Siobhian Brown
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“However, because their grandparents were advised by the local authority to care for them under a section 11 order rather than a section 17(6) order, they are not eligible for the payment, as the minister pointed out. In my view, that is a technicality.”
“The Care Leaver Payment (Scotland) Regulations 2026 state that, to be eligible for the care leaver payment, a young person must have been looked after under section 17(6) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 on or after their 16th birthday, and they must also have left care or continuing care on or after 1 April 2026.”
“Young people who are subject to an order under section 11 of the 1995 act are not looked after for the purposes of section 17(6) and are therefore not eligible for the payment. Duncan Dunlop: I thank the minister for that clarification. I would like to raise a specific example.”
“More broadly, however, we have to recognise the vital role that kinship carers play in caring for children and young people. That is why, earlier this year, we published “Scotland’s vision for kinship care: our offer of support for families”, following the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act 2026, and int…”
“My personal favourite— The Presiding Officer: This is great, but it is general question time, and we need questions. Kate Campbell: Sorry. It is for the children, Presiding Officer. Being less tired was another good reason.”
“Kate Campbell: Last week, I was at Sanderson’s Wynd primary school to speak to the primary 5s and 6s, who are doing a module on democracy and decision making. I got the notification that I had been selected to ask a general question just as I was heading off to the school.”
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“More broadly, however, we have to recognise the vital role that kinship carers play in caring for children and young people. That is why, earlier this year, we published “Scotland’s vision for kinship care: our offer of support for families”, following the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act 2026, and introduced new rights for kinship carers and the children they care for. We are now working with partners to develop a delivery plan to improve support and outcomes for kinship families across Scotland, so I would welcome a conversation with the member. Island Communities (Support for Festivals) 8.”
“However, because their grandparents were advised by the local authority to care for them under a section 11 order rather than a section 17(6) order, they are not eligible for the payment, as the minister pointed out. In my view, that is a technicality. Similar discrepancies in relation to who can access the care-experienced students bursary have been ironed out. We know what the consequences are of not giving care-experienced people enough support through later life. Will the minister meet me and the grandmother to understand her situation with a view to removing that discrepancy for her grandchild and all care-experienced people who are currently under a section 11 order? Siobhian Brown: I am more than happy to meet the member.”
“Young people who are subject to an order under section 11 of the 1995 act are not looked after for the purposes of section 17(6) and are therefore not eligible for the payment. Duncan Dunlop: I thank the minister for that clarification. I would like to raise a specific example. We have been contacted by a grandmother who has looked after her grandchild as a kinship carer since they were a baby. This summer, the grandchild turns 18 and is looking forward to taking their first steps towards college and living more independently, with their granny’s continued support and the financial cushion of the progressive care leaver payment that the Government brought in.”
“The Care Leaver Payment (Scotland) Regulations 2026 state that, to be eligible for the care leaver payment, a young person must have been looked after under section 17(6) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 on or after their 16th birthday, and they must also have left care or continuing care on or after 1 April 2026. The purpose of the payment is to help care leavers—those who have been looked after in accordance with section 17(6) of the 1995 act—to overcome financial challenges and to provide additional financial security when they leave care. Section 17(6) includes children who are in looked- after kinship care, which means that they are looked after by the local authority that places them with kinship carers.”
“When we engaged with primary school children in 2023 to co-design a children’s charter for school-age childcare, they told us that they valued choice about how to spend that time. They want to relax and spend time with friends and family, as well as to play and take part in a range of activities. The choice to take part in clubs and activities is really important. As pupils will know, that can help children to feel happier, to make new friends, to do better at school and to learn new skills. We want every child to have the chance to choose something that they enjoy, whether that is sport, music, drama or any other activity that they love. Public Sector (Transparency and Accountability) 7.”
“My personal favourite— The Presiding Officer: This is great, but it is general question time, and we need questions. Kate Campbell: Sorry. It is for the children, Presiding Officer. Being less tired was another good reason. They understood that there would be drawbacks, but they were very excited at the idea that the Scottish Government might consider their proposals. The Presiding Officer: Please ask a question. Kate Campbell: Would the minister consider the benefits in the round, so that the children at Sanderson’s Wynd will understand that they, too, can be part of democracy and ask questions of the Government? Siobhian Brown: I thank the children at Sanderson’s Wynd primary school for engaging and for raising their views. I hope that they are watching. We know that time outwith the school day is important to children and young people.”
