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Showing 60 of 2,354,908 contributions. Latest 30 days: 0. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 25 Mar 2026.

The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone) NPA Chamber

Presiding Officer’s Closing Remarks

It is actually so much easier when people are not saying nice things about you in the chair. Laughter.Seriously, though, friends—it is my privilege to make some remarks to close this last scheduled meeting of session 6. We began this session during the Covid pandemic, in a soc...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP Chamber

Presiding Officer’s Closing Remarks

I have the great pleasure of handing over the microphone to our Presiding Officer, who wishes to address the chamber.16:48

Speaker unknown Chamber

Presiding Officer’s Closing Remarks

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP Chamber

There is one question to be put as a result of today’s business. The question is, that motion S6M-21180, in the name of John Swinney, on a motion of thanks, be agreed to.Motion agreed to,That the Parliament expresses its thanks to its Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone, for h...

Speaker unknown Chamber

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP Chamber

Motion of Thanks

That concludes the debate on the motion of thanks.

Alex Cole-Hamilton LD Chamber

Motion of Thanks

Each member of our staff in this institution exhibits professionalism every day, and none more so than when circumstance and situation command it of them. When the Parliament needs to be in full sail in the eyes of the world, they have it thrumming like an America’s cup yacht....

Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh Western) (LD) LD Chamber

Motion of Thanks

I start by paying tribute to both Deputy Presiding Officers, and I echo the words that have been said about you. In particular, I say to Annabelle Ewing, what a loss you will be to the chamber—I wish you well with whatever comes next.There is a poignancy about today. I think a...

Gillian Mackay (Central Scotland) (Green) Green Chamber

Motion of Thanks

This has been a hugely challenging session, so I want to be a wee bit more light hearted before turning to thanks for the Presiding Officer. I thank parliamentary and MSP staff, as others have done, for their work this session. We would not be able to do our jobs without them....

Anas Sarwar (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab Chamber

Motion of Thanks

I will start by not only supporting the motion in the First Minister’s name but echoing all his comments.Presiding Officer, I thank you for your dedication over the past five years and for your dedication over 15 years to your constituents and to the great people of Scotland.T...

Russell Findlay (West Scotland) (Con) Con Chamber

Motion of Thanks

Thank you, Presiding Officers, in the plural. Unlike at First Minister’s question time today, all you will hear from me just now are warm words in a soothing tone.I begin by thanking you, Presiding Officer, and your colleagues Annabelle Ewing and Liam McArthur. Your job is dif...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP Chamber

Motion of Thanks

I call Russell Findlay.16:30

The First Minister SNP Chamber

Motion of Thanks

I move,That the Parliament expresses its thanks to its Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone, for her dedicated service to the Parliament; thanks her Deputy Presiding Officers, and pays tribute to all of those Members who are standing down at the end of this session.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP Chamber

Motion of Thanks

First Minister, could I possibly ask you to move the motion? Laughter.

The First Minister (John Swinney) SNP Chamber

Motion of Thanks

As this sixth session of the Scottish Parliament comes to a close, I extend my thanks to the Presiding Officer and the Deputy Presiding Officers for the service that each of them has given to the Parliament over the past five years.The Presiding Officers have always managed th...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP Chamber

Motion of Thanks

Before we turn to the next item of business, I hope that members do not mind if I say a few words. I would like to say specifically what an honour it has been for me to serve in the Scottish Parliament, which, of course, was reconvened by my late mother, Winnie Ewing, in 1999....

Speaker unknown Chamber

Motion of Thanks

Speaker unknown Chamber

First Minister’s Question Time

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Temporary Accommodation

That concludes portfolio question time. There will be a short pause before we move on to the next item of business.

Màiri McAllan SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Temporary Accommodation

I would say that, although I said in response to Clare Adamson that temporary accommodation is a vital safety net for families and individuals who find themselves facing homelessness, we must reduce the length of time that people spend in temporary accommodation and make rapid...

Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD) LD Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Temporary Accommodation

In the past five years of the Government’s tenure, 17,811 children have been trapped in temporary accommodation for more than a year. Whoever is elected to this Parliament next month must commit to it never being repeated that so many children have had to suffer for so long. M...

Màiri McAllan SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Temporary Accommodation

That fund, which goes directly to councils to help them to turn around social voids quickly and to acquire family homes on the market, is a critical part of our response to the housing emergency, because although we are putting a huge amount of work into delivering more afford...

Clare Adamson SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Temporary Accommodation

One of my most frustrating constituent issues is when people who are expecting to move into accommodation cannot do so because it is not ready on time, which can cause stress for families. Will the cabinet secretary explain how the targeted £80 million investment to support lo...

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Màiri McAllan) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Temporary Accommodation

I echo Clare Adamson’s thanks. On her question, temporary accommodation provides a vital safety net as part of our housing system in Scotland, but we, of course, want people to spend as little time as possible there.I will run through some of the actions that we have taken rec...

8. Clare Adamson (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Temporary Accommodation

Forgive me, Presiding Officer, but I hope that you will indulge me, as I wish to thank all those working across the Parliament campus to support MSPs, including the clerks, the Scottish Parliament information centre and the legal teams, and I wish all my colleagues the very be...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Heating Oil Prices (Low-income Rural and Off-grid Households)

I call Clare Adamson, who joins us remotely.

Màiri McAllan SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Heating Oil Prices (Low-income Rural and Off-grid Households)

I express the Government’s sympathy with those who are wrestling with dramatically increased oil prices, which will have come as a very unwelcome shock to households. Rona Mackay is absolutely right that the £4.6 million that the United Kingdom Government has allocated is abso...

Rona Mackay SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Heating Oil Prices (Low-income Rural and Off-grid Households)

I thank the cabinet secretary for that welcome response. One of my constituents has seen their heating oil bill triple overnight, has no savings and has been told to wait until April for support that amounts to pennies per household. Does the cabinet secretary agree that the £...

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Màiri McAllan) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Heating Oil Prices (Low-income Rural and Off-grid Households)

Today, we have announced that the Scottish emergency heating oil scheme will be delivered by Advice Direct Scotland and will be open for applications from 1 April. The scheme will be available to users of both heating oil and liquefied petroleum gas. Low-income households and ...

7. Rona Mackay (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Heating Oil Prices (Low-income Rural and Off-grid Households)

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking through its fuel poverty programmes to support low-income rural and off-grid households that are unable to heat their homes due to the recent increase in heating oil prices. (S6O-05715)

Màiri McAllan SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · More Homes Scotland (Affordable Housing and Homelessness)

: One of the main drivers—if not the main driver—of homelessness is poverty. More homes Scotland will help to drive forward the Government’s core priorities of eradicating child poverty and growing our economy. To do that, we must focus on building more social homes and maximi...

Elena Whitham SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · More Homes Scotland (Affordable Housing and Homelessness)

I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests—I am a member of Shelter Scotland’s committee.Given that far too many children live in temporary accommodation, more homes Scotland must be integral to ending homelessness, and its creation is most welcome. To s...

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Màiri McAllan) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · More Homes Scotland (Affordable Housing and Homelessness)

Increasing the supply of affordable homes is key to addressing housing need and critical to tackling homelessness. I am pleased to confirm that more homes Scotland will have a key focus on bringing speed, simplicity and scale to the delivery of more homes, including affordable...

6. Elena Whitham (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · More Homes Scotland (Affordable Housing and Homelessness)

To ask the Scottish Government whether addressing affordable housing need and tackling homelessness will be more homes Scotland’s core mission. (S6O-05714)

Màiri McAllan SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Social Housing Waiting Lists (Kirkcaldy)

At the end of my last answer, I noted the record funding that the Scottish Government is making available next year and in the coming four years for affordable homes. I do not want to see any underspends given that commitment. It is the responsibility of councils such as Fife ...

