Angela Constance
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Patients deserve better. There have been active campaigns by members across the chamber to represent the views of constituents in Lanarkshire, including by my colleagues Neil Gray and Fulton MacGregor. I fully appreciate the strength of feeling on the need for a new Monklands hospital.”
“Proceeding in that cost envelope would significantly limit our ability to invest in services and infrastructure across the wider NHS. I have carefully weighed the opportunity cost against our objective on improving public services. The current proposal also raises important questions about value for money.”
“For the wider system, it will reduce pressure on acute hospitals, allowing focus on those who need specialist care most. I can announce today that, as part of the programme, specifically for Lanarkshire, we will begin with a new general practitioner walk-in facility in Lanark—transforming an old shop front and a retail park in the town ce…”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to provide an update to members on NHS capital projects, specifically on the current position and next steps for the Monklands replacement project. I begin by being absolutely clear: the Government will deliver a new Monklands hospital. That commitment has not changed and it will not change.”
“During the election campaign, the Scottish National Party promised to increase use of the new refugee doctors project, which is meant to help medically trained refugees from Gaza and other places to get registered for work in the national health service.”
“Scotland welcomes refugee doctors and is committed to supporting them in overcoming barriers that prevent them from rebuilding their medical careers.”
The complete record
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“Angela Constance: I assure Mr Kerr that my officials are in regular contact with Police Scotland and officials across the UK in relation to all matters around public protection. The UK Crime and Policing Bill, which is currently before the UK Parliament, includes proposals around sex offender name changes, and I assure Parliament that the Scottish ministers are actively considering extending those measures to Scotland. Liam Kerr: I thank the cabinet secretary for that assurance, but people will also be worried about whether, in addition to the up to 506 sex offenders who we know have changed their name, there are others who have done so but have failed to report or register that change.”
“Liam Kerr: I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer, but I am not sure that querying the figures in a freedom of information response will reassure the public. Disappointingly, what I did not hear in that response was a commitment to legislate to ensure that the system is absolutely watertight. The cabinet secretary must surely see that it is open to abuse. For years, the Scottish Conservatives have been calling on the Government to implement changes with regard to sex offenders changing their name that are similar to the changes that are now proposed in the United Kingdom Crime and Policing Bill. Will the cabinet secretary commit to bringing similar legislation to Scotland before the next election?”
“There are not 506 individuals who have changed their name; there are 506 instances in which any form of registered name was changed or updated. When a name is changed, that change is made across multiple records, so such a change would involve a change to, for example, registered email address, registered gym membership card et cetera. Therefore, multiple instances of a reported change could be attributed to a smaller number of individuals who might have changed some detail of their name. Sex offender notification requirements apply to the individual irrespective of the name that they use, and, when a registered sex offender changes their name, they must let the police know within three days or they will breach their notification requirements.”
“The bill makes provision for joint reviews to minimise duplication, but it is imperative that, in addressing the gap in the current review landscape, we do not lose or dilute the domestic lens that has been missing from reviews across the sector. Again, the task force approach has allowed that discussion to progress and develop, as I articulated in my written response to the stage 1 report, and I highlight the stakeholder event that will take place in May. On the question of training and the need for it, I am clear that no one will be appointed to a role in the review process unless they have all the relevant core skills and have completed the necessary training, details of which are being worked up under the auspices of the workforce and training group of the task force.”
“In addition, I will use the explanatory notes to set out clear definitions and different ways in which the expressions “child of” someone and “young person” are used in the bill. Although we consider that the definitions in the bill are clear and have discussed them with task force members, we will add further detail and examples, to ensure that the distinction is understood. I have noted the committee’s comments about the relationship between the domestic homicide or suicide reviews and other multi-agency reviews, and the desire to ensure that reviews do not duplicate existing processes. I fully recognise and support that in principle.”
“I assure members that the review model and its scope do not in any way undermine the definition in the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) 2018 Act, as the purposes are different and distinct: the 2018 act created a new and specific criminal offence of domestic abuse, whereas the bill focuses on learning from deaths in which there have been, or appear to have been, domestic abuse behaviours. I fully recognise that definitions and the use of language are of paramount importance when it comes to the review model. I will, therefore, ensure that the distinction is reaffirmed and made clear in the statutory guidance and the consultative process that will be part of its development.”
