deselection without investigation, a punishment without a verdict, and a complete abandonment of one of Labour’s most prominent minority representatives. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that this case would have been handled very differently had Foysol not been a Bangladeshi Muslim man.

Under Keir Starmer’s leadership, Labour increasingly appears detached from the principles of justice, equality, and solidarity it once claimed to uphold. The handling of this case by Scottish Labour and the GLU risks reinforcing the perception that the party is comfortable sidelining minority voices when they become inconvenient.

The Labour Party must act urgently. Either there is a formal complaint that can be investigated promptly and fairly, or there is not. If there is no formal complaint, Foysol Choudhury should be reinstated immediately, his suspension lifted, and his democratic selection respected.

An unreserved apology is owed—not only to him, but to the communities who saw his election as a symbol of progress. Anything less will confirm the belief that Labour has failed one of its own—and in doing so, failed the values it claims to stand for.

Taken together, the evidence in this case leads to a deeply troubling conclusion: that racism and Islamophobia remain real, unresolved problems within the Labour Party’s internal culture and decision-making processes.

HABIB RAHMAN

Angela Constance ‘unintentionally breached’ Ministerial Code

The First Minister’s Independent Advisers on the Ministerial Code have concluded their investigation into the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance.

The Advisers concluded that Ms Constance unintentionally breached two provisions of the Ministerial Code. They conclude that:

“…the two breaches were inadvertent without any deliberation or intention to mislead.”

As part of their role, the Advisers can provide advice on any sanction that the First Minster should impose. In this case their advice on sanctions states that this is:

“…at the lower end of the spectrum provided for in the Code and therefore does not call for anything beyond a reprove which should be formal and in writing accompanied by a statement to Parliament by Ms Constance…”

First Minister John Swinney has accepted the conclusions and recommendations in full. In line with the terms of reference of the Independent Advisers, the report has been published by the Scottish Government. Ms Constance will make a statement to Parliament today.

First Minister John Swinney said: “I greatly value the important and impartial role of the Independent Advisers on the Ministerial Code and I am grateful to the Advisers for concluding their investigation promptly.

“I set up this system of Independent Advisers so that they could call in any issue they feel needs to be examined under their own authority and make recommendations as they see fit. They have exercised their ability to examine this case and make recommendations on sanctions. That provides real assurance that there is appropriate, independent scrutiny of Ministers.

“I therefore accept the Independent Advisers’ conclusions, including that Ms Constance acted without any intention to mislead. The requirements of the Independent Advisers’ report will be followed in full.”

Independent Advisers Report

Letter from the First Minister to the Justice Secretary

Not Proven, no more

Historic justice reforms in New Year

The not proven verdict will be abolished in all new criminal trials in Scotland from tomorrow – 1 January 2026 – to help create a clearer, fairer and more transparent decision-making process.

On the same date, the jury majority required for a conviction will move from the current simple majority to at least two-thirds of the 15 jurors. In addition, measures to enable more detailed research into jury deliberations will also be commenced.

Abolition of not proven and the associated jury reforms are key measures in the landmark Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland)  Act, passed by the Parliament in September.

The Act will also make reforms to the Parole Board for Scotland including that the Board must take into account whether a prisoner has information about the disposal of a victim’s remains but has not disclosed it, and must consider the safety and security of any victim and/or family members as part of their decisions on release. These changes will be implemented through changes to the Parole Board Rules in 2026. 

The Scottish Government has already announced plans to commission, as a priority, research into how ‘rape myths’ – false, stereotyped and prejudicial beliefs about sexual assaults – may affect verdicts.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Victims, families and support organisations campaigned long and hard for the abolition of the not proven verdict and I am pleased that this historic change will take effect for all new criminal trials from 1 January.

“Not proven is a widely misunderstood verdict and one with no statutory definition. I have heard compelling evidence about the devastating impact that the not proven verdict can have on complainers because of its lack of clarity or lack of closure for them, and it can leave a lingering stigma for the accused. Such a verdict risks undermining public confidence, while the two opposing verdicts of guilty and not guilty are unambiguous and clear.

“Moving from a simple majority to a two-thirds majority for a criminal conviction alongside the change to a two-verdict system is a proportionate and balanced reform that is mindful of the unique nature of the Scottish system. 

