Meeting of the Parliament 11 December 2024
Mr Balfour will be aware of the Scottish Government’s financial situation this year. There were reductions in a variety of funds, as has been well documented and spoken about in the chamber.
I wish to make Mr Balfour aware that, in September, I wrote to the Scottish Government with regard to the changing places fund. The Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto, replied to me, indicating that the first tranche of investments were going to take place in early 2025. That situation may change—we will find out very shortly—but that was the most up-to-date information that I had as of September this year.
I am conscious of time, Deputy Presiding Officer, so I will conclude. I want to see more changing places toilets provided across Scotland, including in my constituency of Greenock and Inverclyde. I want more of them to be made available in leisure facilities in particular, because I want people to be able to enjoy their communities; I do not want them to feel as if they have to be forced to go somewhere else for a day out with their kids. People should be allowed to have a day out in their own community so that they can enjoy what it has to offer. That is why this particular fund is hugely important for social cohesion, and in ensuring that people can enjoy what they have on their doorstep.
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