“I recognise the point that was highlighted by the committee on ensuring that the provisions in the bill should not undermine the widely understood and recognised definition of “domestic abuse” in Scottish law. I also accept the views of the committee that, in the bill, we have, and should have, an approach that enables wider deaths and events—for example, so-called “honour” killings—to be encapsulated in the review model, and that doing so is supported by the task force and committee, although it would mean a further departure from the definition of “domestic abuse” in Scotland.”
“I thank the committee for that practical support, which will ensure a smooth and orderly transition from the current extended time limits back to the pre-pandemic time limits. I also welcome the committee’s recommendation and comments on the provisions in part 2 of the bill and the proposals for what will be Scotland’s first domestic homicide and suicide review model. As I outlined to the committee during stage 1, our work in this area has been guided by a multi-agency and multidisciplinary task force. My comments continue to reflect that process and the feedback from task force members, whom I thank for their valuable contribution to the model development and their continued commitment and constructive challenge.”
“The bill as introduced does not make any provision on time limits. Of the seven extended time limits that were originally legislated for in 2020, five have been expired and two are continuing for a final year until the end of November 2025. It has always been my commitment that we will revert to pre-pandemic time limits as soon as is feasible. During the stage 1 evidence sessions, justice agencies and victim support organisations highlighted concerns about whether the court system will have the capacity to meet the required timescales when the provisions expire. In its report, the Criminal Justice Committee indicates its support for retaining the current temporary time limits for those cases that have reached the relevant point in the system prior to 1 December 2025.”
“I acknowledge that, during the stage 1 evidence sessions, some concerns were raised about some of the provisions, and those concerns are captured in the recommendations in the Criminal Justice Committee’s stage 1 report. I am committed to considering those recommendations and working with members to see what improvements can be made at stage 2. Part 1 of the bill also seeks to introduce two new provisions that will support greater use of digital technologies. I welcome the committee’s support for those provisions—as well as its recommendations—as they will allow us to further maximise the benefits from the digital evidence sharing capability programme. The temporary justice measures that were put in place in 2020 also extended the time limits that apply in criminal justice proceedings.”
“During stage 1, stakeholders supported the provisions in the bill, highlighting the essential role that they play in the justice system and how they are vital to the modernising of reforms. A majority of the provisions have now been in place for five years and they have been scrutinised by the Criminal Justice Committee annually since 2022, with stakeholders contributing their views each time. It is important that, where provisions have been shown to work well in practice, they are largely retained in their current form to ensure continuity and minimise disruption. The temporary provisions that are part of the 2022 act will expire on 30 November 2025. It is therefore critical that this Parliament passes the bill to enable the provisions to be in place from 1 December this year.”
“The first part of the bill seeks to make permanent some of the temporary provisions that are set out in the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Act 2022. Today is the fifth anniversary of the passing of the first coronavirus bill in Scotland. That was an unprecedented bill for an unprecedented time that impacted on everyone’s lives and forever changed the way in which we deliver public services. I pay tribute to everyone in the justice sector, as well as members of this Parliament, who worked swiftly to get that emergency legislation developed and passed so that we could continue to provide essential services to the public and keep people safe. The actions that we took then laid the groundwork for the modernisation and transformation of the justice landscape that we will debate today.”
“I start by thanking the Criminal Justice Committee for its stage 1 report on the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill and for its support for the bill’s general principles. I am also grateful to all individuals and organisations that provided written or oral evidence to the committee. They have significantly contributed to scrutiny of the bill, which has two very important aims. The first is to provide resilience to the criminal justice sector through modernisation, and the second is to establish a gold standard domestic homicide and suicide review process, so that individuals and communities are better supported by public services and deaths can be prevented.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs will now take questions on the issues that were raised in her statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for that, after which we will need to move to the next item of business.”
“We will also put in place additional support services for families and introduce a new family advocacy role. Engagement has already begun with families to ensure that our approach is shaped by them. That will ensure that families have independent trauma- informed support and guidance following the death of their loved one. We have made progress since January. I assure the Parliament that we will continue to drive forward change and strengthen accountability. This work is about changing the system and the culture that underpins it. In closing, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of Katie Allan, William Lindsay and all those affected by a death in custody. It is through on-going and decisive action that we will create the lasting change that they rightly demand and deserve.”