“The reforms to parole to be introduced in 2026 will bring a further positive change for victims and their families by strengthening in law further factors that the Parole Board must consider in their decision-making. We want to ensure the parole system works for all those involved, which is also why we recently led a public consultation to inform improvements and ensure the system is transparent, trauma-informed, and delivers for everyone.”

The not proven verdict will be abolished for all new criminal trials in Scotland from 1st January 2026, under regulations laid at Holyrood.

This historic reform is part of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Act, passed in @ScotParl in September.

Scottish public inquiries should have defined timescales and fixed budgets, says new Holyrood report

Scottish Ministers should set defined timescales and fixed budgets for public inquiries, says a new parliamentary report.

The recommendation is one of a raft of measures from Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee to improve the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries.

The committee’s report says inquiries are “over-stretched and poorly defined” and subject to limited financial control.

It also says there is a “lack of clarity and openness” on the decision-making process leading up to inquiries being established.

The report follows an eight-month investigation into the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries – the first time a Holyrood committee has examined the subject.

The cost of inquiries in Scotland alone has risen by £30 million this year to £258 million since 2007.

Impact on frontline services

The committee also highlights the impact on frontline services when staff and resources are redirected to an inquiry.

For example, a trial judge presides over 34 trials a year on average. If a judge is involved in an inquiry lasting years, it has an impact on the justice system.

The committee says its recommendations are practical and can be implemented quickly.

Finance and Public Administration Committee convener Kenneth Gibson said: “Our investigation was prompted by increasing concern over the escalating cost of public inquiries.

“In practice, there is currently limited ability for Ministers to control expenditure and stop costs spiralling – or to stop an inquiry dragging on for years once it’s up and running.

“Our study of international models shows there are better alternatives for cost effectiveness and effective delivery. For example, Sweden normally requires its public inquiries to conclude within two years and within a set budget.

“We are also concerned at the impact on existing services if resources are redirected to inquiries that may last for years.

“We therefore recommend the Scottish Government amends its devolved Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007, to require a defined timescale and fixed budget at the start of every inquiry. Any subsequent justification for an extension should be brought before Parliament.

“In the longer term, the Scottish Government should work with the UK Government to update the Inquiries Act 2005 – which is reserved – to make this a primary legislation requirement.”

Practical actions, quickly

Mr Gibson added: “Our recommended package of measures is designed to strike the right balance. Retaining flexibility to meet the unique circumstances of individual inquiries, while strengthening financial controls and promoting fiscal sustainability.

“Our focus is on practical actions that can be implemented quickly within Scotland. It will benefit everyone – not only people seeking answers and justice, but taxpayers and everyone who uses public services.

“The Finance Committee urges the Scottish Government to act decisively on these recommendations to ensure Scotland’s public inquiry system is cost-effective, transparent and accountable.”

A summary of the committee’s recommendations is set out in Annexe B of the committee’s report.

The committee’s report covers themes including:

  • Limited transparency of government decision-making prior to inquiries being established
  • A lack of sufficient financial control of inquiries and the timeline for delivery
  • The rising cost and frequency of public inquiries in Scotland
  • The opportunity cost of public inquiries and the impact on frontline public services
  • The need for financial transparency and regular, consistent publication of costs – both cumulative and disaggregated
  • The need for clarity on the core purpose of an inquiry and its terms of reference
  • Views from relatives and families with experience of public inquiries
  • Judge-led inquiries – its impact on the courts and effective alternative models
  • International comparisons from Sweden, New Zealand and Australia
  • Implementing report findings – the lack of tracking and evaluation of the implementation of findings following an inquiry.

The committee’s report says its package of measures aim to:

  • increase transparency within the public inquiry system
  • promote consistency and openness in Scottish Government decision-making
  • provide greater support for inquiry teams
  • strengthen oversight and scrutiny, and importantly
  • improve cost-effectiveness and fiscal sustainability of the system.

Read the committee report

Criminal Justice Committee say the justice sector needs £400 million more

The justice sector is facing serious and complex challenges and without increased funding of £400 million (13%) in next year’s budget, the sector faces unacceptable cuts to services, say the Criminal Justice Committee.

The Committee has been gathering evidence as part of their pre-budget scrutiny 26/27. While acknowledging the budget pressures on the Scottish Government, the Committee say the evidence it has received is gravely concerning and that the justice sector has now reached a critical limit in its ability to deliver services without additional investment.

The evidence gathered shows a sector under ever-increasing pressure with new and emerging threats such as cybersecurity and climate change adding to the stress on resources. The Committee is calling for dedicated funding to ensure justice bodies can tackle rising cyber threats and climate-driven challenges.