David Torrance SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Social Housing Waiting Lists (Kirkcaldy)

Given the sustained pressure on social housing waiting lists in the Kirkcaldy constituency, will the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government can ensure that local authorities make full and effective use of the resources that are available to them, particularly in...

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Màiri McAllan) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Social Housing Waiting Lists (Kirkcaldy)

I regularly meet Fife Council, and we discuss the local housing emergency, affordable housing supply, temporary accommodation and homelessness pressures. One of the most impactful ways to reduce the pressure on waiting lists is to deliver more affordable homes. In the Kirkcald...

5. David Torrance (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Social Housing Waiting Lists (Kirkcaldy)

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in light of reports of increasing pressure on social housing waiting lists in the Kirkcaldy constituency, including how it plans to support local authorities and housing associations to expand the availability of affordab...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · First-time Buyers

I beg your pardon. That was my fault.

Fulton MacGregor (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · First-time Buyers

I never pressed the request-to-speak button.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · First-time Buyers

Fulton MacGregor has a supplementary question.

Màiri McAllan SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · First-time Buyers

Equally, the prospect of scrapping the land and buildings transaction tax or stamp duty land tax is for the birds, and I am afraid that it demonstrates that the Conservatives realise that their chances of implementing any such policies are, to put it politely, very slim.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · First-time Buyers

Màiri McAllan SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · First-time Buyers

Not for the first time—and probably not for the last—I completely disagree with Meghan Gallacher’s assessment. The individuals in Scotland who have benefited from our open market shared equity scheme do not consider it “inadequate”, as she has put it. I am sure that there are ...

Meghan Gallacher Con Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · First-time Buyers

My supplementary is on those first-time buyer schemes. The Scottish National Party has tried such schemes before, but with little to no success, because they do not address the fundamental problem, which is a severe lack of building the homes that we desperately need. Does the...

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Màiri McAllan) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · First-time Buyers

I have heard from many young people—and, increasingly, not so young people—in Scotland for whom the hopeful prospect of owning their own home one day is becoming ever more distant. We all know that, by the end of the month, by the time that food costs, energy costs and rent ha...

4. Meghan Gallacher (Central Scotland) (Con) Con Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · First-time Buyers

To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting first-time buyers. (S6O-05712)

Màiri McAllan SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Older People’s Housing

I agree with that. In my responses to Karen Adam, I was clear about local authorities’ responsibility to plan for that and the co-operation that we have with local authorities in making sure that it is delivered.I place on the record that the Scottish Government has committed ...

Alexander Stewart (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Older People’s Housing

Housing for older people is a key priority that is driven by an ageing population. Does the Scottish Government recognise that prioritising the right type of housing can improve quality of life and reduce the need for public services, particularly in health and social care?

Màiri McAllan SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Older People’s Housing

I share Karen Adam’s view on the importance of specialist housing. To be clear, I expect local authorities to ensure that the housing needs of their older population are met through the provision of high-quality and well-maintained homes. In that regard, I am pleased to advise...

Karen Adam SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Older People’s Housing

Over the past five years, in representing Banffshire and Buchan Coast, I have met many older constituents who are deeply worried about the future of such complexes. Those cases have touched my heart, and they are urgent. Those people want to stay independent and they want home...

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Màiri McAllan) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Older People’s Housing

Local authorities, as statutory housing authorities, are required to assess housing requirements locally and to set out how those will be met in their local housing strategies and development plans. That includes requirements for accessible, adaptable and wheelchair housing an...

3. Karen Adam (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Older People’s Housing

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that older people’s housing, including sheltered housing, is prioritised in local housing planning and delivery. (S6O-05711)

Shirley-Anne Somerville SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Adult Disability Payment (Mental and Behavioural Disorders)

This will probably be the last time that I will have the opportunity—at least in the chamber—to thank Jeremy Balfour for the work that we have undertaken together over the years. We have disagreed on many things, but we have also agreed on a lot, particularly on social securit...

