Richard Lochhead
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Artificial intelligence and all the other developments will change how we raise and spend taxes, how we buy things and what we buy. Everything will be impacted by the changes that are taking place before our eyes. Automation will displace labour and it will do other things as well.”
“Across the parties, we all know what needs to be done. I hope that, in the future, we can build a consensus to make sure that that happens—with respect, grace, and good, robust arguments. If we do that better, perhaps we can set an example to other Parliaments in countries around the world.”
“I thank the current and three previous First Ministers, who entrusted me with the responsibility of being in Government; the Parliament staff and the civil service for their advice and support; and my private office staff. I thank my friends and colleagues—past and present—in my party group and on all sides of the chamber.”
“I thank Clare Haughey for bringing the debate before Parliament. The closure of high street branches and all the changes that that means for people in our communities have been a feature of the past few years. Clare Haughey is an outstanding constituency MSP who always looks out for the vulnerable.”
“The FCA has committed to undertaking a post-implementation review of its access-to-cash regime, and we will ensure that many of the issues that have been addressed in tonight’s debate are part of that review.”
“I am sure that my colleagues have similar thoughts about what we have witnessed over so many years. My heartfelt thanks must go first to my family: my wife, Fiona; my son, Angus, who is in Brisbane and is probably watching this speech at some ungodly hour; and my younger son, Fraser, who is about to turn 18 and is in the chamber’s gallery…”
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“We also recognise that the rise in cybercrime affects all sectors and that we, collectively—the Government and all our partners—need to work together to keep people safe and to secure our public and essential services. New and emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning, bring massive opportunities for the economy and for people, but it is crucial that we are aware of the risks that they bring and the further opportunities that they offer to cybercriminals. The world is changing so fast, and we have to change at the same pace. Cyberthreats are becoming increasingly complex and aggressive, and are being driven by nation-state activity, AI-enabled cybercrime and ransomware. We see supply chain vulnerabilities, data theft and rising regulatory demands—all those will become persistent risks.”
“Such resilience can no longer be seen solely as a technical issue—achieving it is a national imperative. Digital technology is the engine of our economic growth. It drives innovation, attracts investment and connects Scotland to global markets. We welcome that, but, as Rona Mackay and others have said, we have to be clear that our economic ambitions will fail if we do not embed security and resilience at the heart of those ambitions. Every business transaction, public service and supply chain now depend on secure digital systems. A single breach can disrupt hospitals or courts, close schools or paralyse businesses and can erode public trust. The cost is not only financial; it harms our reputation and could undermine confidence in our country as a safe place in which to do business, invest, work and live.”
“As many have said, too, cybercrime does not include victimless offences; it targets the vulnerable. On that note, on a recent visit to the Virgin Money branch in Keith in my constituency, the bank staff showed me how they had helped some customers—particularly vulnerable people— to spot scams and frauds. It is certain that vulnerable people are being targeted. Cybercrime also exploits trust and undermines the principles of fairness and equality that we, as a country, strive to uphold. When a hospital system is locked down by ransomware, when a small business loses its data or is targeted, or when an individual’s identity is stolen, those injustices ripple right through our society. Cyber resilience is not only about protecting victims; it is about safeguarding the future of our country.”
“I would have been content to pass on the responsibility to the other Richard, if he were here and he wanted to reply. [Laughter.] In my role as Richard Lochhead, I begin by thanking the Criminal Justice Committee for securing the debate. I add my thanks to those expressed by other members to the committee for bringing this important subject to the chamber, and I welcome the valuable contributions made by members from all parties. As Sharon Dowey said, this issue is not going to go away; I have no doubt whatsoever that it will return to the chamber more and more in the years ahead. As many members have said, the message is clear: cybercrime is not some distant threat. It is here, it is growing and it affects every single part of our society—public services, private businesses, charities and individuals. No one is immune.”
