Portfolio Questions

Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Economy and Gaelic Douglas Lumsden S6O-05058 1. To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the potential impact on regional economies and employment, what assessment it has made of the extent to which projected transmission-related job opportunities are dependent on the consenting outcome for proposed overhead line projects within the current network upgrade programme. Meghan Gallacher S6O-05059 2. To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the potential impact on businesses and the economy, what steps it is taking to ensure that business and regulatory impact assessments properly reflect the real-world impact of new policies on small and medium-sized enterprises. Davy Russell S6O-05060 3. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on any potential impact of the recently reported decline in the number of computer studies teachers on employment in the technology and digital sectors. Tess White S6O-05061 4. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether British Sign Language receives parity of treatment with Gaelic within its Languages portfolio, in light of evidence given by stakeholders to the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, as part of its inquiry into the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015, that, although BSL plans are delivered locally by listed authorities, strong national coordination, oversight and dedicated funding are still essential if the aims of the Act are to be met. Jamie Halcro Johnston S6O-05062 5. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the economy secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding the impact on the tourism sector of any new taxes or regulation. Katy Clark S6O-05063 6. [Withdrawn] Karen Adam S6O-05064 7. [Not Lodged] James Dornan S6O-05065 8. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress towards delivering the Clyde Mission, including what its impact has been on the local economy and job creation. Finance and Local Government Liz Smith S6O-05066 1. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the validity of HMRC's analysis of Scottish Income Tax statistics, including the July 2025 outturn publication. Emma Roddick S6O-05067 2. [Not Lodged] Emma Harper S6O-05068 3. [Not Lodged] Audrey Nicoll S6O-05069 4. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress being made against its Public Service Reform Strategy. Maggie Chapman S6O-05070 5. To ask the Scottish Government how much it will allocate in its forthcoming Budget to support older people to live independently in their local communities. Dr Sandesh Gulhane S6O-05071 6. To ask the Scottish Government, as part of setting its forthcoming Budget, whether it will commit to allocating 10% of the total NHS budget to primary care, in light of reported concerns regarding a 6% real-terms reduction in spending on primary care since 2021-22 and under-investment being a key driver of GP practice closures, recruitment challenges and increased pressure on hospitals. Submitting member has a registered interest. Clare Haughey S6O-05072 7. To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with local authorities regarding their implementation of Scottish Government legislation. Rachael Hamilton S6O-05073 8. To ask the Scottish Government when it last met with Scottish Borders Council, and whether issues regarding the future of local facilities, including the potential closure of up to 30 sport and leisure facilities, were discussed.