“Kate Campbell: Last week, I was at Sanderson’s Wynd primary school to speak to the primary 5s and 6s, who are doing a module on democracy and decision making. I got the notification that I had been selected to ask a general question just as I was heading off to the school. When I spoke to the children, I said, “What would you ask if you could ask any question of the Scottish Government?” It turned out that they had had a detailed discussion about the benefits of four-day school weeks, and they wanted me to pass on their thoughts to the Scottish Government. They had considered the issue in the round, and one reason they thought it would be beneficial was that it would allow more time for sports, extracurricular activities and family life.”
“Under the Schools General (Scotland) Regulations 1975, local authorities must ensure that schools are open for at least 190 days of the year. A four-day school week would require an amendment to those regulations, and I emphasise that the Government currently has no plans to do that. However, I recognise the value of opportunities for activities outwith formal education. That is why we are investing in initiatives such as the Scottish Football Association’s extra time programme and Sistema’s big noise, and we are taking forward plans to deliver outdoor education following the Parliament’s passing of the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Act 2026 in the previous session.”
“The only option that is available to them would mean crossing the infamous Sheriffhall roundabout four times a day. My constituent needs a solution now, not in years to come. Can the minister reassure my constituent that action will be taken now to resolve the inflexibility in the current system and that it will not wait until ELC is expanded further? Siobhian Brown: I am not sure of Katherine Sangster’s constituent’s situation or of whether it is between local authorities, which is one of the issues that was raised in the childcare debate several weeks ago. I am happy to take that on. As I said, we are still working on this, and I would hope that, moving forward, local authorities will work together to ensure that parents and families can get the childcare that they need. Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm (Environmental Assessment) 9.”
“Flexibility and choice are fundamental to our offer of 1,140 hours of funded ELC for all three and four-year-olds, as well as eligible two-year-olds. The latest ELC census reported that uptake by three and four- year-olds remains near universal, with a recent survey showing that 90 per cent of parents and carers were satisfied that they had been offered the flexibility to use funded hours in a way that met their family’s needs. We know that there is more to do, and we will consider how best to ensure that childcare offers the flexibility that families need as we develop our plans to expand provision. Katherine Sangster: One of my constituents in Danderhall has got in touch about their difficulty in securing a funded place that is convenient for their working and living arrangements.”
“I know that there have been discussions—no doubt there will also be further discussions— regarding the ticketing cap. We absolutely recognise that sport should be affordable and accessible. Football is the country’s most popular sport, and our leagues are the best attended in Europe per head of population. We will continue to work with local football authorities to maintain and grow those levels of attendance and to make football more affordable and enjoyable for fans. The summer of sport is an ambitious and inspiring programme that sits at the intersection of many of my responsibilities as Minister for Children, Young People and”
“Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer—I congratulate you on your new role. I thank all members for their contributions today; it has been lovely to hear members speak about the upcoming summer of sports and the opportunities and outcomes that we hope that it will deliver. I welcome the amendments to the motion that have been lodged by colleagues across the chamber, which further emphasise the collective value and importance that we all place in the transformative power of sport in our communities. I am happy to confirm that the Scottish Government will support all the amendments. However, in relation to the Green amendment, we should be clear that local governments are responsible for funding local facilities such as Aquatec Motherwell, which is mentioned in the Green amendment.”
“The existing early learning and childcare programme is delivering much-needed support, backed by significant investment, but it is now time to deliver year-round support and to provide increased support for varying working patterns. We will also improve the availability of services in some areas, particularly remote and rural locations, and will keep improving the accessibility services for children with disabilities and additional support needs.”
“Does she agree that we should condemn that fully and that all children, regardless of whether they are LGBTQ or otherwise, deserve the absolute best care that we can offer and the respect of all members in the Parliament? Siobhian Brown: I thank the member for the intervention. I personally feel that what she refers to was not a very well-balanced reflection in this debate on childcare. It is clear that the Parliament is open to finding the right mix of early learning that is needed to support children’s development in the early years and a further expansion in childcare that supports parents’ ability to take up or sustain employment.”
“I thank all members for their contributions, and I recognise that many of us are working parents who rely on childcare. As a working mum myself, I have been juggling childcare for more than 20 years—my youngest is only 10 years old—and I can tell members that, during that time, we have come a long way. Twenty years ago, I had to return to work after nine months—that was just something that I had to do, as it was not financially viable for me to stay at home. Today’s debate provides a strong foundation for consensus. Emma Roddick: I apologise for intervening quite so early in the minister’s speech. Does she agree that it is a shame that this very necessary debate about childcare was dragged into the space of a transphobic diatribe earlier?”