“Do you mean a different Richard? The Presiding Officer: My apologies—I meant Richard Lochhead. It was a test, minister. [Laughter.] Please go ahead. 16:59”
“I assure the member that we continue to engage with the credit unions at the UK level—but particularly at the Scottish level and with the Scottish League of Credit Unions—as well as with the FCA. As I indicated, we have also made representations to the UK Government. RAAC (Support for Local Authorities) 7.”
“A few days ago, I had a further meeting with Elaine Rae, who represents the Scottish League of Credit Unions. As I mentioned, I also met representatives of the FCA. We will continue that engagement. During our meeting, as well as addressing general issues on which it could not go into detail—for legal reasons, as it has not yet reached conclusions on what it is looking at—the FCA said that perhaps 5,000 people across the UK are affected, 1,000 of whom are aged 80 or over and so might not be eligible for an alternative product. A number of those 1,000 people will reside in Scotland, so we should be concerned about them, particularly given the time of year and the anxiety that the issue is causing.”
“I understand that, since then, at least seven people in Scotland, who had paid in good faith for that plan, have died without cover, so I thank the Minister for Business and Employment for meeting some of those affected when they visited the Parliament two weeks ago. I also want to recognise that the UK Government has offered to bring stakeholders together. Will the Scottish Government urgently convene a rapid response group, involving the coalition of independent credit unions, to find a solution, at this very distressing time, and so stand with and stand up for the victims of this national scandal? Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Government will continue to engage with those affected. As the member knows well, we very much share his concerns and the concerns that have been expressed by MSPs from across the parties on the issue.”
“On 21 November, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government wrote to Lucy Rigby, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, to highlight the concerns of Scottish credit unions and their members. The chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority received a copy of that letter. I subsequently met representatives of the FCA on 3 December to discuss the matter. Although the regulation of financial services is a matter reserved to the UK Government, we will continue to engage with all parties to help to secure the best outcome for those affected. Richard Leonard: Ten days ago, thousands of elderly people, many in our most deprived communities, had their family protection plan unilaterally cancelled by CMutual.”
“It would help the Parliament if she at least recognised that Brexit is the key factor behind the decline in exports from Scotland to Europe in the statistics that she mentioned.”
“Tess White: Recently released data shows that United Kingdom exports have grown by 4.6 per cent while Scotland’s have fallen by 7 per cent. Since 2018, Scotland’s international exports have fallen by 4 per cent in real terms, and instead of rising to 25 per cent—the target that is set out in “A Trading Nation”—they now sit at just 20 per cent. In light of those outcomes, will the minister admit that the Scottish National Party Government is failing on trade and failing businesses that export? Richard Lochhead: I am astonished by the points that Tess White raised in her question. It is clear that Scottish exports to Europe were very important to the overall picture of Scottish exports. Therefore, Brexit, which was introduced by her party, has really damaged Scotland’s export efforts. We have a lot of work to do to recover from that.”
“The Scottish Government has provided regular updates on the delivery of “A Trading Nation”, our policy on the issue, since it was published back in 2019. We published a full progress report in 2022 and we have also published an independent evaluation of the delivery and impact of “A Trading Nation”, with a further update due next year. In 2024-25, Scottish Enterprise secured a record forecast of £2.46 billion in future export sales, which was an increase of more than 10 per cent from the previous year. However, as the member might be aware, Scotland’s international exports remain just below 21 per cent of gross domestic product against our 2029 target of 25 per cent, which reflects the scale of the challenge that is being experienced in trade as a result of global uncertainty and the impacts of Brexit.”
“The Fair Work Convention has done a lot of work on fair work in the hospitality sector, and we continue to support and enable the adoption of fair work practices in the tourism and hospitality sectors. We are taking a lot of other measures. I mentioned our funding partnership with Living Wage Scotland, which includes a low-pay sector strategy that involves targeted engagement with employers in sectors such as hospitality, social care, tourism and retail. A lot of work is taking place on that. Oil and Gas Jobs (North-East) 3.”