“I will provide the Parliament with an update on the appointment of a chair, which I expect to be able to announce shortly. We have made good progress in developing our draft remit and ensuring that the review is well resourced so that it can start work immediately. On legal aid, I committed to making legal aid free and non-means tested for families involved in deaths in custody FAIs. That will ultimately require primary legislation, which, given where we are in the parliamentary session, will be for a new session of Parliament. However, I do not want families to wait for that important support, so I will be using existing ministerial powers to ensure that, from Monday 7 April, close family members who are involved in deaths in custody FAIs will have access to non-means-tested legal aid.”
“In January, I set out a commitment that all death in prison learning and audit reviews would be chaired independently. I confirm that a non- executive member of the SPS board will now chair all reviews on an interim arrangement. That ensures that those reviews are independent of governors and prison staff while maintaining continuity and momentum. However, the SPS will undertake an open and formal recruitment process over the summer to appoint a formal chair. In consultation with the Lord Advocate, I have commissioned an independent review of the FAI system to focus on improving the efficiency, effectiveness and trauma-informed nature of investigations into deaths in prison custody. It will also identify the specific barriers that families face in engaging with the process and propose concrete solutions to shortened timescales.”
“It has accepted that its anti- bullying policy, think twice, has not been effective, and it will draw on relevant external expertise to develop a new strategy this year. Particular to William Lindsay’s case, the FAI heard that information available to the court was not shared with the SPS. That was unacceptable, and the inconsistent practice around the transfer of information from courts to custody needs immediate resolution. The Scottish Government is therefore leading work with relevant partners to ensure the consistent transfer of relevant information between courts and the Prison Service. Once concluded, justice partners will be required to fully integrate the revised processes to ensure a seamless transition of information between court and custody.”
“For some, the first 72 hours in custody is the most challenging. Sheriff Collins recognised that in recommending that the talk to me programme be applied to all young people during that period. That will be a key part of the revised strategy. I was able to discuss in detail with the governor at Polmont the enhanced measures and additional staff resources that have been put in place in the meantime to ensure that any new admission will be placed in dedicated observation cells for the first 72 hours and will not be removed from observation thereafter until it is safe to do so. On the issue of bullying, I am clear that prisons must be safe and rehabilitative. The SPS must address harmful behaviour and foster a culture of respect and safety.”
“At the centre of Sheriff Collins’s recommendations was the need to overhaul the SPS’s suicide prevention strategy, talk to me. Professors Graham Towl and David Crighton have been appointed to lead the evidence phase of that crucial work. Both professors are forensic psychologists with a specialty in suicide prevention in prisons. They have both held senior roles with the Ministry of Justice, and Professor Towl was called on as an expert witness at the FAI of Katie and William. That work represents a commitment to real and lasting change, and their initial work will be completed by the end of the summer. The SPS will overhaul its strategy in tandem with the evidence review, so it will be ready to publish at the end of this year, with a full training package to be implemented in 2026.”
“Last week, I visited Polmont to see at first hand a team that is committed to action at pace and applying learning. The SPS has removed all bunk beds from accommodation that might be used to house a young person at Polmont. In addition, an instruction has been issued to governors to ensure that all establishments that accommodate young prisoners conform to the same standard. All rectangular door stops of the type that were identified in the FAI process have been removed from Polmont. The policy on possession of items that can be used as ligatures is being revised, and a pilot of the ligature audit toolkit has started. In addition, signs-of-life technology will be piloted with Polmont and, where the evidence shows that it works, we will support the Scottish Prison Service to ensure that it is implemented.”
“On the introduction of a national oversight mechanism, I am grateful for the early engagement that we have had with a wide range of stakeholders on the options that are available. That will continue as we finalise the model and establish a plan to implement it. At its core, the national oversight mechanism will provide accountability and transparency, and it will drive systemic improvement. It will be informed by evidence and analysis, and, crucially, will be independent of Government. Consideration will be given to widen the scope to include all deaths that occur in the care of the state, not just custody. Key functions will include annual reporting and the ability to audit existing FAI recommendations, for example. I am pleased to be able to report that progress has been made regarding the broader package of measures.”
“The SPS has initiated a dedicated operational task force, which is chaired by the chief executive and involves national health service partners, to ensure that all recommendations are actioned. That will be underpinned by a delivery framework with biannual updates. In January, I emphasised the critical importance of independent scrutiny, and I am pleased to report that terms of reference have now been agreed with His Majesty’s chief inspector of prisons for Scotland. The chief inspector shares my view on the need for rigour and transparency in that work, as well as the need to involve families, prisoners, SPS staff and expert advice. She expects to provide me with an initial report on progress by the summer.”