Jeremy Balfour (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Adult Disability Payment (Mental and Behavioural Disorders)

Does the cabinet secretary agree that ADP helps people to get into and stay in employment? If ADP is cut, more people in Scotland will have to claim other benefits because they are not able to work. I remind members that I am in receipt of higher-rate ADP.

Shirley-Anne Somerville SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Adult Disability Payment (Mental and Behavioural Disorders)

The Institute for Public Policy Research Scotland’s recent work on the issue is exceptionally important. During a recent visit to Glasgow to launch the anti-stigma campaign encouraging people to apply for social security and to get the money that they are entitled to, I was pa...

Marie McNair (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Adult Disability Payment (Mental and Behavioural Disorders)

I, too, am proud that the Scottish National Party Government continues to strengthen social security support and maximise incomes for our most vulnerable. The recent report by the Institute for Public Policy Research Scotland on the welfare state highlights that high spending ...

Shirley-Anne Somerville SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Adult Disability Payment (Mental and Behavioural Disorders)

I would be delighted to do so, but the member will have to be exceptionally quick in progressing the matter, as she will be aware that the pre-election period is coming up. I would have been delighted to take that forward at an earlier point had she raised the matter with me s...

Mercedes Villalba (North East Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Adult Disability Payment (Mental and Behavioural Disorders)

A constituent of mine said:“I’ve been begging repeatedly for months for them to process my ADP claim, only to be ignored, told to contact charities or completely brushed off. We frequently go hungry due to severe financial hardship because I cannot afford to pay for essentials...

Shirley-Anne Somerville SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Adult Disability Payment (Mental and Behavioural Disorders)

I am sure that, as a practising GP, Dr Gulhane is aware that fit notes are not used in relation to adult disability payment; that is an entirely different part of the social security system. The part that Social Security Scotland uses, which was built with the clients in mind,...

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Committee

Education and Culture Committee 21 January 2014

21 Jan 2014 · S4 · Education and Culture Committee

Item of business

Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

Russell, Michael SNP Argyll and Bute Watch on SPTV

I heard Mr Bibby the first time that he mentioned that. My point remains. I disagree with COSLA on the issue. I have done so openly and have had a discussion with COSLA. I disagree because I believe, as we should all believe, that educational benefit is paramount in all educational decisions. We have had that disagreement, which is on one out of 37 recommendations—the only one on which there was a minority report. I repeat that Mr Bibby’s position will be to oppose more of the recommendations than that. Therefore, if I am altering the balance of the measures, Mr Bibby is undermining them in an even greater way. That speaks volumes about the fact that his approach is motivated by the Bain principle rather than by anything else.I think that my amendments are valuable contributions, not because I am proposing them but because the commission on the delivery of rural education proposed them and had strong views on what should change. In those circumstances, the amendments will be welcomed right across Scotland. There are differences of opinion. COSLA objects to the idea of a five-year moratorium. Again and again, I hear those who are involved in the process and who have saved a school say, “Please, don’t let them come again for us too quickly.” People recognise that times change, but they do not want to go through the process again and again. I believe that the five-year proposal is sensible.On Liz Smith’s amendment 408A, I repeat the undertaking to work with her and others to ensure that we get the approach absolutely correct. I hope that, at stage 3, we can find a way in which she can lodge an amendment that will achieve the effect that she and others wish for.The changes to call-in and the determination process in amendment 409 are important. It is right to take ministers out of the final decision. Mr Bibby lambasted me for giving up that right, but he and his colleagues usually lambast me for exercising my rights as a minister—there really is no winning in these matters. However, I think that it is absolutely right to ensure that there is another set of voices in the process, so that we can return to the intention of the 2010 act, which was to have a level playing field and transparency and to ensure that people are treated fairly. We are taking a further step towards that, difficult as it has been. I encourage members not to sit on the sidelines or to undermine the commission, as Mr Bibby proposes to do, but to support my amendments and ensure that we take the issue forward.Amendment 405 agreed to.Amendment 406 moved—Liz Smith.