“Bob Doris: I congratulate the Glasgow city region, where 200 new employers have been accredited as paying the real living wage in the year to November 2025, benefiting almost 2,000 additional employees. The city region now has 1,300 accredited employers and it has ambitions to reach 2,000 in the next three years. How can the Scottish Government support that ambition, whether by working with sectors that find paying the real living wage more challenging, such as hospitality, or by helping to remove barriers such as the UK Government’s employer national insurance contribution increases? Richard Lochhead: I congratulate Glasgow on being a real living wage place and on the progress that the member outlined. He referred to hospitality, and fair work continues to be at the heart of our national tourism strategy.”
“The Scottish Government has a funding partnership with Living Wage Scotland going back to 2015 that supports the real living wage accreditation scheme. That has led to the establishment of five living wage places, an increase in the number of accredited employers from 14 in 2014 to more than 4,000 in 2025, and at least 72,000 workers in Scotland receiving a pay rise as a direct result of their employers’ decision to accredit. The partnership has made Scotland the best performing of the four United Kingdom nations, with the highest proportion of workers aged 18 and over being paid at least the real living wage, at 88.7 per cent against the UK average of 85.4 per cent.”
“On the background, of the 13 outlets that closed in recent days, six are in Scotland. They are located in Dumbarton, Forfar, Newton Stewart, Stirling, Hawkhill in Edinburgh and Anniesland in Glasgow. Scottish Forestry officials in the Scottish Government are engaging with the Scottish forest and wood-based industries leadership group to get a fuller understanding of National Timber Group suppliers and the potential wider impact, as was mentioned by Emma Harper. I am happy to keep her up to date with that. Private Residential Childcare (Public Contracts) 3.”
“As I said, my understanding is that the administrators are also in discussion with potential buyers, so there is a chance that the companies that make up the National Timber Group can be saved. Emma Harper: I am pleased to hear that PACE is involved. The National Timber Group is the United Kingdom’s largest independent timber distribution and processing group, and it is a leading supplier to house builders, joiners and contractors. Does the minister share my concerns about the potential wider impact on the supply chain and the construction industry in Scotland? Will the Scottish Government engage to ensure that the business will work constructively and collaboratively on the next steps? Richard Lochhead: I am happy to keep the member up to date as we go forward.”
“Will the minister engage with the workforce representatives at the earliest opportunity to ensure that support is given? That does not appear to be a priority for the administrators. Richard Lochhead: I am very concerned to hear about the workplace reports that Emma Harper outlined. I assure her that discussions will be on-going with the administrators, and we will feed that into the next set of discussions, as she requests. I fully understand Emma Harper’s concerns, and I reassure her that colleagues at PACE are working hard on the issue and are fully engaged with the administrators to offer support to former employees. That is happening. Individuals can also obtain support via the PACE website or a dedicated helpline.”
“Meanwhile, the Scottish Government’s partnership action for continuing employment—PACE—team is engaging with the administrators and affected employees to provide advice on skills and employability support. Emma Harper: A month before Christmas, 169 jobs have been lost in Scotland, including seven in my region. Losing seven jobs in my region is like losing 70 in the central belt. It has been reported to me that staff were not informed—only the manager was emailed—ahead of being told to leave the site. The locks were changed, with personal belongings left behind. The site is now being guarded by 24-hour security. Referral to PACE has been cursory at best. The employees deserve better. What discussions have taken place with the administrators about the future of the Newton Stewart site and other sites?”
“Ministers were very concerned to hear that the National Timber Group has gone into administration, particularly at this time of year, and my thoughts are, first, with the affected staff and their families. The administration has resulted in the closure of six outlets and 169 redundancies in Scotland. That has happened as part of the wider administration of a United Kingdom business that is based in Sheffield. It is important to note that the administrators have said publicly that they hope that they will be able to find a buyer for all or parts of the group, and the Scottish Government will keep a close eye on any news of a buyer for the group.”
