Tom Arthur
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I am advised that Transport Scotland officials responded to the South West of Scotland Transport Partnership in June 2023 to confirm that the outcome of its review of SWestrans’s Beattock and Moffat transport appraisal report was that a robust business case had not been made for a Beattock station to be progressed further in the developme…”
“David Kirkwood: Given the 2028 opening of the River Tweed trail—the long-distance path that will start in Moffat, the jewel of the south, and run 113 miles to Berwick-upon-Tweed—and the probable extension of the Clydesdale way into Moffat a few years later, it is likely that more than 300,000 additional cyclists and walkers will visit the…”
“As the First Minister set out, the Scottish Government will invest in essential infrastructure across Scotland, including new train stations and ongoing electrification of our rail network.”
“First, I welcome colleagues across the chamber who join me in condemning the violence, xenophobia and racism that were experienced right here in the streets of our capital on Friday last week. There is no place for violence in the streets, homes, or communities of Scotland—whether it be race based, faith based or otherwise.”
“Scotland is a place that values hope, tolerance and solidarity—values that are shared both by people who were born here and by those who have privileged us by choosing to make Scotland their home. I hope that those values are shared by those who are fortunate enough to be in the chamber.”
“The Scottish Government had initially, on 15 June, lodged a legislative consent memorandum with the Parliament stating that we would not consent to the bill, due to the UK Government having not agreed to our proposals that it have appropriate regard to devolution.”
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“I, Tom Arthur, 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.”
“As I touched on earlier, notwithstanding the existing challenges that we face through the cost of living crisis, those issues are being compounded by the United Kingdom Government’s decisions on immigration and on employer national insurance contributions.”
“From next Wednesday, North Ayrshire Council will provide only critical social care. Labour abstained in the budget to avoid making choices, sneakily blaming Scottish ministers thereafter if any portfolio fell under pressure. Social care is certainly in that category. Can the minister confirm how much of the additional funding that is available to the Scottish Government from April will be allocated to health and social care partnerships, specifically North Ayrshire? Tom Arthur: I assure the member that all councils will receive their fair share of the currently undistributed sum of £107.5 million. We recognise that social care is under pressure. That is why we increased the allocation in the budget for social care and for local government.”
“In 2026-27, North Ayrshire Council will receive £403.9 million to fund local services, which equates to an extra £20.1 million or an additional 5.2 per cent compared to 2025-26. NHS Ayrshire and Arran will receive nearly £1.1 billion in baseline funding, which equates to an increased investment of £88.2 million from 2025-26. That includes a 2 per cent baseline uplift of £21 million for the board. The Scottish Government continues to engage closely with North Ayrshire HSCP and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to understand system pressures, and it is providing a range of support on matters relating to health and social care. Kenneth Gibson: Demographic change and rising demand are placing ever greater strain on health and social care partnerships and the Scottish Government.”
“I therefore urge the UK Government to think again on these matters; to recognise the invaluable contribution that overseas workers make, not just in social care but across our economy; and to act accordingly. North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership 5.”
“We all recognise that, both in Scotland and across the wider UK, there are significant systemic challenges in social care, in particular owing to demographic pressures and the cost of living crisis with which we have been contending for the past five years. That makes it very difficult to understand the rationale behind the UK Government’s approach to immigration with regard to social care and its decision on employer national insurance contributions, which we estimate is costing the sector around £84 million. That is not in the interests of social care in Scotland, and it is certainly not in the interests of social care elsewhere in the UK.”
“Jackie Dunbar: As we have seen for months now, the UK Labour Government is determined to lurch further to the right on immigration than even the Tories were when they were in power. That is having a hugely damaging impact on constituents such as mine, who rely on skilled workers in social care to deliver care packages and the valuable services that are provided by our care home staff. What assessment has the minister made of the harmful impact that Labour policies are having on the social care sector in particular? Will he join me in calling for the repeal of those damaging policies by the reckless UK Labour Government? Tom Arthur: Jackie Dunbar raises extremely important points.”
“The scheme, which closed in January 2026, is backed by £500,000 of Scottish Government funding and helps employers to fill critical roles in adult social care via displaced international workers who are already in the United Kingdom and find themselves without sponsored employment through no fault of their own. Based on early estimates from current operational data, we anticipate that up to 200 vacancies may be filled as a result. We continue to process eligible claims for the scheme and, once that process is complete, we will begin our evaluation of the scheme, including options to further support and strengthen the adult social care sector via displaced workers.”