In the same item of business

The Convener (Stewart Maxwell) SNP

Good morning and welcome to the third meeting in 2014 of the Education and Culture Committee. I remind everyone present to switch off mobile phones and other...

The Convener SNP

I start by calling amendment 380. As members know, the Presiding Officer has determined that rule 9.12.6(B) applies to this amendment. However, as no further...

The Convener SNP

Amendment 405, in the name of the cabinet secretary, is grouped with amendments 406, 407, 408, 408A, 409, 409A and 423.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning (Michael Russell) SNP

Thank you very much, convener, and thank you for inviting me before the committee to discuss these amendments. Unfortunately, given the amendments that I wil...

The Convener SNP

I have been extremely generous with time because, given that we are inserting a completely new part into the bill, I feel that it is appropriate for members ...

Liz Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con

I am afraid that my speech will be a little lengthy, but not quite as lengthy as the cabinet secretary’s speech, I hope.In the event of a school closure prop...

Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD) LD

Like the cabinet secretary and Liz Smith, I apologise at the start for the length of my comments, convener, although I hope that you are reassured that we wi...

The Convener SNP

A number of members wish to contribute to the debate on this group. I begin by calling Neil Bibby.

Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Lab) Lab

I have a number of concerns about amendment 408, and I note COSLA’s concerns about the exclusion from the bill of provisions to implement recommendation 20 i...

Colin Beattie (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) SNP

Having experienced the closure of no less than six rural schools in Midlothian, I obviously have a big interest in this proposed new section. I welcome the c...

Mike MacKenzie (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in favour of amendment 408. Indeed, I felt it important to do so, given the real difficulty that the issue of scho...

The Convener SNP

Before I call the cabinet secretary, I have one or two comments to make on the amendments.I support the amendments in the name of the cabinet secretary. Give...

Michael Russell SNP

Thank you, convener, and thank you for the discussion that has taken place.I will start with Mr McArthur’s amendment 409A. I understand the point that he is ...

Liam McArthur LD

Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention?

Michael Russell SNP

Liam McArthur LD

I am grateful that the cabinet secretary accepts at least the principle that lies behind what I am seeking to achieve with amendment 409A. He has just implie...

Michael Russell SNP

No—I disagree. The matter will be best dealt with if we have robust legislation that is entirely clear, and we are trying to improve the 2010 act in this pro...

Neil Bibby Lab

Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention?

Michael Russell SNP

Neil Bibby Lab

It is not just me who has raised concerns about the altering of the balance of the legislation—Councillor Douglas Chapman has done that, too, on behalf of CO...

Michael Russell SNP

I heard Mr Bibby the first time that he mentioned that. My point remains. I disagree with COSLA on the issue. I have done so openly and have had a discussion...

The Convener SNP

The question is, that amendment 406 be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.

The Convener SNP

There will be a division.ForAdam, George (Paisley) (SNP)Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Biagi, Marco (Edinburgh Central) (SNP)Maxwell...

The Convener SNP

The result of the division is: For 7, Against 2, Abstentions 0.Amendment 406 agreed to.Amendment 407 moved—Michael Russell—and agreed to.Amendment 408 moved—...

The Convener SNP

I ask Liz Smith to move or not move amendment 408A.

Liz Smith Con

I will not move it, on the basis of the strict understanding that the cabinet secretary will engage prior to stage 3 and that we can put in motion an amendme...

The Convener SNP

The question is, that amendment 408 be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.

The Convener SNP

There will be a division.ForAdam, George (Paisley) (SNP)Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Biagi, Marco (Edinburgh Central) (SNP)Maxwell...

The Convener SNP

The result of the division is: For 7, Against 0, Abstentions 2. Amendment 408 agreed to.Amendment 409 moved—Michael Russell.

The Convener SNP

I ask Liam McArthur to move or not move amendment 409A.