“We will do all that we can to ensure that policyholders are not left in the lurch and that those who are responsible fulfil their obligations; I know that members across the chamber would like to see that happen. It is a very important issue and it is causing a lot of distress— Elaine Rae expressed that very well when we met her yesterday. We will continue to stand up for the policyholders.”
“Yesterday, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and I had a productive meeting with Elaine Rae, the chief executive officer of NHS Credit Union, who told me that she represents 14 credit unions in Scotland. She was joined by Paul Sweeney, who is the deputy convener of the cross-party group on credit unions. That was a valuable meeting; it was helpful for ministers to understand the issues. If I get an opportunity to say hello to some of the people in the gallery after this session, I will take it. We will continue to put pressure on the FCA. Although it is, of course, an issue that is reserved to the UK Government, the finance secretary is writing to UK ministers about it.”
“I say to our guests in the gallery that you are welcome, but we do not encourage clapping, because we are in the middle of our parliamentary process. However, you are most welcome to observe our proceedings. Thank you for your understanding. Richard Lochhead: Richard Leonard outlines a very serious situation. The Scottish Government and ministers share his concerns, which he has eloquently outlined to the chamber. I add my welcome to the visitors in the chamber who are facing that awful predicament. It is a very distressing time for the policyholders, especially as we approach winter. I am very much aware of the serious issues that we are discussing today.”
“Each of them took out the funeral policy and paid into it in good faith—many for more than 20 years—so that they could die with the dignity of knowing that their families would not face huge bills. Meanwhile, the greedy directors of the insurance broker CMutual have looted more than £3 million in dividends over the past five years. Will the minister join me today in urgently pressing the Financial Conduct Authority to take out a section 166 order under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000? Will the Government continue its dialogue with the coalition of United Kingdom credit unions until all those affected by the scandal secure justice? [Interruption.] Richard Lochhead: Richard Leonard— The Deputy Presiding Officer: Minister, could you resume your seat for a second?”
“The Scottish Government has engaged with the Financial Conduct Authority, which has confirmed that it is working with relevant parties to understand the background to the decision and the options for replacement cover. Its priority is to ensure that consumers are appropriately informed and have sufficient opportunity to consider options. The FCA is also examining the conduct of firms against its requirements, and any decision to intervene will be guided by its statutory objectives and enforcement principles. The Scottish Government will continue to work with stakeholders to understand the implications for credit unions and their members. Richard Leonard: Thousands of people— mostly elderly, some very elderly—have been abandoned and left in funeral poverty. Some of them join us in the public gallery today.”
“I wonder whether the Conservative Party would have opposed that initiative at the time, which brought electricity to the people who were living there. With massive infrastructure projects, there are occasions when temporary accommodation is required. The planning process is there to ensure that all voices are heard and that planning applications are dealt with appropriately.”
“How will the Scottish ministers ensure that the interests of local businesses are protected and that the concerns of local communities are heard? Richard Lochhead: With regard to the proposal for a site near Ashaig, I hope that the planning authorities are ensuring that there is proper engagement between the applicant and the communities, and that they are fulfilling their role, too. That is the planning process that is in place, and it should be followed. The rolling out of infrastructure to promote renewables in the Highlands and Islands is very important to the future economic wellbeing of the region. A few years ago, I read a book called “The Hydro Boys” by Emma Wood, which is about the roll-out of hydroelectricity in the Highlands.”
“However, new locations are being considered and a 450-bed site is still being proposed for Ashaig. Only last year, Kate Forbes rightly said: “It is absolutely vital that big corporations do not just steamroll in and then steamroll out again leaving locals with nothing but memories of disruption, devastation and anger.” However, that is exactly what is happening not just on Skye but right across the Highlands and Islands, where massive energy infrastructure projects that have been steamrollered through by ministers and officials here in Edinburgh are leaving local communities paying the price for Scottish National Party targets on renewables. Is the Scottish Government aware of the locations that are being considered as alternatives to the Torrin Road site, the application for which has now been withdrawn?”
