Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 18 March 2026 [Draft]
18 Mar 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Child Poverty (Falkirk Council)
I wish Michael Matheson well in the future after his many years in the Parliament, including his time in the Government.
The flexibility that Michael Matheson referred to is really important. Along with the additional money that is going to local government, additional flexibility is being provided through the baselining of funds and the removal of ring fencing. It is important to provide local government with that flexibility so that we can align our shared priorities, and tackling child poverty is one of the most critical priorities that we share with local government.
I am confident that Falkirk Council, through its family inclusion teams, is setting a direction of travel that will ensure that it can tackle poverty in that area.
In the same item of business
6. Michael Matheson (Falkirk West) (SNP)
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To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to support local authorities, including Falkirk Council, to deliver vital services, including those ai...
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (Shona Robison)
SNP
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Michael Matheson
SNP
As others have done, I wish Shona Robison well as she departs the Parliament. It has been a real pleasure to serve in the Parliament with her over the past 2...
Shona Robison
SNP
I wish Michael Matheson well in the future after his many years in the Parliament, including his time in the Government.The flexibility that Michael Matheson...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
I can squeeze in question 8, but I will need succinct questions and answers.