In particular, the Committee want to see investment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who are on the front line of responding to climate change incidents.

Other budget pressures highlighted in the report include the additional costs in planning, and implementing new legislation enacted by the Parliament.

The Committee say there is an urgent need for the Scottish Government to move towards multi-year funding settlements for all justice sector bodies in Scotland to allow for longer term planning and more flexibility.

The Committee recommend that the Scottish Government works with the UK Government to see if a solution can be found which would allow both the Scottish Police Authority/Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service flexibility to manage their budgets through the use of a financial reserve, as they did before they became single nationwide services.

Furthermore, the Committee want the Scottish Government to look into the possibility of allowing the police and fire services to be given borrowing capacity, to give them more flexibility and an ability to better respond to urgent critical challenges.

Criminal Justice Committee Convener, Audrey Nicoll MSP, said: “The scenario facing the justice sector is gravely concerning and without additional funding of £400 million it will face unacceptable cuts to frontline services.

“Our Committee acknowledge that there are no easy answers when it comes to the budget pressures the Government is facing. However, despite the best efforts of the justice sector to make efficiency savings over the last 10-15 years, it is clear that a crucial limit has now been reached in terms of funding and resources.

“Put simply, a flat cash settlement next year is not sufficient, and would lead to cuts and reductions to services which our Committee cannot accept.”

The Convener added: “We want to see additional funding of £400 million and multi-year funding settlements to help the sector in the short and long term.

“We also encourage the Scottish Government to look into giving the police and fire services the ability to borrow money and create financial reserves in order to give them more flexibility to deal with ongoing and urgent financial pressures.

“The Committee thanks witnesses from across the sector who have spoken so candidly on the pressures they face and the urgent need for increased funding.”

Boyack ‘extremely disappointed’ that future generations bill voted down by committee

Labour MSP for the Lothians, Sarah Boyack has expressed her disappointment that the committee has not endorsed her member’s bill.

The Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill aimed to embed legally defined definitions of sustainable development and wellbeing into law.

It would also have created a Future Generations Commissioner, modelled off the Welsh equivalent, that would have oversight powers to ensure that public bodies would have to consider the long-term implications of their actions.

The bill had been making its way through the Social Justice Committee at Holyrood as experts gave evidence regarding the bill.

The bill was first unveiled by Ms Boyack in 2023.

The SNP backed a wellbeing and sustainable development bill in their 2021 manifesto but came out against Ms Boyack’s bill earlier this year.

Commenting after the committee’s decision, Sarah Boyack said: “I am extremely disappointed that my member’s bill has not been supported by the majority of the committee’s members.

“The bill would have ensured that Scotland focuses on implementing sustainable development and wellbeing policies and deliver the leadership, accountability, advice and guidance we urgently need.

“I want to thank all those who supported my proposed bill as it has raised the need for joined up action and implementation onto the Parliament’s agenda.

“It’s clear from reading the committee’s report that there is action which the Scottish Government needs to deliver.

“I still believe that my bill would complement and reinforce that action.”

Plans to cap excessive profits made by residential care providers lack clarity, says Holyrood committee

Plans to cap excessive profits made by residential care providers have not been fully thought through according to Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People Committee.

The finding is one of many from a new report that calls for significant changes to the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, which aims to improve the services and support provided to people in the children’s care system.

As part of the Promise, the Scottish Government committed to tackling excessive profit in residential care. Under the proposals, certain residential care providers would need to provide financial information about the operation of their services to help the Scottish Government understand the fees charged for placements and the final costs paid by local authorities.

The Committee understood the Government’s motivations for doing this but says the changes are underdeveloped. The Government failed to consult on the issue ahead of the Bill’s introduction and the Bill does not outline how the Government would define an excessive profit.

The Committee also raised its concerns about what impact this could have on a fragile market and whether this could lead to services closing or diversifying. More broadly, many key stakeholders felt they had not been fully engaged in the development of this Bill and told the Committee that the Bill’s provisions were the poorer for this.

The general principles of the Bill have been supported by the Committee, including proposals to extend aftercare and to offer life-long advocacy to care experienced children, young people and adults. However, the Committee is also clear that more information about how these would work practically will be required before the Bill becomes law.

The Committee recognises the importance of children and young people being able to challenge any potential breaches to their rights via the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024.