“I am aware that a number of applications have been submitted to Highland Council for accommodation for temporary workers. Primary responsibility for determining the outcomes of planning applications rests with the council, as the planning authority, and the Scottish Government has not undertaken any separate economic assessment of those proposals. However, application outcomes must be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate that it should be otherwise. It would not be appropriate for the Scottish Government to comment on live or proposed planning applications. Jamie Halcro Johnston: Last month, the application for one of two proposed worker accommodation sites near Broadford in Skye was withdrawn.”
“The Scottish Government continues to try to have the best possible engagement with the UK Government on that, which is not always the easiest thing to do. The UK Treasury could be a lot more helpful with that engagement. We will continue to apply pressure to the UK Government in the run-up to the UK budget.”
“Furthermore, businesses are looking to the UK budget that is on the horizon. Last time, Labour hammered businesses. Will the minister join me in calling for a budget that reverses Labour’s previous punitive approach? Richard Lochhead: I join Marie McNair in acknowledging those businesses in Clydebank and Milngavie that are paying the living wage. In this day and age, with the cost of living, it is more important than ever that they do that. The member rightly highlights the importance of the UK budget not only to workers’ wages but to employers. The less money that employers have, the more difficult it is for them to pay the higher wages that they would perhaps wish to see. National insurance contributions and other measures are also an important part of the debate.”
“The Scottish Government has a long-term funding partnership with Living Wage Scotland to support the roll-out of the real living wage accreditation scheme. The number of accredited employers has increased from 14 in 2014 to more than 4,000 today, with at least 72,000 workers in Scotland receiving a pay rise as a direct result of their employer being accredited. That has made Scotland the best performing of the four UK nations: it has the highest proportion of workers aged 18 and over who are paid the real living wage or more. That level is now 88.7 per cent against a UK average of 85.4 per cent. Marie McNair: The payment of the living wage is a huge step in tackling in-work poverty. Will the minister join me in acknowledging the businesses in Clydebank and Milngavie that are paying the living wage?”
“I expect that scientists, industry experts, activists and members of the public will wish to contribute their views to the consultation. That is why the Government’s amendment reflects the importance of allowing an evidence-led, case-by-case approach to be properly followed to its conclusion. I assure members that the Scottish Government remains clear in our support for a just transition for Scotland’s valuable offshore energy sector.”
“The future of the North Sea oil and gas sector is of vital importance to Scotland’s economy and society, and it is central to our energy transition. Oil and gas will continue to play an extremely important, essential and welcome role in the energy mix for decades to come. That role is now declining, given the maturity of the North Sea basin, as other members have said. It is important that we are clear that, under the current political settlement, decisions on consenting to any specific North Sea oil and gas field—be it Rosebank or any other—is a matter that is reserved to the UK Government. The UK regulator is currently undertaking a statutory process of public consultation as part of an updated environmental impact assessment for the Rosebank field. The consultation remains open until 20 November.”
“In conclusion, Euro 2028 is a significant opportunity for Scotland economically and culturally, and for our reputation. The bill is essential to meeting our obligations as a host nation and delivering a successful tournament that benefits communities right across the country. We have taken a very collaborative approach, working with UEFA, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, Police Scotland and many others, and we will continue those constructive engagements as the bill progresses. I invite Parliament to support the general principles of the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill. I move, That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Clare Adamson to speak on behalf of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee. 15:05”
“We are discussing, monitoring and reporting on human rights impacts with Glasgow City Council and other partners. Those discussions are on- going. The committee reiterated the recommendation of its predecessor committee that the Scottish Government should consider developing an events framework bill. Although we see the potential benefits of that route, bespoke legislation for Euro 2028 is the suitable approach: it is consistent with the approach for previous major events and deliverable within the required timescales. We remain open to exploring the case for a general major events bill in future, but that would require careful consideration and engagement with stakeholders that would not have been possible within the overall timelines for Euro 2028.”