“As Alex Cole-Hamilton will appreciate, there is differentiation in pay across social care depending on whether one is employed under agenda for change, the Scottish joint council for local government employees or the independent sector. That is exactly why sectoral bargaining has been brought forward after much careful work and deliberation with providers, Scottish Care, the Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland, trade union colleagues and local government. We have delivered the real living wage, which is £12.60 this year, for those who are involved in directly commissioned services in adult social care. In April, the wage will go up to £13.45. That represents significant investment, but we have an opportunity to build on that in the next parliamentary session through sectoral bargaining.”
“That costs the NHS £1.3 million a day, whereas it would cost a quarter of that to sustain them in their own homes with a care package. All of that causes an interruption in flow, which causes operations to be cancelled and ambulances to be stacked outside accident and emergency units. When will the Government finally recognise the words of Donald Macaskill, who says: “I am still frustrated the Scottish Government doesn’t take social care seriously”? Tom Arthur: I put on record my sincere gratitude to Donald Macaskill and his team at Scottish Care for their continued engagement and valued insights. It has been a pleasure to engage with them regularly throughout my tenure as minister. To respond on the issue of pay, that is why I made the point about sectoral bargaining, which is absolutely crucial.”
“With regard to the specific measures that have been taken at the end of this parliamentary session, I draw members’ attention to my announcement last week, which set out that the Government is committed to introducing sectoral bargaining for the financial year 2027-28. That, in and of itself, represents a significant step forward in improving terms, conditions, pay and overall resource in social care. Alex Cole-Hamilton: The current rates of social care pay are “woefully inadequate”. Those are not my words but those of Donald Macaskill, who is the chief executive of Scottish Care. Let me quantify for members what that means. As a result of those 40,000 hours of unmet need in our communities, 2,000 Scots remain in hospital every night—they are well enough to go home but too frail to do so without a care package.”
“Tom Arthur: I recognise the constructive engagement of Ms Laughland. With regard to what has been achieved in this Parliament, one key point that I will highlight is the increase in resource. This Government committed to an increase in social care resource of 25 per cent. That commitment not only has been met ahead of the end of the parliamentary session but has been exceeded by approximately £500 million. That has happened at a time when we have had unparalleled pressure generated by the cost of living crisis. We all remember that we have had to contend with eye-watering inflation rates, which have impacted every individual, household and business, including those who operate in social care, and every facet of the public sector.”
“Alex Cole-Hamilton: For the five years of this parliamentary session, we have known about the challenges that the minister has just rehearsed, and all the while that crisis in social care has fed through to a crisis in our NHS. It is no wonder that the report that was submitted to ministers by Lynn Laughland, who is the chair of HRM Homecare Services Ltd, revealed that 40,000 weekly hours of care were being missed or not met. That led her to say: “These are not administrative backlogs. They are the measurable consequences of a system operating beyond sustainable capacity.” The sector has been on its knees for the better part of this parliamentary session, and this Government has been found wanting. In the dying days of this parliamentary session, what will the minister’s Government do to help social care in this country?”
“We are working to improve outcomes for people who need or receive social care. No one in Scotland should have to wait for crucial care and support. It is the responsibility of local authorities, national health service boards and integrated health and social care partnerships to have in place clear arrangements for the delivery, commissioning, management and monitoring of social care. The current social care support system is under pressure as a result of Brexit, increased demand, restrictive United Kingdom Government migration policies, the increase in employer national insurance contributions and the cost of living. It needs to work better for everyone in Scotland, and we will continue to work with partners and people with lived experience to ensure that that happens.”
“Our current systems are designed for 1 to 2 per cent of the population, but potentially as much as 20 per cent of the population requires support. That requires a needs-based approach. I fully understand that, in addressing need, assessment and diagnosis can be vitally important for identity and validation and, specifically for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, for access to medication. I recognise the importance of that and I have been seeking to work constructively with parliamentary colleagues through the two summits that have been convened. I hope that that will build momentum so that whoever forms the next Administration after the election can build on that work and utilise the additional resources that have been provided in the budget that was recently passed.”