“While every single suicide is a tragedy, the data takes us a step forward in improving transparency and understanding the causes of deaths in prison custody. That progress is crucial as we work to address the issues surrounding the safety and wellbeing of those in custody. The formal response from the Scottish ministers and the Scottish Prison Service to the sheriff’s FAI determination was published on 13 March. All the recommendations were accepted, with specific responses to each recommendation referencing completed work to date and setting out where further work is required and when that will take place. I expect that work to be delivered at pace, and I will be closely monitoring progress.”
“In January, I set out a range of actions to address the systemic failures that were identified by Sheriff Collins’s fatal accident inquiry determination relating to the tragic deaths of Katie Allan and William Lindsay, also known as William Brown. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet their families once again today. The commitments that I made in January form part of a new approach in relation to all deaths in custody. Official statistics that were published on Tuesday link data on deaths in custody with death records that are held by National Records of Scotland for the first time, and they show that around 30 per cent of deaths in custody in the decade to 2022-23 were classed as probable suicides.”
“I point out that the referral rate from the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission is nearly 5 per cent, which is almost double that for the equivalent body in England and Wales. When the review that is being undertaken by the Law Commission is complete, we will, of course, consider what applicability, if any, it has for Scotland. I put on record that applicants have the right to request a review if they are unsatisfied by the decision of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission. Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations (Policing) 8.”
“Following the quashing of the conviction of Andrew Malkinson in England, there has been extensive criticism of the performance of the Criminal Cases Review Commission in England, and the chair of that commission has resigned. The referral rate in Scotland is similar to that in England at roughly 4 per cent, and people who are involved in appeals believe that the Scottish system is not working. I am aware of a case in which the commission acknowledged someone’s innocence but still refused to refer to appeal. How has the justice secretary assured herself about the performance of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission? Angela Constance: I appreciate Mr Rennie’s question.”
“The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission is an independent public body, which, since its inception in 1999, has investigated and reviewed alleged miscarriages of justice in Scotland. The commission’s aim is to investigate all cases efficiently without undue delay and to a consistently high standard, and to strengthen public confidence in the ability of the Scottish criminal justice system to address miscarriages of justice. The Scottish Government regularly meets the independent Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission to discuss the commission’s operation, including its delivery of its strategic objectives. At present, we have no plans to review the commission’s operation. Willie Rennie: I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests as a director of the Miscarriages of Justice Organisation Scotland—MOJO.”
“Angela Constance: I assure Mr Harvie that the Government’s position remains that the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and other relevant legislation should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, not least so that we can be fully powered to follow all the international evidence that tells us what works to save lives at the end of the day. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is almost as old as me, and it has more holes than some cheese—I was going to say Swiss cheese, but I did not want to offend the Swiss. It is an outdated piece of legislation. Forgive me, Presiding Officer, because I know that this is a serious matter. We want to be able to implement what works to save lives. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We have a number of supplementary questions, so they will need to be very brief, as will the responses.”
“Patrick Harvie: Nearly two years ago, the Government published a document called “A Caring, Compassionate and Human Rights Informed Drug Policy for Scotland”, which set out pretty clearly the limitations that devolved powers put on us in the application of a public health approach to harm reduction for drugs. There will always be more that we can do in the criminal justice system with devolved powers, but can the cabinet secretary update Parliament on what discussions have been had with the new United Kingdom Government about giving this Parliament the power to change aspects of the criminal law on drugs to enable the fuller implementation of that policy from 2023?”
“Through the national mission on drugs, the Scottish Government continues to invest in a wide range of evidence-based measures to save lives and reduce harms. We are implementing a range of public health responses to tackle the harms that are caused by drugs. For example, naloxone has been rolled out across the prison estate and to front-line police officers, who used it more than 580 times up to December 2024. We are well aware that people in the justice system can have very complex needs and may be vulnerable, which necessitates working holistically and focusing on prevention and appropriate interventions. That is why “The Vision for Justice in Scotland” recognises the importance of justice partners working together to apply a public health approach.”