“I, Siobhian Brown, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.”
“We will continue to work with the SFRS to assess the impact of possible pressures on the budget for 2026-27 to ensure that service levels are maintained.”
“In response to an article that the minister wrote in her local press, the FBU said: “The Minister’s call for improved fire safety at a time when she is overseeing a service being systematically stripped of jobs and fire fighting capacity shows she is in complete denial about what is going on in the service she is responsible for.” Is the minister in complete denial about the effects of her Scottish National Party Government’s cuts to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service? Siobhian Brown: Absolutely not. I highlight to the member that the reduction in firefighter numbers since 2013 is not because of cuts. Forming a single national service allowed the SFRS to protect front-line services while reducing duplication.”
“The SFRS chief officer would not make any changes to operations that would put the public at an unacceptable level of risk. Sharon Dowey: I note the minister’s response, but it will be of little reassurance to firefighters on the ground who are being asked to do more with less. Firefighters have been clear that there are fewer firefighters, fewer appliances and longer response times, and none of those things logically results in safer communities.”
“It is noticeable that the fire service review has been kicked into the long grass until after the May elections. Given all those cuts, how can the public have confidence that community safety will not be compromised? Siobhian Brown: It is right that the service review is about the SFRS identifying the optimal service to keep communities across Scotland safe in the future by addressing changes in risk. The emergencies that the SFRS responds to have changed significantly over the years; for example, dwelling fires have reduced by more than 20 per cent since 2013. Statistics also show a 33 per cent reduction in non-fatal fire casualties between 2009-10 and 2023-24 and a 32 per cent reduction in fatal fire casualties over the same period.”
“The SFRS’s evidence-based service delivery review will align resources to modern risks and demands, ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed, and we will continue to discuss its further funding requirements. Sharon Dowey: The devastating fire on Union Street in Glasgow once again demonstrated the extraordinary professionalism and bravery of Scotland’s firefighters. However, we have heard deeply concerning warnings from the FBU that years of real-term budget cuts have left the fire service “creaking”. There have been 1,250 firefighter posts cut since the creation of the national fire service. Ten high-lift appliances have been cut. The service has an ageing fleet, with only one new fire engine coming into service in the past two years. Fire stations have closed, 18 stations are without running water, and the list goes on.”
“I echo the First Minister’s recognition of the service’s response to the Union corner fire. We recognise the vital role that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service plays in keeping our community safe, and we remain committed to sustaining that capability. The 2026-27 budget provides an additional £23.8 million to the SFRS, taking our total funding of it to £436 million, which demonstrates our continued support for the SFRS so that it can deliver the high-standard services that are required to keep Scotland safe. We are aware of the concerns that the Fire Brigades Union has raised about long-term pressures that the service is facing, and our focus has always been on community safety and protecting front-line services.”
“We heard members’ suggestions about what should be done, and we will leave those on the desk of the minister in the next parliamentary session so that they can proceed with that work.”
“Siobhian Brown: I am not sure whether Michael Marra is aware that, given that the relevant responsibilities cut across our portfolios, Mr Fairlie and I have been engaging with MSPs on the matter for about the past 18 months. We had a meeting just last week, and we are also engaging with the UK Government. The issue is complex. For example, the challenges presented in Edinburgh city centre are quite different from those presented in rural areas. I believe that Police Scotland has the necessary tools at the moment, but more can be done. As we said at our meeting last week, Mr Fairlie and I are keen for that work to be progressed in the next parliamentary session.”
“We recognise that this is a common issue across the whole of Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, with some legislation in this area being reserved, so we have proposed further interministerial discussions to consider how we can tackle our shared concern. Michael Marra: I thank the minister for that update. I continue to hear from constituents in areas of Dundee such as Ardler, Kirkton, Blackness and Dryburgh that modified bikes are being used with seemingly no consequences— that is how my constituents feel—despite their posing a clear risk to public safety and, to be frank, causing mayhem. Given the increasing risks that illegally modified e-bikes and off-road vehicles pose to the public, does the minister believe that the current powers available to Police Scotland are sufficient for it to deal with them?”