As currently drafted, the Bill does not allow this to happen, as sections 1 and 2, which relate to aftercare, and section 10, which relates to a register for foster carers, amend legislation that pre-dates the Scottish Parliament. The Committee therefore urges the Scottish Government to explore how it might remedy this, as the Bill progresses through Parliament.

The Committee also called for further consideration around proposed changes to the Children’s Hearing System, recommending the Government consider:

  • retaining three member panels when substantive decisions are being made
  • clarifying the roles of specialist members at Children’s Hearings, who may have particular expertise in child services or healthcare
  • revisiting plans for post-referral discussions, to ensure they are more closely aligned with the recommendations of the ‘Hearings for Children’ report.

Douglas Ross MSP, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee, said: “Every Member of the Committee agrees with the Promise made to Scotland’s care experienced children and young people, and as a result we unanimously support the general principles of this Bill.

“However, we are disappointed by the lack of clarity around some of the crucial provisions in this long-awaited Bill and what stakeholders told us about the lack of consultation they experienced ahead of the Bill’s introduction. This includes issues with proposals to tackle excess profits in residential care, which had not been properly consulted on and do not seem to be well thought through.

“We are now calling for substantial amendments to be made before the Bill becomes law. This is an opportunity to bring about real and lasting change for the care community and it is vital that the Government gets this right.”

The Bill also puts forward changes to children services planning, which aim to enhance collaborative working and join up planning across adult and children’s services. The Committee found that the rationale for these proposals was unconvincing and called for further explanation so that benefits, and any unintended consequences, of these changes are clearer.

MSP calls for review of NHS policy that may unfairly remove vulnerable patients from waiting lists

During First Minister’s Questions this week at the Scottish Parliament, Foysol Choudhury MSP raised concerns about an NHS policy which he warned could be unfairly disadvantaging vulnerable patients. 

Mr Choudhury highlighted the case of a constituent currently on an NHS waiting list who recently received a letter from NHS informing that, if they did not confirm within 21 days whether they wanted to remain on the list, they would automatically be taken off.    

He stressed that, while the policy reflects current government guidance, its impact is far more troubling. Mr. Choudhury cautioned that vulnerable groups, including older people, and those with additional support needs, may easily miss such a tight deadline, leaving them unknowingly removed from the queue for essential care. 

Calling for urgent action, Mr Choudhury asked the First Minister to instruct Ministers and officials to review the policy to ensure that no vulnerable patient is struck off a waiting list unfairly. 

Group campaigning for Scottish assisted dying legislation hits out at recent MSP misleading claims on impacts on the disabled

Friends at the End (FATE), a charity campaigning for the introduction of assisted dying legislation in Scotland, has hit out at a group of MSPs, including Kate Forbes, Michael Marra and Ed Mountain, on making misleading claims about the impact of proposed legislation on the disabled.

This includes the claim that individuals will be able to access on the grounds of disability alone.

Emma Cooper, Convenor of the Board of Trustees, FATE, said: “After five years of intense scrutiny and careful consideration by the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee, it is unacceptable to see senior politicians adding to confusion about what Scotland’s Assisted Dying Bill actually says.

“The Deputy First Minister’s recent comments, presented as concerns about safeguards, risk breaching the Scottish Government’s own position of neutrality. They also repeat claims unsupported by the proposed bill or international evidence.

“We must be clear: assisted dying cannot be accessed based on disability alone.

“A specific ‘for the avoidance of doubt’ clause was added at Stage 2 to make this explicit. Yet organisations such as Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) continue to promote the opposite, and Kate Forbes is now echoing their narrative. This is misleading the public and influencing Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) with inaccurate assertions.

“Thirty years of international experience show no negative impact on disabled communities, and no jurisdiction has repealed its laws. Academic research, including the work of Professor Ben Colburn of the University of Glasgow, confirms that assisted dying legislation does not create systemic risk for disabled people.

“This debate is too important for false narratives or politically amplified misinformation. Scotland deserves a discussion grounded in facts, not fear.”

Friends at the End (FATE) is a Scottish charity that supports people at the end of life and campaigns for compassionate, safe, and evidence-based assisted dying legislation.

The organisation provides information, advocacy and practical support, and works to ensure that terminally ill, mentally capable adults have the right to make informed choices about their own dying process.

FATE promotes dignity, autonomy and transparency in end-of-life care, drawing on international evidence and lived experience to inform public debate.