“Enforcement officers will be subject to the legal obligations that are placed on public authorities under the Human Rights Act 1998. The bill’s enforcement powers mirror those under existing legislation such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The powers include safeguards—for example, enforcement officers may enter premises only with permission or a warrant. Without permission or a warrant, using reasonable force to enter will be a decision for a police constable and not an enforcement officer. Entry to people’s homes will be subject to additional safeguards. The committee rightly highlighted the importance of protecting freedom of expression and the right to protest, so the bill supports legitimate protest. It includes exemptions for peaceful protest, and Police Scotland will uphold rights to protest and freedom of expression.”
“We recognise the importance of Euro 2028 to local businesses, including street traders, in addition to the usual level of trade that they would expect. The bill will require Glasgow City Council to offer alternative trading arrangements to affected street traders, and we welcome the council’s intention to waive temporary licence fees for those affected traders. The bill will also require the council to publish guidance for businesses. We will continue to engage with businesses and communities as the detail of event zones is developed in the coming months. The committee sought reassurance that the enforcement powers in the bill are proportionate and compatible with human rights. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that enforcement powers are exercised in a manner that is compatible with human rights.”
“That means that reselling a ticket at face value will not in itself be an offence, provided that the seller does not intend to make profit from the transaction. However, UEFA’s ticketing terms and conditions might prohibit tickets being resold except via an authorised resale platform. Although such activity would not be a criminal offence under the bill, it could result in the ticket being voided by UEFA under those conditions once they are published. The committee also asked how ticketing offences will be addressed across borders. We are working on that with the UK Government and other host nations to support an aligned approach. The committee raised concerns about the potential impact of the bill on street traders.”
“First, it will prohibit the unauthorised sale of tickets for more than face value or for profit. Secondly, it will restrict unauthorised street trading and advertising in designated event zones. Thirdly, it will provide enforcement powers to implement the protections effectively. The measures are time limited, proportionate and targeted. The bill will be automatically repealed on 31 December 2028. I welcome the committee’s stage 1 report and will now turn to its key themes. The committee asked for clarification on whether “it will be legal under the Bill to resell a ticket online at face value.” I confirm that the bill defines ticket touting as the unauthorised sale of a championship ticket either for more than its face value or with a view to making a profit.”
“During Euro 2024, we saw the enthusiasm and positive reputation of Scottish supporters abroad, and we want to build on that in 2028. The tournament will boost tourism and hospitality in Scotland and promote our culture at the same time. Glasgow will host at least one official UEFA fan zone, extending the experience beyond Hampden park. A Euro 2028 UK and Ireland social impact fund of £45 million is jointly supported by government and football partners. That is intended to deliver benefits right across these islands and Ireland. To host Euro 2028, Scotland must meet UEFA’s requirements for protecting commercial rights; conditions apply to all host nations. Although some protections already exist, additional legislation is required, with the bill focusing on three key areas.”
“It will be a month-long celebration of football, and Scotland will host matches at Hampden park in Glasgow, welcoming fans from across Europe and, no doubt, beyond. The tournament is about football, but it is also about so much more. Euro 2028 aligns with our national priorities as a Government: supporting economic growth, promoting inclusion and showcasing Scotland internationally. Our successful joint bid for Euro 2028 reflects Scotland’s significant experience and global reputation for hosting major events. Our hosting of Euro 2020 was shaped by the pandemic, but Euro 2028 offers a fresh opportunity to provide a warm Scottish welcome and deliver really vibrant celebrations—all the way to the final match, I hope.”
“The Scottish Government welcomes the committee’s support for the bill’s general principles and has considered its recommendations carefully. We are committed to working with Parliament and stakeholders to ensure that the legislation is proportionate, effective and fit for purpose. The bill is a vital step in enabling Scotland to play its part in hosting Euro 2028. In the more immediate future, our attention perhaps will be more focused on the next few days, when Scotland’s men’s team will play crucial qualifiers against Greece and Denmark for next year’s FIFA world cup. I know that I speak for us all when I say that we wish Steve Clarke and the team all the best. [Applause.] However, in 2028, the Euros are coming to Scotland. Euro 2028 will be the largest-ever major sporting event jointly staged by the United Kingdom and Ireland.”