“We have had conversations in the past year and I have brought constituency cases to him, but I am distraught that, a year on, we still have families that are stuck with no pathway. I appreciate that schools can do a lot and I appreciate that they can put plans in place to help neurodiverse young people, but some people just need an assessment. Will the next Government put forward an appropriate strategy that will guarantee that those who really need an assessment can get one? Tom Arthur: I appreciate and value the meeting that Mark Ruskell and I had to discuss the matter, and his on-going interest and engagement. I recognise that we are contending with a significant increase in demand over recent years, which necessitates not just a whole-system, but a whole- society, response.”
“I am aware of NHS Tayside’s decision to pause new neurodevelopmental referrals where a child does not have a coexisting mental health condition, but that does not mean that support is unavailable. For example, local authorities have a statutory duty to identify and make provision for children and young people with additional support needs, regardless of a diagnosis. I also recognise that demand for neurodevelopmental support and assessment has increased significantly. We are working with health boards and local authorities to implement our neurodevelopmental specification, which sets clear expectations for boards and children’s services to work together to deliver timely needs- based support, in line with the getting it right for every child approach. Mark Ruskell: I know that Tom Arthur gets it.”
“We all know the huge sensitivity of the subject that is before us, the complexity of it and the weight that is on our shoulders as we make our individual, personal decision on the bill. It is now for members to cast their final vote in the decision before us. 18:40”
“Through stage 3 amendments that were agreed to by the Parliament last week, the changes that were necessary to address the issues of legislative competence with the bill have been made. Another potential issue was that amendments at stage 3 could have brought the bill further outwith competence. That is why the Government provided a commentary on the amendments, in which it highlighted technical, deliverability, legal and legislative competence matters, to help members in making decisions on the amendments that they might wish to accept or otherwise. We also did that at stage 2, and, yesterday, we provided a final short commentary on the bill to support MSPs in making their decision.”
“That engagement also resulted in an in-principle agreement with the UK Government to take forward a section 104 order, should the bill be passed, although it would be for a future Scottish Government and the UK Government to work together on the detail of that order. That in- principle agreement covers making provision consequential on the bill for individuals and practitioners to opt out of participating in assisted dying and providing appropriate employment protections. It also covers the consideration and making of appropriate provision to specify the training, qualifications and experience that would be required for participating medical practitioners and nurses.”
“During the stage 3 considerations, Liam McArthur reminded members that he, too, was aware of the need to ensure legislative competence, and I appreciate his acknowledgement of the constructive and timely work by both Governments in that regard. As Neil Gray has said to Parliament, that engagement, which took place in good faith, resulted in a section 30 order that modified schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998 to allow the Scottish Parliament to legislate on the identification and regulation of substances and devices for use in assisted dying in relation to the bill. Both Parliaments and the Privy Council have approved the order, and it came into force on 11 March.”
“I would also like to note the work of the members of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee and the parliamentary staff who have supported them. They have had a larger role to play than most through the bill’s first two stages and have considered these profound matters with the care and seriousness that they deserve. Let me now turn to the role of the Scottish Government. As members are aware, we undertook to respect the will of this Parliament by engaging with the UK Government to try to resolve the issues of legislative competence that we had identified with the bill as introduced, which we set out in our September 2024 memorandum, as well as with provisions that were added to the bill at stage 2.”
“Unfortunately, Neil Gray, who up until today has led on Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill for the Scottish Government, was admitted to hospital yesterday. I am pleased to say that he has now been discharged, but he is unable to take part in this evening’s debate. I will be keeping my remarks on behalf of the Government short, and I remind members that the Government is neutral on the bill. The bill has been carefully and properly considered by Parliament, through the actions of Mr McArthur as the member in charge of the bill and through the contributions of all members. There are strongly held and passionate views on both sides of the debate, but I believe that members have taken a considered and courteous approach so far, and I am sure that that will continue this evening.”
“As members will be aware, I am required under standing orders to decide whether, in my view, any provision of a 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 this bill, in my view, no provision of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill relates to a protected subject matter. Therefore, the bill does not require a supermajority to be passed at stage 3. Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill”
“I will be extremely brief, Presiding Officer. Amendments 1 to 5 would appear to be necessary technical amendments to correct some of the cross-references in the bill as amended at stage 3. The Presiding Officer: I ask Liam McArthur whether he wishes to wind up. Liam McArthur: I have nothing further to add. I press amendment 1. Amendment 1 agreed to. Amendments 2 and 3 moved—[Liam McArthur]—and agreed to. Section 13—Recording of declarations and statements Amendment 4 moved—[Liam McArthur]—and agreed to. Section 28—Regulation-making powers Amendment 5 moved—[Liam McArthur]—and agreed to. The Presiding Officer: That ends the consideration of amendments.”