“Bearing in mind that, through the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, the Parliament has focused on trauma-informed practice, I will raise the issue with the MOJ. For completeness, I am also aware that the CICA is currently reviewing all its contact with applicants and is exploring mechanisms to provide applicants with more regular updates and enhanced information. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (Planning Guidance) 5.”
“Douglas Ross: I am dealing with a young victim whose case was sent to the CICA in July 2023. His solicitor had not heard anything by January 2024 and now, in March 2025, the case has not progressed at all. The family has been told that the CICA will now not routinely update victims on the progress of their case. Does the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs agree that that approach does not seem to be very victim centred, and will she make representations to the Ministry of Justice and the CICA that the latter should regularly update victims on the progress of their case? Angela Constance: The short answer is yes. I recently had a look at the CICA’s customer charter and was somewhat surprised that the body contacts applicants only when it needs information or has made a decision.”
“I recognise that timely compensation under the criminal injuries compensation scheme can help victims in their recovery, both practically and emotionally. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice. The Scottish Government provided a total of £18.6 million in funding to the CICA in the past financial year and has budgeted £22.9 million for next year. Scottish Government officials regularly meet the CICA, and performance is discussed. We understand that the majority of applications are decided within 12 months. However, each case must be decided on its own facts, based on available information, and the process very much relies on other agencies. Some applications will take longer to decide due to on-going court proceedings or the complexity of an injury.”
“However, I will look into the very specific point and get back to”
“Does the Government at least recognise the anxiety that that will cause hard-working officers, who are facing very challenging situations in their front-line roles and are struggling to access dedicated, experienced and suitably qualified support at work? Angela Constance: I very much appreciate Mr Mundell’s concern. We should all recognise every day the role of police officers in serving this country, who very often put themselves in danger to keep us safe. The day-to-day demands of the job can, of course, take their toll. I hope that the actions that I highlighted to the member highlight the priority that Police Scotland places on supporting the health and wellbeing of the workforce, and how that is supported by the health and wellbeing action plan, which underpins delivery. What is happening is an enhancement of support to officers.”
“Although that is an operational matter for the chief constable, I am pleased that Police Scotland has signed up to the mental health at work commitment, which prioritises mental health in the workplace. In addition to trauma risk incident management assessments and occupational health counselling, Police Scotland has invested £17 million to enhance welfare provision. That includes a new 24/7 employee assistance programme, direct access to occupational health services, and a greater focus on mental health. Oliver Mundell: I understand that this potentially strays into operational matters, but I am worried about the signal that is being sent out when serving officers are telling me that the wellbeing team is being diluted and that specialist roles are being removed.”
“That work will include consideration of the provision of custody facilities across those communities, to ensure that effective policing can continue to be delivered. The Presiding Officer: Time is tight, but I will allow a brief supplementary from”
“The facility is no longer fit for purpose and the volume and cost of repairs will only continue to grow. Although I acknowledge that there is no question but that there will be a replacement police station in Greenock, there has been no firm commitment with regard to replacing the custody suite, which is absolutely crucial. Has the cabinet secretary received any assurances that any new Greenock police station will have a custody suite? Angela Constance: Mr McMillan raises a very important point about the provision of custody suites and their location in his locality and across Scotland. I assure him that Police Scotland’s initial work on its estates master plan has identified Glasgow and the west of Scotland as priority areas for further work, and it is currently undertaking detailed work to understand the property requirements.”
“I last discussed the police estate with the chief constable in January. We discussed Police Scotland’s estate master plan, which sets out its plans to modernise the police estate to ensure that it best serves communities and the Police Scotland workforce and that it is fit for the future. Despite the unprecedented challenges to public finances in 2025-26, we will increase the police capital budget to £75 million—an increase of more than £10 million. That capital increase will support Police Scotland to commence delivery of its estate master plan, which will deliver a modern, fit-for- purpose estate that best serves the needs of communities and the policing workforce. Stuart McMillan: It is well documented that the Greenock police station is far past its sell-by date.”