“As we meet on 11 November, armistice day, wearing our poppies, to discuss the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill and the opportunity that it brings for our nation, we do so on a day of profound reflection. Today, we all paused to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to our country. It is with that spirit of respect and unity that we look to the future, and sport brings nations and us all together. I turn to the specifics of the stage 1 debate on the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill. First, I thank the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee for its constructive scrutiny. I also thank all who contributed evidence, including the Union of European Football Associations, the Scottish Football Association, Police Scotland and the Scottish Human Rights Commission.”
“The whole issue of digital inclusion is not divorced from the issue of the loss of high street banks. It is important that we take measures to ensure that people are not left behind and can access banking services through digital means if they are unable to access them through a high street bank. I assure the Parliament that I recognise this very topical issue, and I urge all members to pay attention to the post-implementation review that is being carried out by the FCA, so that we can ensure that Scotland’s voice is heard. 13:42 Meeting suspended. 14:00 On resuming— Business Motions”
“The member should rest assured that that was raised at that meeting. The FCA is now having a post-implementation review of a lot of the issues that we are discussing. [Interruption.] For clarity, that is not me on the screen. I assure the Parliament that, in that post- implementation review and following the forum, the Scottish Government will continue to make the strongest representations to the authorities to ensure that our concerns are taken into account. Many measures on digital inclusion are under way. We launched two new funds to support digital inclusion work just this month, to the tune of more than £1.4 million, which is now available. The connecting Scotland digital inclusion fund and a CivTech challenge have combined UK Government and Scottish Government funding to support digital inclusion projects.”
“We articulated a number of issues and gave some case studies based on insights that had been gained from lots of sources, including Citizens Advice Scotland, which highlighted Scotland’s particular rural geography, topography and demographics as compared with the rest of the UK. It has always been our objective to have specific Scottish concerns taken into account. Rachael Hamilton: At that meeting, were concerns raised around the demise or withdrawal of public transport in rural areas? Was that taken into account? Richard Lochhead: A range of concerns were expressed by the Scottish Government at that meeting, such as the methodology used by Link to assess a community and decisions about the banking hubs. The frequency, duration and distance of public transport was indeed raised, as was the availability of transport in communities.”
“That is a very valuable instrument, it has been in place for many years now, and it plays a big role. There have been a number of other activities in relation to the on-going concerns over the criteria for securing a banking hub. Many members have mentioned cases where that has been refused in the past. This month, representatives of the Scottish Government attended an FCA-convened forum on access to cash, at which we were able to raise Scotland-specific concerns about how our communities are being directly impacted. Those concerns were raised at the forum with the FCA, Link and Cash Access UK.”
“High street banking still has a role to play, and some of the safeguards that we have talked about are crucial. Craig Hoy: In many respects, the closure of a bank removes the reason to visit a town. As the Scottish Government prepares for next year’s budget, will the minister make sure that the Government does nothing further that could impede our high streets? Richard Lochhead: We could have a separate debate about the future of high streets in Scotland. The small business bonus scheme, which has been in place for a number of years now, has been incredibly valuable to small businesses on our high streets. On many of our more rural high streets and those in smaller villages and communities, there are virtually no local businesses that pay rates.”
“The expansion of banking hubs across Scotland has been positively received by the communities that have benefited. We have a total of 16 hubs already, and another 13 are in progress. They bring together multiple banks under one roof and provide communities with access to essential banking facilities, allowing customers to carry out everyday transactions and speak to representatives from their own banks on dedicated days. I remember a statistic from back in 2022 that only 14 per cent of transactions nowadays involve cash. The world is changing. However, as members have said, we need safeguards. Many members have eloquently outlined the concerns of vulnerable communities—in particular, elderly people—as well as certain parts of the economy such as small businesses in more rural communities in particular.”