“I hope that, together, we can work towards mental health services of the highest standards for all young people in Scotland. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The minister will now take questions on the issues raised in his statement. I invite those members who wish to ask a question to press their request-to-speak buttons. I intend to allow up to 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move to the next item of business.”
“To quote the recent inspection reports, “When a child or young person is admitted to one of Scotland’s national or regional mental health units, it is because they require assessment and treatment for complex mental health needs. They are at their most vulnerable and they, and their families, have a right to the highest quality, compassionate care in a safe, clean, welcoming environment. We found that this was the experience of some but not all of those we met with. This is not good enough, all have the same right, irrespective of where the care is provided and by whom.” I invite members to work collaboratively with me on the matter. I know that improving mental health services for children and young people is an important issue to many of us across the chamber.”
“The reports set out a number of challenges for the services. They also highlight many positive aspects and, critically, they give us a clear path forward. The young people and families who spoke up did so with extraordinary courage. We owe it to them to ensure that care at Skye house and across all our CAMHS in-patient services is safe, compassionate and rooted in the rights and dignity of every child. I am absolutely determined that the changes that are now in train are delivered at pace during the remainder of my term in office. I am committed to doing everything in my power to deliver that change and restore public confidence.”
“Officials will follow up with the boards on any resulting recommendations through routine engagement and performance monitoring. We are working closely with the commission to explore how to improve routes of escalation between the commission and the Scottish Government. I intend to provide additional funding to the commission for more rigorous visits in future, including for visits over multiple days. Healthcare Improvement Scotland will monitor progress on the action plan, and has the ability to escalate any issues to ministers and the Scottish Government, if it would be appropriate. Officials will work closely with HIS in the first half of 2026- 27 to develop proposals for an on-going programme of CAMHS inspections, with that activity expected to start in the latter half of this year.”
“A national specification will help to ensure that all settings operate to the same high standards and will clearly set out the role of in-patient care as part of a broader child and adolescent mental health service. I have written to those same chief executives to ask them to report back to the Scottish ministers after the election with detailed proposals on how, collectively, they will further strengthen CAMHS community services and pathways in and out of in- patient care, improve care at home and ensure that vulnerable young people receive the right support at the right time, in the right place. For further assurance, the commission will also undertake follow-up visits to monitor progress against the action plans for all regional units.”
“As well as the individual reports on each of the in-patient units, I welcome the national overview report that was recently published by Health Improvement Scotland and the commission. It brings together the themes arising from visits in order to inform future improvements to the quality and safety of our CAMHS in-patient units. In response to those themes, I have considered what national improvements will be required to better support young people and I have highlighted my support for the recommendation that all health boards that are currently responsible for adolescent psychiatric in-patient units should develop a national in-patient service specification and, following the review of care that they have already undertaken, put in place more robust governance and oversight.”
“A multidisciplinary review of legal processes is under way, and the board is working closely with the commission to ensure full compliance going forward. Members may also be aware that I am taking urgent action to improve the use of restraint and seclusion in in-patient mental health settings by updating the code of practice under the 2003 act. I have also asked the commission to begin monitoring and reporting on the use of restraint and seclusion at a national level to enhance oversight. Following the publication of these reports, I have met with the chief executives of all of the boards accountable for delivery, to ensure that robust improvement plans are in place, and my expectation is that all formal requirements and areas for improvement will be implemented swiftly. I have made it clear that I expect regular updates on progress.”
“NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is accountable for care and treatment at Skye house and I now expect the board to be laser focused on driving up those standards of care. The board has accepted all of the requirements and areas for improvement that are set out in the joint inspection report and now has an action plan in place to address them. I expect that plan to be implemented at pace, so as to improve the experience of young people needing care in our adolescent in-patient facilities. In respect of the serious issues that were identified around the authority to treat under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, I understand that weekly checks and audits of all treatment forms are now in place.”