“To tackle such behaviour, we continue to invest significantly in policing, with £1.64 billion of funding provided this year and £1.7 billion provided for the next financial year. Although operational policing decisions are rightly a matter for Police Scotland, I welcome the positive examples of its activity in this area, including the increase in the number of seizures of such bikes and vehicles. We have also funded a Crimestoppers summer campaign on off-road vehicle misuse, begun to review antisocial behaviour legislation and expanded our cashback for communities programme to divert young people from antisocial behaviour. The Scottish Government wants to work collectively to address concerns.”
“That has been very much central to the work that we have done, such as the landmark Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act 2025, to which the cabinet secretary referred and which will transform our justice system and ensure that victims and witnesses are treated with compassion and are supported throughout the legal process. The importance of learning from lived experience is also one reason for our establishing the victims task force, which is supported by the victim/survivor advisory board to ensure that the task force’s work to improve the experiences of victims and witnesses is underpinned by lived experience.”
“Does the minister agree that policy on such matters must be informed by people’s lived experience? Will she highlight how that approach will continue to shape the decisions that are required to ensure that survivors get the support and services that they need? Siobhian Brown: I recognise the courage and fortitude that survivors of sexual and domestic abuse show when they share their personal experiences, whether they do so with ministers, in court or with other people in their lives. I absolutely endorse the sentiment that we need to listen to them in order to learn from their lived experience.”
“Violence against women and girls is abhorrent and still far too common. That is why we remain focused on delivering Scotland’s equally safe strategy to prevent such violence, which includes seeking to change the attitudes and behaviours that underpin it. The delivering equally safe fund supports 107 organisations, which deliver 115 projects. Between October 2021 and March 2024, those projects supported more than 67,000 adults, children and young people. Next year, the fund will increase by 5 per cent, so over the period from 2026 to 2028 we will make a total investment of more than £46 million to ensure that recipients can continue their vital work to prevent violence and support survivors. Marie McNair: I extend my gratitude to the minister for meeting my constituent today, to hear from her as a survivor.”
“All 51 phase 7 partners will work collaboratively with children, young people and their families to ensure that young people feel safe, nurtured, active, respected and included. Prisoner Voting Arrangements 5.”
“Michelle Thomson: Does the minister agree that work in early prevention and a focus on improving young people’s wellbeing is critical to reducing both the risk of offending and reoffending, which, in turn, benefits our communities? Siobhian Brown: Early intervention with young people, supported by a strong focus on understanding and improving their wellbeing, is a core element of the cashback for communities programme. Through universal provision, partners support young people on their individual journeys by offering the safe spaces and the trusted adults and guidance that build confidence and skills while addressing conditions that may lead to harm before they arise.”
“The cashback for communities programme delivers early intervention work with young people to reduce the risk of their engagement with police and the justice system. The forthcoming phase will operate from April 2026 to March 2029. I am pleased to say that 51 projects will be funded and that there will be project delivery in all 32 local authorities. The programme will be supported by a record allocation of up to £26 million, which will continue to enable initiatives that provide safe spaces, trusted adults and positive diversionary and support activities for young people aged 10 to 25, addressing underlying factors that are linked to antisocial behaviour and criminality.”
“Kenneth Gibson: Can the minister say what impact the creation of Police Scotland has had on the efficiency and effectiveness of our dedicated police officers? Can she confirm that homicide numbers reached a record low of 45 last year, down from 116 when this Government came into office, which proves that Scotland is safer with the Scottish National Party? Siobhian Brown: I agree with the member on that point. Although one homicide would still be too many, homicides in Scotland are at a record low. The number of sharp object-related homicide victims fell by 49 per cent from 55 in 2007-08 to just 28 in 2024-25. Over the past 20 years, the number of homicide victims aged between 13 and 19 decreased by 75 per cent from 44 during the five-year period of 2005 to 2010 to 11 during the five-year period of 2020 to 2025.”
“While acknowledging that one knife crime is one too many, I note that knife crime has fallen considerably over the past 20 years. In North Ayrshire, the number of recorded crimes of weapons possession that specifically reference the presence of a knife or a bladed or pointed article decreased by 33 per cent from 123 in 2007-08 to 83 in 2024-25. Significantly, emergency hospital admissions in NHS Ayrshire and Arran due to assault by a sharp object decreased by 78 per cent from 81 in 2007-08 to just 18 in 2024-25, although 18 is still too many. That is a welcome contribution to the 70 per cent fall in admissions due to sharp-object assault that has been seen across the whole of Scotland since 2007.”
