Ivan McKee
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“We understand that the SPSO assesses complaints to identify how they should be prioritised. The SPSO prioritises cases where a complainant is vulnerable or the matter is assessed as urgent and ongoing. The SPSO keeps people who are affected by delays informed. In 2024-25, the SPSO reduced the number of open cases by 15 per cent.”
“As part of our programme of public service reform, we are embedding openness, transparency and accountability into how services are designed, delivered and improved. Our next open Government action plan will set out an anti-corruption strategy and plans for improving public participation in decision making.”
“Will he agree to meet me and other members from across the chamber to discuss how we might work together to provide legal support for the Nolan principle of integrity in public life? Ivan McKee: I am very happy to meet the member to discuss that further. Such issues are hugely important to the Government.”
“How bad does the situation have to get before a full investigation is made? Ivan McKee: That would be a matter for the Parliament, not the Government. As an organisation, the ombudsman rightly sits separate from the Government.”
“More than £300 million has been saved through more efficient procurement in the past two years and we are projecting savings of more than £50 million through the rationalisation of estates—13 core Scottish Government buildings have been closed in the past three years and there are more to follow.”
“I am delighted to open this afternoon’s debate on public service reform, which I believe will be the defining task of this session of Parliament.”
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“Liz Smith: In the light of the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s most recent forecast about the projected increases in the size of Scotland’s social security budgets, I asked the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice last Thursday at committee, and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy yesterday at committee, to explain where the money is coming from to pay for the increased social security expenditures. All that I got back was that those are increased investments as part of the Government’s social contract with the people of Scotland. I will try again. Where is the money coming from to fund social security budget increases for the next two years? Ivan McKee: The Government recognises the importance of supporting all our citizens.”
“The Government has been crystal clear with the Parliament and the public—first with the 2023 medium-term financial strategy and 2023-24 budget, then through the fiscal statement in September and 2025-26 budget—about the challenges and risks that the public finances face. We will continue to be open about the actions that are required to ensure fiscal sustainability when we publish the updated medium-term financial strategy and fiscal sustainability delivery plan later this year. The Government remains committed to improving our fiscal transparency and we are actively considering Audit Scotland’s recommendations.”
“On 3 January, the First Minister and the president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities—supported by 48 public and voluntary sector organisations—wrote to the chancellor to raise concerns about the impact of the increase in employer national insurance contributions and to seek clarity on funding.”
“Has the UK Government given any indication that it will cover all the additional national insurance costs of the public and third sectors in Scotland, or is it content to let jobs and vital services wither on the vine? Ivan McKee: 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 England. We have a range of public sector employers, including the national health service, the police and local authorities, which need clarity on the matter to inform their spending decisions.”
“On 20 November last year, the Scottish Government published estimates of the impact of the increase in employer national insurance contributions on the public sector in Scotland. Those estimates indicate that the combined impact on the public sector and commissioned services is more than £700 million. If the United Kingdom Government’s reported allocation is all that is provided, that will mean that the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be short-changing services that the Scottish public depend on by more than £400 million. Kevin Stewart: Labour’s employer national insurance hike is a tax on jobs, and it will have a major impact on the delivery of services. Third sector organisations face massive bills. VSA in Aberdeen is having to find a whopping £468,000 to cover its additional national insurance bill.”
“Although it is for locally elected councillors to manage their day-to-day business and decision-making processes, any decision about public libraries must be considered extremely carefully. Local authorities should continue to work in partnership with communities to explore new ways of delivering essential front- line services based on local needs.”
“Before Christmas, it was a pleasure to work with community activists in Banffshire and Buchan Coast to fight the proposed closures of libraries across the north-east. Initially, we were delighted when the Conservative administration of Moray Council announced a U-turn on its proposed closure of Cullen library. Only hours later, we were crushed when the council U-turned on its U-turn. Libraries are more than just buildings: they are a lifeline for many. What more can we do to ensure that essential public services such as libraries are protected? Ivan McKee: The Scottish Government places great importance on public libraries and we believe that everyone should have access to library services.”
“The Scottish Government has increased local government funding to record levels. If the Scottish budget is supported by Opposition parties and passes, Aberdeenshire Council will receive its formula share of more than £1 billion of additional funding for local government. That would deliver an increase for the council of 7.4 per cent, which would help it to maintain services across Banffshire and Buchan Coast without the need for big increases in council tax. However, local authorities have their own powers and responsibilities, and it is for locally elected councillors to make decisions on how best to utilise the total funding that is available to deliver services for their local communities. Karen Adam: I welcome the extra investment for our public services.”