“That brings with it a zero-tolerance approach to any and all inappropriate behaviour. The board’s action plan demonstrates there has been a drive to improve and reduce the use of restraint. It reports that 99 per cent of Skye house staff have now completed prevention and management of violence and aggression training, with bank staff trained in safe restraint practice. In addition, improvements have been made to the recording and oversight of the use of restraint, with clearer governance and reporting. Although I acknowledge that improvements have been made, I have been clear that more still needs to be done to ensure that the care at Skye house reaches the high standards that every young person in Scotland has the right to expect.”
“The board has also strengthened its governance through a dedicated executive oversight group, which is chaired at executive level. The group meets regularly to provide direct oversight of Skye house, monitor progress against actions and escalate any concerns immediately to the chief executive. I understand that a number of new staff are now in post, including eleven new nurses, and that recruitment is nearly complete to strengthen the wider multidisciplinary team. Increasing permanent recruitment should mean less reliance on temporary staffing, which was a key factor in the cultural issues that were identified. I have also been told that the civility saves lives champions who are working in Skye house are helping drive the cultural improvements that are clearly required.”
“The issues highlighted range from cultural concerns and staffing pressures to weaknesses in governance, such as inconsistent recording of restraint—I remain particularly concerned about the lack of clarity around the lawful use of restraint during nasogastric feeding. I have met the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland to discuss those concerns. I have also met the health board leadership and been assured that improvements have been made since the inspection took place seven months ago. The chief executive has confirmed to me that the board feels that the risks in Skye house are being actively and appropriately managed each day and that the service is operating safely, while recognising that caring for this patient group involves inherently high levels of clinical risk.”
“I am grateful to them for speaking so openly about their experiences. I have been deeply moved by what they shared and impressed by their commitment to driving change in the future. Today, I want to reassure those families and young people that their voices have been heard and that they will shape change. It is also important to remember that the “Disclosure” documentary had a significant impact on staff. The reviews show that a lot of high-quality critical care is being delivered within in-patient units in child and adult mental health services. I am incredibly grateful to those staff, who are working hard to provide compassionate care to young people in challenging circumstances. However, I am also very clear that the serious issues that were identified in the report are where we need to see improvement.”
“I express my thanks to both organisations for the thoroughness with which they have carried out that work, and to all those who contributed to the reviews. As the Parliament would expect, I will not comment on the detail of individual cases. However, I will specifically address the findings of the joint visit to Skye house, as I know that it is a matter of deep concern to members across the chamber. I also want to acknowledge, at the outset, the young people and families whose courage in raising concerns, including through the BBC “Disclosure” documentary last year, has helped to bring the issues to light. They should not have had to fight to be heard. They deserved better. Since the BBC documentary aired, both Maree Todd and I have met several families and young people who were in Skye house.”
“My statement follows the joint Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland report on Skye house, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s regional adolescent in-patient mental health unit. Following the BBC “Disclosure” documentary on Skye house, which aired in February 2025, my predecessor, Maree Todd, made a statement to the Parliament on 25 February 2025, setting out the Government’s plan for stronger external assurance. That commitment reflected the seriousness of the issues that were identified in the documentary. It included commissioning a programme of joint visits by Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland to every adolescent mental health in-patient unit in Scotland, including Skye house, in order to ensure that concerns were examined thoroughly and independently.”
“Local authorities, NHS boards and integrated health and social care partnerships are responsible for ensuring clear arrangements for delivering, commissioning, managing and monitoring care packages. The health and social care standards outline what people should expect from services, and it is clear that, in this case, those standards have not been met. We are reviewing those standards, and I can tell the member that I will be asking my officials to look into the matter further immediately, to provide the member with a written update and to identify any appropriate support for her constituent. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Question 8 has been withdrawn. That therefore concludes portfolio questions on health and social care. Education”
“Ten months later, without any warning or communication, a home carer arrived at the door, stating that they had been assigned to provide care. That caused extreme distress to my constituent with Alzheimer’s, and also to their family and support. Can the Scottish Government ensure that local authorities do not reduce, withdraw or alter care packages without clear communication and adequate notice, to ensure that vulnerable people are protected? Tom Arthur: I thank Clare Adamson for bringing the circumstances of her constituent to the attention of Parliament. I am deeply sorry to hear about the circumstances that she has described, and I offer my sympathies and thoughts to her constituent for the distress that that has caused.”