“I wonder whether the Government would consider introducing that; I feel that, over the years, it has dragged its heels on doing so. Fans do not want it, and the clubs do not want it, but, as happens in European competitions, clubs should surely take some responsibility for the behaviour of their fans. Siobhian Brown: Our preferred solution has always been that football should proactively shape and deliver a robust and meaningful solution to tackle unacceptable conduct by supporters. For example, over the past year, clubs have instituted solutions on the misuse of pyrotechnics. The SPFL is taking a strong stance on that, and over the past couple of years it has been instrumental in examining how we could strengthen football banning orders, especially in cases that involve pyrotechnics.”
“Just before every game, the clubs, Police Scotland and local authorities make sure that robust measures are in place, through the safety advisory group process. Despite that, when people are determined to engage in disorder, it is difficult to prevent it entirely. The speed with which Police Scotland and the stewards dealt with the issue on Sunday suggests that appropriate levels of policing and stewarding were in place. However, there are lessons to be learned, and they will be looking into what happened on Sunday. John Mason: I associate myself with the minister’s comment in that, from what I could see, the police and the stewards handled things well once the problems had started. However, we have to look further than that. My colleague James Dornan has frequently raised the issue of strict liability.”
“John Mason: The minister used the word “prevent”, which is important. The police said that some individuals had “armed themselves” before coming into the stadium—so, clearly, they had not been searched. The stewards had not been checking on who was carrying what, including pyrotechnics. Surely there needs to be better stewarding at games so that everyone is checked. For example, when I went to a Napoli game, I was checked at security. Does the minister agree that everybody who goes to a Scottish game should be checked too? Siobhian Brown: Yes, absolutely. However, it is quite complex to find hidden masks or pyrotechnics, for example, when people enter stadiums. Those are the sorts of challenges that are faced.”
“I join John Mason in condemning the appalling behaviour of those who invaded the pitch and acted in a violent and disorderly manner, ruining what had otherwise been an exciting football experience for fans. Disorder of that nature is not acceptable; it risks the safety of players, fans, stewards and police officers. I spoke to Police Scotland yesterday evening and have this morning spoken to both the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Professional Football League. We are of one mind in saying that such behaviour is not acceptable and that action must be taken to prevent its recurrence. We all need to play our part, and I am reassured that the police, football authorities and football clubs want to work with us to ensure that there will be no repeat of the scenes that we witnessed on Sunday.”
“I am grateful to the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee members for the way in which they have constructively engaged with me as the bill has progressed through the Parliament, and also for the way in which they have engaged with me on the four other SLC bills that have progressed through the Parliament during this parliamentary session. As we now come to the end of the session, I thank members and the clerks for the time that they have spent on the bills and the careful attention that they have given to what can often be technical legal matters. I also take this opportunity to note that the deputy convener, Bill Kidd, who is a long-time member of the committee, is standing down from the Parliament. I wish him all the very best. I move, That the Parliament agrees that the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill be passed.”
“I would like to make it clear that the bill will not affect consumer protection law, nor will it make changes to the unfair contract terms regime for small businesses. I have committed to publishing guidance about the bill, which will also help to protect weaker parties by ensuring that they have clear and straightforward information about the law. I turn to commencement and transitional provisions for the bill. Stakeholders and the committee raised a concern at stage 1 that the bill’s provisions, when commenced, will apply to contracts that have already been formed. That is not the intention of the bill. While my officials will consider that in detail for commencement regulations—which is normal—my view remains that the provisions should apply only to new contracts that are formed after commencement.”
“I was pleased that the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee agreed to those amendments, which are the end point of work that was undertaken by the SLC and other stakeholders such as Lorna Richardson of the University of Edinburgh. Because of those provisions, the law will now be clearer and more certain, and it will help parties to resolve contractual problems without the need to resort to potentially costly and protracted litigation before the courts. During earlier proceedings, questions were raised by members about protections for smaller, less legally well-informed parties. The concern seems to be that such parties would be forced to enter a bargain to their detriment.”
“Part 2 is not a full statutory statement of the law on remedies for breach of contract, but it is focused on some key areas. First, it covers circumstances in which both parties have broken the terms of a contract. Secondly, it covers circumstances in which a party needs to return a benefit—for example, money or goods—after a contract has been terminated. Thirdly, the bill will bring certainty to the law by making it clear that contributory negligence is available as a defence to claims for damages that are based on breach of contract. At stage 2, amendments were agreed to clarify and reform the law of contractual retention. That is a remedy that is designed to encourage performance of a contract without one party having to go to court to enforce it.”