“Angela Constance: As this Government and, indeed, this Parliament have repeatedly made clear, the UK Government’s decision to increase employer national insurance contributions will have a major impact on all sectors, with the hike likely to result in higher costs, job losses and increased prices. The impact will also be felt by our front-line public services, such as Police Scotland, and we estimate that the change could add more than £700 million in costs for public sector staff. The Treasury must fully fund the actual costs for Scotland’s public sector and not just give a much lower-value Barnett share of the spending in”
“Scotland’s recorded crime statistics cannot be compared to those of the rest of the UK, due to the different counting and classification systems used to produce the data. However, with a 40 per cent fall in recorded crime across Scotland since 2006-07, including a 74 per cent fall in housebreaking and a 68 per cent fall in theft of a motor vehicle, the long-term trend is clear. Crime surveys can provide some comparisons, with the latest findings suggesting that in Scotland as well as in England and Wales, around one in 10 adults experienced violent and property crimes. That has fallen significantly for both jurisdictions since 2008-09. Gordon MacDonald: I welcome the fact that recorded crime has halved since 1991, but what impact will the £25 million increase in national insurance by the UK Labour Government have on Police Scotland?”
“The issue of regular staff surveys has been discussed with the chief constable in our regular meetings, and she is very committed to those surveys. When I next meet the chief constable, I will discuss Willie Rennie’s suggestion about mental health first aiders being readily available.”
“Willie Rennie: That is certainly welcome, but the reality is that the number of staff days lost has increased significantly. Since 2019, almost half a million days have been lost because of mental ill health. Keeping communities safe starts by supporting those at the heart of policing, which I am sure that the cabinet secretary would agree with. Despite all the promises, why is mental health plummeting? Will the cabinet secretary at least agree to having regular staff surveys and a mental health first aider installed in every police workplace? Angela Constance: I recognise that, every day, Scotland’s police officers and staff are dedicated to keeping our communities safe and supported. Very often, officers and staff run towards and place themselves in front of danger to protect the public.”
“Although this is an operational matter for the chief constable, I welcome her commitment to the wellbeing of police officers and staff. Police Scotland has made a £17 million investment in its employee assistance programme, which will focus on mental health support. Police Scotland has signed up to the mental health at work commitment and standards, and the 2024 His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland report on front-line wellbeing recognised that Police Scotland is good at supporting officers at points of crisis. Police Scotland currently provides a comprehensive range of services to officers and police staff. That includes a 24/7 employee assistance programme and direct access to occupational health services to support mental wellbeing.”
“I will update Parliament when a decision has been taken. Police Scotland (Mental Health Illness Absences) 5.”
“Annabelle Ewing: I thank the cabinet secretary for her answer and I know that she is absolutely committed to ensuring that fresh scrutiny is brought to bear on the case, given the gravity of the issues raised. Although, as a lawyer, I understand the legal hurdles that are still extant, can the cabinet secretary nonetheless give some indication of when the chair will be appointed, so that progress can be made in the meantime? Angela Constance: I thank Ms Ewing for her question and for her interest and support. After discussing the chair appointment with the family, we are in agreement that the most important thing is that the person who leads the inquiry has the confidence of the family. I assure Ms Ewing that discussions are progressing and that we will continue to listen carefully to the family’s views.”
“The First Minister and I met the Caldwell family on 21 January to hear their views on next steps, including on the appointment of a chair for the public inquiry, and on ways to progress the criminal investigation of the initial police inquiry. The Scottish Government will ensure that the inquiry is set up and properly resourced to carry out its important work. Once a chair has been appointed, we will work alongside that chair and Emma’s family to set and agree the terms of reference for the inquiry. We will continue to liaise with the Crown Office to understand the implications of the criminal investigation for the setting up of the inquiry.”
“As I mentioned earlier, work is on-going to embed the SHORE standards across the prison estate and local authorities to ensure that there is consistency in how people are supported, from the point at which they enter custody to the point at which they are released. Partners should work collaboratively with individuals from five days after entry to custody to inquire about housing circumstances and, thereafter, to plan for suitable accommodation and provide on-going support as part of the case management approach.”
“Will the cabinet secretary provide an update on developments in the past few years since my constituent experienced those issues in relation to the SHORE standards, including the on- going work to ensure that relevant support is provided to help prisoners to deal with tenancies to avoid them racking up avoidable debt? The Deputy Presiding Officer: We will need to have shorter questions. Angela Constance: I am very sorry to hear of the problems that Ms Stevenson’s constituent experienced, and I thank her for raising them in the chamber today. The SHORE standards provide that the SPS, local authorities, housing staff and relevant third sector organisations should work together to support persons in custody to end or sustain their tenancy, as appropriate.”