“The Scottish Government expects integration joint boards to safeguard vulnerable people affected by any change to their care package. It is their duty to strategically plan the delivery of integrated health and social care provision and to adhere to national health and social care standards. An individual’s care package should be reviewed or ended because an individual’s needs have changed, not for financial planning or other operational reasons. The Scottish Government will continue to work with local government and providers to deliver sustained improvement. Clare Adamson: A constituent of mine was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in January 2025. They received no information apart from that they had not qualified for self-directed support.”
“These essential facilities ensure that disabled people can attend venues such as the Tannahill centre and use the services and amenities that are on offer, just like the rest of us. Changing places toilets are crucial to ensuring that communities are inclusive by providing individuals with greater freedom, dignity and independence. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Royal Mail (Patient Correspondence) 5.”
“Along with the minister, I recently attended an event at the Tannahill centre in Ferguslie Park, in Paisley, which received funding for a changing places toilet. Does the minister agree that such facilities improve accessibility for disabled people and should be seen as standard throughout Scotland? Tom Arthur: I recognise Mr Adam’s long- standing interest in this area. He is absolutely correct that venues such as the Tannahill centre provide essential services and amenities that are well used by local communities. The installation of the changing places toilet will make a huge difference to the everyday lives of people in the community who have complex disabilities and health conditions, as well as their families and carers.”
“In December, I confirmed awards from the changing places toilets fund totalling £4.7 million for 59 projects across Scotland. On 20 February, a further £2.3 million was approved for 25 projects, which brought the total figure for awards to more than £7 million for 84 projects. The provision of the new facilities in communities across Scotland will support people with complex disabilities and health conditions to participate fully in society and access community resources. The 2026-27 budget, which the Parliament approved, includes an additional £10 million for changing places toilets over the next three financial years. That brings the total investment that has been committed to £20 million. George Adam: As the minister will be aware, this issue is quite important to me personally.”
“We recognise that need, which is why we are uplifting support for payment of the real living wage. The budget also contains provisions to enhance terms and conditions and waive the protecting vulnerable groups scheme membership fee. On the broader point about sectoral bargaining, we continue to engage on that and make progress in Government and with partners—providers, third sector representatives and trade unions—and we will keep the Parliament up to date and informed.”
“Alex Rowley: I hope that the minister agrees that we need to create a proper career structure for care workers across Scotland to make it attractive for people in Scotland to become carers. The story of care workers in Scotland so far is one of being undervalued and underpaid, with mixed terms and conditions, depending on the employer—some have very poor terms and conditions compared to others. Does the minister accept that, if we are to build a proper career in care, we need national pay bargaining and national terms and conditions, and that we need to treat all care workers in Scotland with respect and recognise their value? Tom Arthur: I thank Mr Rowley for his question and his tone. As always, he approaches these matters in a thoughtful, considered and constructive way.”
“The Scottish Government is taking forward a range of actions to address the social care workforce shortage, including investing more than £1.1 billion annually to support the real living wage, funding national recruitment platforms such as caretocare.scot, funding free vacancy advertising on the myjobscotland website and working with the Department for Work and Pensions to promote career pathways. We have also funded the £500,000 displaced workers scheme, which supports employers to recruit international workers who are already in the UK and who find themselves without sponsored employment through no fault of their own. We will continue to press the UK Government for a visa system that better meets Scotland’s needs.”
“That is why there is an uplift in funding for social care in the budget, why there is an uplift in funding overall for health and social care and why there is an uplift in funding for local government. That has been achieved through the parliamentary process in setting the budget. We will continue to engage closely with local partners, recognising the pressures that are faced, but, ultimately, as has been expressed as the will of the Parliament, those decisions are for local partners to take. Social Care Workers 2.”
“The decision on those vital services in Renfrewshire, which some of the most vulnerable people I represent rely on, has been conveniently pushed back to after the election in June, leaving them anxious. Given that the Government has ignored that issue in the budget, what will the minister do now to address that gap? Given the Scottish National Party’s record until now, is it not the case that, if—I emphasise the “if”—the SNP is still in power after May, it is almost certain that those service cuts will go ahead? Tom Arthur: I thank the member for raising those important issues. The first point to highlight is that we recognise that social care is under significant pressure in Scotland, just as it is elsewhere in the United Kingdom.”