“This reflects the principle of party autonomy that was recognised as fundamentally important by stakeholders as well as by the lead committee. Part 1 of the bill largely restates the current common law about contract formation. The main substantive reform is the abolition of the postal acceptance rule. Under that rule, a contract may be concluded without one party ever having received communication to that effect. The SLC has, with stakeholder agreement, recommended the abolition of that rule for a long time, and I am pleased to be doing so in this bill. Part 2 of the bill deals with some remedies for breach of contract. The bill will reform parts of the law on the steps that one party can take when the other party has breached their contractual obligations.”
“At stage 1, stakeholders and the DPLR Committee asked me to consider preparing and publishing guidance on the bill’s provisions. I was pleased to write to the committee ahead of stage 2 to confirm my intention to do so. Together, the guidance and the bill will help individuals and small businesses more easily understand the law on contract formation and aspects of remedies, which will help them to be better protected in any contractual negotiations. Given the variety of circumstances in which people may want to form a contract, one set of legislative rules that applies in all circumstances is unlikely to be flexible enough to cover every eventuality. Therefore, in order to ensure needed flexibility, the vast majority of the provisions in the bill are default. Parties can form a contract relying on these provisions or agree their own.”
“The bill is about the formation of contracts and the steps that can be taken when there is a breach of contract. Contract law is important because it affects various aspects of our everyday life, from buying a cup of coffee to significant financial transactions. Many contracts are formed and carried through by parties that have no professional assistance. One of the bill’s principal purposes is to produce legal rules that are clear, certain and accessible, and it delivers on all of those. Currently, the bulk of the law on formation and remedies can be found in the common law. If enacted, this bill will put a number of important rules in a single accessible statute, written in clear English with helpful explanatory notes for laypersons and legal professionals alike.”
“The Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill is a Scottish Law Commission bill that implements a number of recommendations to reform the Scots law of contract. I thank the Scottish Law Commission for reviewing the Scots law of contract, which was a substantial piece of work that involved four discussion papers and a report that took the best part of 10 years. I also thank Professor Hector MacQueen, who was the lead Scottish law commissioner responsible for the project, for his work with the Scottish Law Commission in making these recommendations and for his continued engagement with the Scottish Government as it has considered the SLC’s recommendations. I also thank the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee convener and members for their scrutiny of the bill.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: That ends consideration of amendments. As members will be aware, the Presiding Officer is required under standing orders to decide whether, in her view, any provision of the bill relates to a protected subject matter—that is, whether it modifies the electoral system and franchise for Scottish parliamentary elections. In the case of the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill, in the Presiding Officer’s view, no provision relates to a protected subject matter. Therefore, the bill does not require a supermajority to be passed at stage 3. Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill”
“I will be brief. Section 4 specifies what constitutes an offer—that is, a proposal made to one or more persons containing sufficiently definite terms to form a contract and indicating the intention of the offeror to be bound if the offer is accepted by the other party or parties. The current drafting refers to the person making the proposal as the “proposer”. In order to avoid arguments about whether the proposer could be a third party and for reasons of consistency with terms used elsewhere in the bill, my amendment 1 substitutes the word “proposer” with the word “offeror”. I move amendment 1. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Since no other member has sought to participate, does the minister have anything to add by way of a wind-up speech? Siobhian Brown: No, I do not. Amendment 1 agreed to.”
“I have not seen it yet, but I will chase that up today. Funding pressures across the Scottish Government have meant that difficult decisions have been made and priorities have been identified. We continue to support the Mark Scott leadership for life award and look forward to continuing to work with the Outward Bound Trust. However, the Scottish Government has to align funding more closely to the vision of justice. That means reprioritising the initiatives that can be supported. I highlight that the Scottish Government grant also provides part of the funding that is required to run the programme, which does a magnificent job of raising the required funding so that it can run each year. [Interruption.]”
“I pay tribute to the former First Minister, Humza Yousaf, who personally intervened to ensure that the funding would be reinstated. However, we are back where we started. The award commemorates the life of a man who was murdered in senseless sectarian violence. It provides opportunities to hundreds of young people every year from Scotland’s most deprived communities to learn and to come together. Niall and Judith Scott, Mark’s parents, have written to the minister and to the First Minister but have received no response. That is outrageous. When will they receive a response? Does the minister not agree that cutting investment in preventative youth work for the sake of saving £45,000 is short- sighted? Will she look again at that decision? Siobhian Brown: Apologies—I am not aware of any such correspondence that has come in.”